Body and Blood >> Interview With The Vampire

Armand as played by Antonio Banderas

 

"As Armand, he gave the role an original interpretation, quite different from mine in the book or the script, but it worked for me as an interpretation of unique and spectacular charm. Antonio had the magnetism of a master vampire. He had the quiet confidence and the obvious power to spellbind. He redeemed the Theatre of the Vampires scene I think, with his sheer authority. He embodied the mystery of Armand and Armand's particular brand of utterly pragmatic evil. We know why he did what he did; we know it was bad; but in a way we can understand him.

I would have preferred to see his beautiful curly hair as it appears in HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS, or PHILADELPHIA. But he was overwhelmingly successful as Armand, ``the oldest surviving vampire in the world.'' The readers have totally embraced him in this part. I hope he will move into the next film and maybe without the black wig? But he can come on any terms as far as I'm concerned.

He was in the film so briefly that I can truly say my favorite moments with Antonio were all of his moments. But to those who have flipped over this actor, let me recommend again HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS and PHILADELPHIA. There you will see more of our Armand than in IWTV."

~ Anne Rice ~