Rashid Irani's review Dark Shadows

A big-screen reworking of the 1960s gothic soap opera, Dark Shadows marks the eighth collaboration between those mavens of the macabre, Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. Rashid Irani writes.

Dark shadows
Direction: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Eva Green
Rating: ***

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A big-screen reworking of the 1960s gothic soap opera, Dark Shadows marks the eighth collaboration between those mavens of the macabre, Johnny Depp and Tim Burton.

Reportedly a rabid fan of the television series created by the late Dan Curtis (to whom the film is dedicated), Depp portrays a rich playboy in 18th century Maine.

A breezy prologue reveals that the protagonist has been turned into a vampire and buried alive by his spurned lover, who happens to be a witch (Green). When he finally manages to escape from his tomb, it is 1972, allowing director Burton (Alice in Wonderland) to let his playfully dark imagination run riot.

A lot has changed over the course of the two centuries since our undead hero was first locked away. His once-grand ancestral mansion, now occupied by a dysfunctional band of descendants, has fallen into ruin.

Meanwhile, the befuddled bloodsucker, who even mistakes a McDonalds sign for the mark of Mephistopheles, vows to restore his family fishing business to its former glory, never mind the renewed presence of his witchy rival.

A whimsical fantasy desperate to make it to the blockbuster category, the film features creative production design as well as a wonderful ’70s-inflected music score by Burton regular Danny Elfman. Plus, there are cameos by the original Dracula, Christopher Lee, and rock star Alice Cooper, who's hilariously mistaken for a woman.

Johnny Depp animates his lovesick vampire with aplomb. The rest of the cast barely makes an impression, though. Despite the occasional longueurs, Dark Shadows is still worth a trip.