FRIGHT NIGHT (1985)

Film of the Day #188 - 31 Days of Halloween #24

FRIGHT NIGHT
1985 • Tom Holland

Screenplay: Tom Holland
Cast: Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, Stephen Geoffreys, Roddy McDowall
Cinematography: Jan Kiesser
Music: Brad Fiedel
Producer: Herb Jaffe

Columbia Pictures

Apparently your generation doesn’t want to see vampire killers anymore, nor vampires either. All they want to see slashers running around in ski masks, hacking up young virgins.

Teenager Charlie Brewster is just your average everyday kid with a big love for old cheesy horror movies. When new neighbor Jerry Dandridge moves in next door, Charlie starts to suspect that there is something very strange about him. After doing a little spying, he realizes that Jerry is actually a vampire. No one believes him, of course, and he’s forced to go to the one man who he thinks can help him: Peter Vincent, the host of a local TV show, “Fright Night.” Vincent refuses, trying to tell Charlie that he’s just an actor, but after getting laid off by the TV station he does the job for money. Only Charlie, Peter, and the annoying sidekick “Evil” Ed bite off more than they can chew.

What Scream did for slasher films, Fright Night does for vampire movies. What director Tom Holland succeeds at with this film is creating a horror movie/comedy that is both amusing as well as also being legitimately scary. masterfully blends horror and comedy, creating a unique cinematic experience that is both amusing and legitimately scary. One of Holland's notable achievements in the film is his ability to seamlessly intertwine humor and horror elements, striking a delicate balance between laughter and fear. One of the key aspects of Holland's success is his understanding of the horror genre tropes and his ability to subvert audience expectations. He skillfully plays with the conventions of traditional vampire stories while injecting witty and humorous dialogues, making the audience chuckle even in the midst of tense and frightening scenes. You’re never entirely sure if the next moment will bring a jump scare or a punchline.

I have to say, the first time I saw this, I was legitimately surprised by how good it was. I expected a cheesy 80s horror movie… and instead I got a cheesy 80′s horror movie that KNEW it was a cheesy 80′s horror movie. One of the reasons why Fright Night stands out is its keen understanding of the era it was made. The 1980s were a unique period in cinema, marked by a wave of horror movies that often were hindered by their unintentional campiness. Instead of shying away from the prevalent tropes of that time, the film fully embraces them. This acknowledgment of its own cheesiness allows the audience to enjoy the film on multiple levels – not just as a horror story but as a meta-commentary of the genre itself.

The two standout cast members are Academy Award-nominated actor Chris Sarandon and Hollywood legend Roddy McDowall. Sarandon is the sinister next-door Nosferatu, Jerry Dandrige. Sarandon received an Oscar nomination for a supporting role in Dog Day Afternoon, but modern fans probably know him best as Prince Humperdink in The Princess Bride and the voice of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Sarandon delivers a memorable and charismatic performance as Dandrige, the suave and seductive vampire living next door. He is simultaneously charming yet menacing, with his piercing gaze and magnetic presence. He brings an air of sophistication to Jerry, making him a truly formidable villain. His ability to switch from charming neighbor to terrifying monster is executed with finesse.

Roddy McDowall's Peter Vincent, the washed-up actor turned reluctant vampire hunter, is undeniably the heart and soul of the film. McDowall brings an incredible depth to a character that initially seems one-dimensional, infusing Peter Vincent with unexpected vulnerability. As the former star of a cheesy late-night horror show, Vincent's journey from a skeptic to a courageous vampire slayer is a fun ride for the audience. McDowall's performance is quite brilliant. He captures the essence of a man desperately clinging to the remnants of his past fame, using bravado and sarcasm to mask his insecurities. McDowall demonstrates impeccable comic timing here, and his expressive face conveys a range of emotions, from comical fear to genuine bravery, making Peter Vincent a character the audience can't help but love. His bravery feels earned, and you want to cheer for him not just because he's facing supernatural threats, but because they've witnessed his personal growth and newfound courage. McDowall infuses Peter Vincent with such authenticity that I firmly believe he should have received awards recognition for his performance. But as we all know, genre performances like these are unjustly ignored by awards voting bodies. McDowall elevates Fright Night; he gives the film a soul, making it a story not just about defeating vampires but also about rediscovering one's inner strength and facing fears, no matter how ridiculous or supernatural they may be.

William Ragsdale and Amanda Bearse are serviceable in their roles, nothing groundbreaking, but solid and believable. Then there is Stephen Geoffreys as Evil Ed, Charley’s eccentric best friend. Geoffreys brings an… let’s say intense energy to his role, portraying Evil Ed as hyperactive, over-the-top and extremely animated. Your mileage may vary but be forewarned that you may find him annoying and grating, to say the least. Clearly, he was written this way, but Geoffreys' portrayal of Evil Ed is marked by exaggerated expressions, high-pitched laughter, and an overall frenetic demeanor. Evil Ed is supposed to be an irritating character, especially in contrast to the more grounded performances of the other cast members, and for better or worse, he really, really is. Interesting side note, that actor went on to work as an actor in the gay porn industry. I wonder how his laugh was received there…

Fright Night undeniably stands as a testament to the quality of special effects in 1980s cinema. The meticulous attention to detail in the vampire and werewolf makeup, even after all these years, continues to impress viewers. The practical effects used to bring the supernatural elements to life in the film have a timeless quality, making the creatures genuinely terrifying. The intricate design of the vampires' fangs, the eerie glow of their eyes, and the visceral transformation sequences are a testament to the skill and creativity of the special effects team.

Comparing it to modern vampire movies, Fright Night holds its own and even surpasses many contemporary films in the genre. It’s closest relation is probably 1987’s The Lost Boys. Director Tom Holland's approach involves acknowledging and playing with horror tropes, creating a movie that is both a homage to classic vampire lore and a parody of it. The humor in Fright Night arises from the characters' reactions to the supernatural, emphasizing the absurdity of their situation. On the other hand, The Lost Boys takes a more youthful and rebellious approach to horror-comedy. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film is set in a coastal California town overrun by vampires. While it certainly has its intense and frightening moments, especially considering the trendy, young cast, it leans heavily on the edgy and cool aspects of vampirism. The film's humor often arises from the camaraderie and witty banter among the young characters. The Lost Boys embraces a more hard rock/heavy metal aesthetic, combining horror with a dose of teenage rebellion.

Ultimately, the difference in tone between the two films lies in their target audiences and the themes they explore. Fright Night appeals to fans of classic horror and Hammer horror films, with its homage to the gothic vampire tradition. It gets laughs from the clash of the supernatural with ordinary suburban life. Meanwhile, The Lost Boys caters to an MTV demographic, blending horror with the angst and rebellion characteristic of teenage years. Both films are beloved and have their place in horror.

Fright Night was followed by a 1988 sequel, Fright Night Part 2 which failed to gain the same cult status as the original. However, the 2011 remake managed to capture the essence of the original while giving the story a modern twist. With a talented cast including Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and David Tennant, the remake pays homage to the 1985 classic while introducing the story to a new generation of viewers.

Welcome to... Fright... Night! For real.

Notoable Awards & Accomplishments

• Saturn Award Winner: Best Horror Film

• Saturn Award Winner: Best Supporting Actor - Roddy McDowall

• Saturn Award Winner: Best Writing

Streaming: AMC+
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD.