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The Hunger (1983)

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From Time Out Film Guide

Deneuve is the ageless, possibly final survivor of an ancient immortal race dependent on humans for both sustenance and companionship. Her superior blood allows her lovers a triple lifetime until they ultimately succumb to instant decline. Not all of this is apparent in the film, where style rules at the expense of coherence. But that style is often glorious, from a bloody sun sinking over a gothic hi-tech Manhattan skyline to living quarters that are sumptuous. Neat touches of grim humour also: Deneuve and Bowie manhunt in a disco as Bauhaus sing 'Bela Lugosi's Dead'; and Bowie rots away in a hospital waiting room where the 20 minutes wait becomes a subjective century of ageing. Visual sensualities will have a feast, but you'll have to read Whitley Strieber's novel if you don't want to emerge with a badly scratched head.

Author: GD

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

Jonathonz said...

Posted on Apr 29 2011 17:13 I first saw this movie in about 1986 when I was 16 or so. I have to admit I did not understand it at all. I've now seen it many times and wonder how I didn't understand it because it's all very clear to me. I absolutely love this movie. The atmospherics are incredibly sensual and timeless which is an amazing achievement considering it was made in 1983. Deneuve is perfect as the icy vampire. Sarandon is perfect as the curious ingenue. Bowie is perfect as the confused lover until he quickly gets overtaken by the prosthetics which are very convincing. The soundtrack is unsurpassed. This movie is pure perfection in my opinion.

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