Introduction
The 2014 independent comedy-horror film “What We Do in the Shadows” tells the story of four vampires living together in a flat in Wellington, New Zealand. Directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the film follows the misadventures of Viago, Vladislav, Deacon, and Petyr as they navigate the 21st century. The purpose of this article is to explore the various elements that make “What We Do in the Shadows” such an unconventional and successful horror-comedy.
Review of What We Do in the Shadows: An Unconventional Horror-Comedy
The plot of “What We Do in the Shadows” follows the four flatmates as they attempt to adjust to modern life while also dealing with the challenges of being undead. As they struggle to fit in, the vampires encounter a wide range of characters from humans to werewolves, zombies, and ghosts. The film combines elements of horror, comedy, and drama, creating a unique blend of genres that appeals to viewers of all types.
The genre of horror-comedy is not a new one, but “What We Do in the Shadows” stands out for its originality and execution. The film utilizes dark humor to great effect, providing comic relief even in the darkest moments. This is especially evident in the interactions between the vampires and their human victims, who often play along with the vampires’ antics despite their fear. This combination of horror and humor creates a unique atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged throughout the entire film.
The film also features several unique elements that set it apart from other horror-comedies. For example, the vampires are portrayed as sympathetic characters rather than the typical villains found in other vampire films. Additionally, the film does not rely on traditional jump scares or gore to elicit fear from viewers, instead focusing on building tension through dialogue and atmosphere. Finally, the use of documentary-style filming provides a unique visual style that enhances the comedic elements of the film.
Exploring the Dark Humor of What We Do in the Shadows
Dark humor is a key element of “What We Do in the Shadows” and plays a major role in the success of the film. The humor is used to provide comic relief in moments of tension, as well as to create a lighthearted tone even when discussing serious topics. One of the most memorable examples of this is the scene in which the vampires discuss how to handle their victims. While the vampires debate the best way to dispose of their victims, the audience is provided with a humorous glimpse into the lives of the undead.
The film’s use of dark humor is also notable for its ability to comment on real-world issues. For example, the discussion of how to deal with victims can be seen as a commentary on the treatment of minorities in society. By using dark humor to address these issues, the film is able to make powerful statements without becoming too heavy-handed.
The tone of the film is also heavily influenced by its use of dark humor. Rather than relying on cheap scares or gory violence, the film uses humor to create a lighthearted atmosphere that allows viewers to enjoy the more gruesome aspects of the story without feeling overwhelmed. This combination of horror and humor helps to keep the tone of the film balanced and engaging.
Analyzing the Characters and Relationships in What We Do in the Shadows
One of the most impressive aspects of “What We Do in the Shadows” is its character development. Each of the four main characters is given a unique personality and backstory, making them more than just archetypes. The relationships between the characters are also explored in depth, providing insight into their individual motivations and interactions with each other.
The theme of friendship is central to the film and is explored through the interactions between the vampires. Despite their differences, the vampires share a strong bond that is evident throughout the film. This theme of friendship is further highlighted by the group’s willingness to help each other and support each other in difficult times, making them a lovable and relatable bunch.
The characters in “What We Do in the Shadows” also provide a unique perspective on the idea of immortality. While the vampires are immortal, they still have to deal with the same struggles as any other person. This provides a refreshing take on the concept of immortality, showing that even the undead are not exempt from the difficulties of life.
How What We Do in the Shadows Subverts Vampire Movie Tropes
Another standout feature of “What We Do in the Shadows” is its subversion of common vampire movie tropes. Rather than relying on the usual clichés, the film takes a more nuanced approach to the genre. For example, the vampires are not portrayed as evil or dangerous, instead they are shown to be flawed but ultimately likable characters.
The film also subverts several other common vampire tropes. For example, the vampires in the film do not possess superhuman strength or speed; instead, they are portrayed as clumsy and awkward. Additionally, the film does not rely on over-the-top special effects to create fear; instead, it uses more subtle methods such as atmosphere and dialogue to build suspense.
By subverting these tropes, “What We Do in the Shadows” is able to create a fresh and unique take on the vampire genre. The film is able to remain true to the core elements of the genre while also introducing new ideas that keep viewers engaged. This subversion of tropes is one of the main reasons why the film has been so successful.
Examining the Unique Cinematography of What We Do in the Shadows
The cinematography of “What We Do in the Shadows” is another aspect of the film that sets it apart from other horror-comedies. The camera movements are often slow and deliberate, allowing the audience to take in the details of each scene. The color palette of the film is also noteworthy, utilizing muted tones to create a moody atmosphere.
The cinematography also helps to enhance the comedic elements of the film. For example, the camera often lingers on certain characters or objects in order to emphasize the absurd nature of the situation. Additionally, the slow pacing of some scenes allows the humor to build naturally, creating a unique comedic rhythm.
The unique cinematography of “What We Do in the Shadows” adds to the overall atmosphere of the film and helps to elevate the comedy. The use of camera movement and color palette create a distinct visual style that adds to the overall enjoyment of the film.
Understanding the Cultural Significance of What We Do in the Shadows
Since its release, “What We Do in the Shadows” has become a cult classic and has had a significant impact on popular culture. The film has been praised by both critics and audiences, who appreciate the film’s unique blend of horror, comedy, and drama. It has also spawned a television series and inspired numerous other films and TV shows.
The film also addresses several important themes. From the importance of friendship to the struggles of fitting in, the film touches on a wide range of issues that are relevant to modern society. These themes add an extra layer of depth to the film and make it more than just a simple horror-comedy.
Finally, the success of “What We Do in the Shadows” highlights the potential of independent films. The film was made on a low budget and was not expected to be a commercial success, yet it has gone on to become one of the most beloved horror-comedies of all time. This demonstrates the power of creative storytelling and the potential of independent films.
Conclusion
“What We Do in the Shadows” is an unconventional and highly successful horror-comedy that stands out for its unique elements, dark humor, characters and relationships, subversion of vampire movie tropes, cinematography, and cultural significance. The film is a perfect example of how a low-budget independent film can be successful and have a lasting impact on popular culture. With its mix of horror, comedy, and drama, “What We Do in the Shadows” is sure to remain a cult classic for years to come.
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