The Hunger

Tony Scott's stylish 1983 vampire film, adapted from Whitley Strieber's novel, was dismissed by one critic as “kinky trash,” but within a few short years of its theatrical debut, The Hunger had acquired a sizable cult following. Contemporary critics weren't thrilled to see distinguished French actress Catherine Deneuve playing a bloodsucker, no matter how elegant, and having counterculture rock icon David Bowie for her onscreen companion didn't exactly sit well with genre film fans. Deneuve and Bowie play wealthy New Yorkers whose need for human blood as an anti-aging element forces them into progressively riskier encounters, especially after the regular ingestion of plasma fails to retard Bowie's aging, and he calls upon acclaimed author/doctor Susan Sarandon to help him. The fetching physician finds herself drawn into the couple's bizarre world, and in the film's much-discussed highlight she shares a bed with Deneuve. Director Scott (Top Gun) opts for a visual treatment that favors elaborate, smoky settings and gauzy cinematography, and The Hunger--narrative anomalies aside--is certainly one of the most sensual films of its type, very reminiscent of the sex/horror hybrids popularized by European filmmakers in the early ‘70s. Featuring a handsome digital transfer, and a commentary track with Scott and Deneuve (recorded separately), this offbeat horror film is recommended, overall. (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—Sept. 8, 2015—Warner, 96 min., R, $21.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1983's The Hunger features a great transfer and a DTS-HD 2.0 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by costar Susan Sarandon and director Tony Scott. Bottom line: this stylish cult horror film shines on Blu-ray.]