This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Let's be realistic.

Instant Favorite.

Good idea lost in the noise

"The Fearless Vampire Killers" (aka "Dance of the Vampires") is a silly but enjoyable parody of vampire films, especially the contemporary Hammer series, with which it shares visual style. Director Polanski co-stars as Alfred, the bumbling assistant to dotty vampire-hunter Professor Abronsius (Jack MacGowran), as they infiltrate the decaying castle of dreaded Count von Krolock to rescue a beautiful village girl (played by Sharon Tate) with whom Alfred has become smitten (fiction presaging fact, as Tate later married Polanski). The comedy is generally broad and physical (including some sped up sequences), humorously contrasting with Polanski's and MacGowran's dead-pan delivery of a script that could be straight out of a 'real' horror film. The direction and cinematography is top-notch, especially the classic ball-room scene (itself parodied in 2014's "What We Do in the Shadows" mockumentary). I recently rewatched "The Fearless Vampire Killers" on TCM and, having seen the film as a kid, was surprised when it did not open with a cartoon. The reason for this is discussed elsewhere (e.g. Wikipedia; you can see the incredibly dated animated opening on You-tube). All in all, a goofy but fun film from a talented director that relentlessly spoofs a sometimes pretentious horror genre.

I prefer to begin this review by referring to a particular scene so that we can better understand what this movie really is. In this scene, as it is the case with every other vampire movie, there exists a vampire, a female victim and the moments filled with romance right before the victim's neck gets bitten, all of which preceded by the chase scene between the vampire and his lover. However, this very scene in Polanski's parody of vampire movies involves a vampire that is homosexual, a male victim (who happens to be the protagonist as well) and the chase scene taking place on polished, slippery floors with the characters sliding! This was Polanski's directorial debut in Hollywood after "repulsion" was critically acclaimed. The movie makes you laugh and frightens you simultaneously and one could argue that it is the viewer's decision whether to laugh or be scared. The solitude of the protagonist, which is one of Polanski's most recurrent motifs in his movies, is superbly depicted here which of course is masterfully taken to the extreme in the dance of the vampires scene. "The Fearless Vampire Killers" is the epitome of comedy-horror genre which sadly didn't receive the kind of appreciation it really deserved.

One of Director Roman Polanski's Most Divisive Films. There are Those That Consider it a Masterpiece and Others, Well, Not So Much.This Vampire Spoof is Beautifully Shot and Contain Sets of Enormous Elegance with Detailed and Interesting Fills. It Cannot Be Denied its Craftsmanship and Obvious Talent Behind the Camera.However, it Does Move at a Rather Languishing Pace. Some Scenes, Especially Before They Get to the Castle, Seem Padded and Forced. But Once the Castle is the Backdrop the Film Kicks Into High Gear and the Remainder is Breathtaking and Highly Amusing.The Film had a Troubled Pre-Release with Different Opinions from Producers and Polanski and was Released Cut to Shreds. It Flopped Big-Time but Has Since Gained a Reputation and Admiration for its Brilliance, Mostly for the Display and the Humor Secondary.A Must See for Polanski Fans and Horror Movie Enthusiasts, but it's an Acquired Taste and Multiple Viewings Add More Appreciation. Expectations are High Going In Considering the Director. This Was Made Prior to "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) and "Chinatown" (1974), but After "Repulsion" (1964).Note...The beautiful and radiant Sharon Tate is highlighted by many viewers as a small but welcome addition to the Film. Her marriage to Roman Polanski was to follow as was her tragic and brutal death at the hands of the Manson Family.

One of Roman Polanski's earlier films and a very good example of that earlier period. The Fearless Vampire Killers succeeds because of its hilarious characters, tongue in cheek tone, excellent fairytale-like locations and costumes and simply because its story is rather captivating.The first act intentionally mimics most of the clichéd vampire stories started by Dracula. Somewhere in rural Eastern Europe lays a castle under the shadow of which the locals live in absolutely terror, while still providing some good, honest laughs with their primal wacky hijinks. Well okay, perhaps that last point isn't exactly a staple of the vampire genre, but the film is a parody. But then, an absentminded professor and his somewhat slow assistant ride into town to look for vampires. Just as a beautiful young maiden goes missing.I especially love the characters in this film. Professor Abronsius (Jack MacGowran) is a hilarious combination of aged Van Helsing and Doc Brown from Back to the Future. Nuttier than fruitcake, but very knowledgeable about vampires, plus utterly unaware of his own mortality and age. The vampire (Ferdy Mayne) is also one of the best vampire lords I've seen in cinema. He has all the poise, the style, the creepy lines said with a thick European accent, the castle, the servants, the capes. Yet he's at all times utterly believable, even when the movie is hamming up the parody.The Fearless Vampire Killers is an excellent movie to check out if you're looking for a good vampire film, if you've liked other Polanski films or if you're merely looking for a smart comedy with great production values.