Martin (1977)

Martin was directed by George A. Romero and stars John Amplas, with cameos from Romero himself and Tom Savini, horror make-up and effects guru.

What a perfect, quiet little movie!

This film really cuts to the core of what it means to be a vampire. Vampirism is not about lace or sparkles or sex appeal. All those things have been later additions to the myth, covering up the raw truth: that a vampire is a human who preys on other humans, cutting them down and feeding upon them for sustenance.

In what I feel is the most important scene, Martin attacks his grandfather in the park. His grandfather has tried to exorcise him, believing him under the influence of the vampiric family curse. Martin leaps upon him, dress in full Dracula garb, complete with children's pop-in vampire teeth.

At first, one is take aback, thinking not only that the film has sold out, but done so using the absolute worst effects imaginable. However, as his grandfather cowers on the ground, Martin spits out the teeth, laughing, and shouts, "It's only a costume!" I think this is the main focus of the movie: that all the romantic trappings surrounding vampires are essentially a costume, masking their true, monstrous nature.

After all, besides claiming to be over eighty years old, Martin displays no real supernatural powers. It is quite possible he is only a human monster, abet one we have sympathy for.

In all, this movie reminded me a lot of Brian del Palma's Carrie (1976). I don't want to say too much, but both play on that essential happy moment before the tragic downfall. Wonderful.

A+