Saturday, January 26, 2019

The Hunger (1983): David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve


     Although poorly received upon it's release, The Hunger (1983) has developed a sort of Cult following over the past 30 years. Stylish and atmospheric, full of cool tones and creative use of the camera, the film announced the directorial debut of Tony Scott (and due to Mr. Scott's August 19, 2012 suicide, the film with surely gain renewed attention). The regal, elegant, sexy and ageless Catherine Deneuve and the similar attribute-holding David Bowie are erotically wonderful together, and Susan Sarandon does a fine job as well. Overall, The Hunger is a solid effort... but it is mainly Deneuve's beauty and Scott's style that make it all worthwhile.
     When the beautiful, immortal vampire Miriam Blaylock (Catherine Deneuve) met John (David Bowie) in 18th Century France, she bit him and promised him eternal life. Now, two hundred years later, the vampire couple are living in a stately New York City Townhouse... 

The Hunger. 1983: Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie

     John is noticing a tragic new problem, however. When Miriam promised eternal life, she was misleading, as eternal youth was not part of the bargain...

The Hunger. 1983: Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie

     John begins aging rapidly, decades over the course of a day. Desperate, he seeks help from Dr. Sarah Roberts (Suasan Sarandon), an age expert. Roberts thinks it is a hoax, however, and dismisses John as crazy. He withers and Miriam must place him aside, left to live in an eternal crumbling state... 

The Hunger. 1983: Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie

     Miriam must move on to her next lover now. When Dr. Roberts realizes her error in ignoring John, she comes calling, concerned, and willing to make amends... 

The Hunger. 1983: Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon

     This sets off a whole new erotic impulse in Miriam... 

The Hunger. 1983: Catherine Deneuve

     as she sees her next opportunity for love in Sarah...

The Hunger. 1983: Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon