Sex, love and immortality: Behind the obsession with vampires

Vampires have long been a source of fascination and intrigue in popular culture, captivating audiences with their blend of horror, romance, and the supernatural. Rolin Jones, an executive producer and writer for the new series Interview with the Vampire, emphasizes that he approaches vampire narratives primarily as love stories. The series features the complex relationship between Lestat de Lioncourt, portrayed by Sam Reid, and Louis de Pointe du Lac, played by Jacob Anderson. These characters, while immortal and bloodthirsty, embody deep emotional connections that resonate with viewers. The origins of vampire literature can be traced back to John Polidori's The Vampyre, published in 1819, which marked the first vampire story in the English language. This was followed by Bram Stoker's iconic Dracula in 1897, which has inspired countless adaptations, including the silent film Nosferatu in 1922. A remake of Nosferatu is set to be released in 2025, featuring actors such as Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp. The enduring popularity of vampire stories raises the question: what fuels our obsession with these creatures? For writer and actor Mark Gatiss, his fascination with vampires began in childhood. As a co-writer of the BBC drama series Sherlock and Dracula, Gatiss has immersed himself in the world of horror. He has even portrayed Dracula in an audio production and created a documentary about the character. Gatiss describes the opportunity to adapt Stoker's legendary vampire as a dream come true, likening it to the timeless appeal of Sherlock Holmes. He recalls a striking image of Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock, which inspired his vision for the 2020 Dracula series. Rolin Jones, who is also involved in Interview with the Vampire, believes that vampire stories persist because they delve into profound themes of love, immortality, and the human experience. He notes the significant presence of vampires on social media, with the hashtag #vampire boasting 2. 7 million posts on TikTok. This indicates a passionate fan base, with many individuals even tattooing their favorite vampire characters on their bodies. Vampires are not merely monsters; they are intricate characters that provoke thought and discussion. The characteristics of vampires have evolved over time, with some being harmed by sunlight while others possess sparkling skin. However, one common trait remains: their immortality. Dr. Sam George, an associate professor at the University of Hertfordshire, teaches students about the portrayal of vampires in fiction. She explains that the enduring appeal of vampires lies in their ability to prompt contemplation of significant issues, such as aging and the mysteries of life after death. Dr. George also highlights the historical connection between vampires and disease, noting that interest in these creatures often surges during times of widespread illness. The emergence of the first fictional vampire coincided with a tuberculosis outbreak, and the character of Nosferatu was designed to resemble plague rats, reflecting societal fears of contagion. The release of Nosferatu shortly after the Spanish influenza pandemic further underscores this connection. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fascination with vampires as symbols of contagion has resurfaced. Jones expresses a keen interest in exploring the motivations behind a vampire's desire for eternal life. He believes that removing mortality from a narrative adds a layer of intrigue. He also points out that Anne Rice, the author of Interview with the Vampire, wrote the novel after experiencing the loss of her daughter, infusing the story with themes of grief and mourning. Vampires possess an undeniable allure, as Jones describes them as the most seductive and sensual of monsters. He recalls that when he first read Interview with the Vampire, he perceived it as a deeply repressed and complicated love story. Dr. George concurs, noting that vampires have become increasingly youthful and attractive over the years, contrasting the grotesque appearance of Nosferatu with the charming Edward Cullen from Twilight. This shift in perception reflects a growing interest in the themes of sexuality and love within vampire fiction, as exemplified by the 'queer family' dynamic presented in Rice's work. The intertwining of love and immortality is also evident in Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film Bram Stoker's Dracula, which famously proclaimed that 'love never dies. ' Dr. George believes that the vampire's ability to address multiple existential questions, from mortality to love, is a key reason for their lasting presence in our cultural consciousness. The series Interview with the Vampire is available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to explore these themes further.