Celebrating 35 Years of Robert Bierman’s ‘Vampire’s Kiss’ (1988) – Retro Review

Vampire’s Kiss is a movie that I’d been dying to see for years and finally caught earlier this year. For fans of Nicolas Cage at his most unhinged, this film is an absolute gem. After releasing on June 2, 1988, Vampire’s Kiss celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024. Read on for my thoughts on the film as well as some fun facts.

Vampire’s Kiss was directed by Robert Bierman from a script written by Joseph Minion (After Hours). The film stars Nicolas Cage (Mandy), Maria Conchita Alonso (The Running Man), Jennifer Beals (Flashdance), Kasi Lemmons (Candyman), and Elizabeth Ashley (Coma).

After an experience with a neckbiter, a publishing executive thinks that he’s turning into a vampire.

Vampire’s Kiss is prime Nicolas Cage. Completely over the top and hilarious, the film finds Cage thinking he’s changing into a vampire after being bitten during a sexual encounter with Rachel, played seductively by Jennifer Beals. He becomes increasingly erratic and paranoid, taking his frustrations out on everyone, including his secretary (Maria Conchita Alonso) who gives us a character to empathize with. She’s a very nice woman and dedicated worker and Cage’s character seems to get off on making her life a living hell. The film is an absolute blast of a dark comedy, feeling a lot like a predecessor to Mary Harron’s masterpiece, American Psycho.

Now for some fun facts about the film.

• Nicolas Cage ate live cockroaches during production of the film. He said his body didn’t want to do it but he forced himself to do it.
• Christian Bale was inspired by Cage’s performance for his performance of Patrick Bateman.
• Cage speaks in a made up accent for most of the movie.
• The actor didn’t get along with Jennifer Beals on set. This is said to be due to his partner, Patricia Arquette, being passed over for the part.
• Cage has said this is one of his favorite movies he’s been a part of.
• Judd Nelson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Travolta, and Sylvester Stallone were considered for the part of Peter Loew.

Final Thoughts 

Vampire’s Kiss is a classic black comedy, an over the top and fun Nicolas Cage movie. It has influenced countless Internet memes as well as other classic films. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.