Tim Burton
Dark Shadows

Since always, the figure of the vampire has fascinated many, and writers and directors, who for years have presented vampires as the absolute protagonists of their stories in various forms, know this well. In recent years, with the release of the book and especially the film "Twilight," the image of the vampire has piqued the interest of many, especially teenagers. Now, one must absolutely not think that a director like Tim Burton could make a film with a vampire protagonist just because this figure has become an icon of beauty (?). But surely Burton has managed to harness this growing interest in Gothic creatures by creating a film that has little to do with the recent vampire films and TV series, choosing as a protagonist a vampire far from sexy and mysterious, but rather clumsy and almost "human".

The film is inspired by a popular soap opera from the Sixties, "Dark Shadows," which depicted the adventures of an irresistibly charming vampire, a girl who falls in love with him, and a strange family living in a decaying old mansion. We find all these elements in Dark Shadows, which mixes grotesque elements and horror, leaving ample room for irony. The story does not focus too much on romantic or scary moments but blends them, creating a naturally pleasant atmosphere. Not at all burdened by fantastic elements, Dark Shadows presents those frightening characters that have inhabited every child's mind: vampires, witches, werewolves, and ghosts. Very briefly, the story is about a wealthy and powerful man, Barnabas Collins (played by the excellent Johnny Depp), who, at the end of the eighteenth century, after making his fortune in America with his parents, is transformed into a vampire and buried by the beautiful witch Angelique (Eva Green). In 1972, he is accidentally freed and finds himself dealing with all the "strangeness" of the era. Barnabas, having returned to his old beloved home, helps his descendants restore the old family business. And it is precisely on the love and unity of the family that the film focuses.

This is not just a fantasy film, at times ironic and at other times frightening, it's a film that urges reflection. It makes you think about how only the unity among family members can ensure stability and serenity. It seems strange to talk about such themes concerning Tim Burton's films, but let's not forget that we are talking about a great multifaceted director who leaves nothing to chance. And, of course, if there's Tim Burton, there must be Johnny Depp, whose presence, it must be said, is always appreciated. We already know how the two always go hand in hand, and indeed Depp was the first actor to be confirmed in the cast. As always, the actor's performance is impeccable, reminiscent of Jack Sparrow at times and Willy Wonka at others. And we couldn't miss the brilliant Helena Bonham Carter, in the role of an alcoholic psychiatrist (yes, in this film, there's truly everything!). The cast also includes great actresses like Eva Green and Michelle Pfeiffer (in the role of the Collins descendant).

Watching the film, sometimes you forget you're watching a story about vampires and monsters precisely because, at times, the vampire theme is set aside to focus on other themes. The film has it all: irony, love, fear, revenge, sensuality, romance, jealousy, all themes that make Dark Shadows more than a teen movie, more than a vampire film, but the umpteenth masterpiece of a great director like Tim Burton. If some wrinkled their noses thinking he too had bowed to the adolescent vampire trend and decided not to watch the film, I suggest setting aside prejudices and watching the film objectively. And even if you may not like it, it will surely manage to make you smile a few times.