Given that Near Dark is considered one of the best vampire films ever made, you might be shocked to see how few people have seen the masterpiece. It's hard to argue that the '80s were one of the best times for cinematic leeches. With films like The Lost Boys, The Hunger, and Near Dark hitting theaters, it was truly a golden age for Dracula's Children of the Night. Kathryn Bigelow's presentation of her moody examination of white trash vampires is very intriguing. Near Dark itself displays an interesting dichotomy in terms of genre, or genres: part western, part vampire film (although the word "vampire" is never used or mentioned in the film throughout its running time) and partly film. These three elements merged to create the ultimate cult classic. There are many reasons why Near Dark has earned such a reputation over the years: it's well written, the cast is magnificent, and it's actually the best element of this film; you couldn't get a more perfect cast than this. Bigelow's direction is also one of a kind. It's almost as if you didn't know that the person who directed it is also responsible for the award-winning war film, The Hurt Locker (2008). As young Caleb, Adrian Pasdar works extremely well and one wonders whether he ever really got the credit he deserved as an actor; even with his success on the TV show Heroes (2006) before its cancellation, an individual might wonder why he didn't suddenly become incredibly famous after his work on Near Dark. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this movie. The way Bigelow directed fits perfectly with the characters and writing. There is also at least a hint of this film's influence... middle of paper....... The film is stunningly beautiful in terms of visual presentation: it consists of elegance and exaggerated beauty; it's a visual feast. Not only does the vampire undergo a transformation – he multiplies in a demonized family in The Lost Boys and Near Dark – but the dark, erotic and dangerously seductive side of vampirism found in The Hunger is sapped of its seductive energy. There isn't much dialogue in The Hunger, but there are more than enough visuals to make up for it. The love and sex scenes are very erotic without being very explicit. As a film, The Hunger is heartbreakingly terrible and revolves around an exquisitely effective sex scene. The film is almost unwatchable and has very little to offer. It's boring and the only thing only a select few individuals would appreciate that it has to offer are the "shocking" scenes of lesbian lust..