#or just the fact that Nicolas/Louis have been completely taken out of the story; therefore so much of Lestat's characterization re: them

[fayevalcntine]

I feel like Queen of the Damned (2002) exists in this weird realm where stylistically, the movie does fit into this weird niche of being a decent adaptation of the main plot of the book. It does try to update the music genre background by making it underground Gothic, and Akasha's casting/costuming/overall arc is more or less preserved. But then you also have Stuart Townsend not even attempting to do a French accent (afaik he keeps his own accent throughout the film which I found so funny). Lestat's backstory is completely changed, I presume for the sake of simply not having to bother with explaining like 400 pages' worth of The Vampire Lestat before getting to the main plot from QotD? Also, I can't not find it a bit insulting that the movie completely erased Louis and Nicolas for the sake of having Jessie be his final love interest. If I were to remove the movie from the books' backstory, I could see that subplot barely work (even though it's still not really grounded in any proper development beyond fascination on Lestat's part). But as an adaptation, it just feels like a complete misfire.

#queen of the damned #any time i watch this movie I have these mixed feelings because #I do LIKE how the movie looks; it just has this vibe about it that I'm nostalgic for from early 00s horror movies #but then compared to the books it's such an utter mess of an adaptation #even taking aside the actor; this rendition of Lestat doesn't even /feel/ like Lestat #idk if it's partly because of the significantly changed backstory; Marius being his maker?? #or just the fact that Nicolas/Louis have been completely taken out of the story; therefore so much of Lestat's characterization re: them #is completely gone; not to mention literally zero indication of Claudia?? #at least iwtv the movie actually had great set design;decent casting AND a dedication to the plot of the book more or less #i will say though the choice to make their vampire super speed look like THAT is so funny and unserious