Once Bitten is a 1985 American teen horror comedy film starring Jim Carrey, Lauren Hutton, and Karen Kopins. The film follows the story of a centuries-old vampire countess (played by Lauren Hutton) who maintains her youthful appearance by drinking the blood of male virgins. However, finding such prey becomes increasingly challenging. She becomes excited when she encounters a young man named Mark Kendall (played by Jim Carrey), who is eager to lose his virginity but has a reluctant girlfriend named Robin (played by Karen Kopins). The countess's plan is to make Mark her next victim. The film blends elements of horror, comedy, and romance as Mark tries to navigate the dangerous world of vampirism and save himself from becoming a vampire.
A Bite of the Plot:
Imagine a high school nerd named Mark Kendall, desperately wanting to lose his virginity, stumbling into the arms (well, fangs) of Countess Dracula, a glamorous, immortal creature disguised as a Hollywood socialite. This isn't your typical teenage awkwardness – the Countess needs virgin blood to remain youthful, and Mark becomes her unsuspecting prey. To save himself and his kidnapped girlfriend, Robin, Mark teams up with his two unlikely heroes – a wise-cracking best friend and a conspiracy-theorist uncle.
Beyond the Laughs:
While Once Bitten is a laugh-out-loud comedy with Jim Carrey in top comedic form, it also cleverly satirizes Hollywood culture and teen stereotypes. The glamorous portrayal of vampires gets hilariously punctured by their aversion to garlic pizza and roller coasters. But at its core, the film celebrates friendship, self-acceptance, and facing your fears, even if those fears involve undead predators with an irresistible charm.
A Cult Classic Legacy:
The film's initial critical reception was mixed, but Once Bitten has endured as a cult classic. Carrey's energetic performance as the bumbling Mark remains a highlight, and the film's quirky humor, catchy soundtrack, and over-the-top characters have won over a dedicated fan base. Whether you're a vampire aficionado, a nostalgic 80s kid, or simply looking for a fun and unique movie experience, Once Bitten offers a bite of something different.
Dig Deeper:
For further exploration, you could delve into:
- Carrey's comedic Evolution: Compare Mark's role to his later, more outlandish characters, and see how his comedic style developed over time.
- The film's historical context: Analyze how "Once Bitten" reflects the societal anxieties and trends of the mid-80s.
- The enduring appeal of vampire stories: Explore the reasons why vampires continue to fascinate audiences and how Once Bitten"reimagines the classic myth.
Cast
- Lauren Hutton as the Countess
- Jim Carrey as Mark Kendall
- Karen Kopins as Robin Pierce
- Cleavon Little as Sebastian, the Countess's manservant
- Thomas Ballatore as Jamie
- Skip Lackey as Russ
- Richard Schaal as Mr. Kendall, Mark's father
- Peggy Pope as Mrs. Kendall, Mark's mother
- Megan Mullally as Suzette
The Countess's Vampires:
- Joseph Brutsman as Confederate Vampire
- Jeb Stuart Adams as World War I Ace Vampire
- Stuart Charno as Cabin Boy Vampire
- Robin Klein as 1960s Flower Child Vampire
- Carey More as Moll Flanders Vampire
- Glen Mauro as Twin Vampire #1
- Gary Mauro as Twin Vampire #2
Director: Howard Storm
Writers: Jonathan Roberts, David Hines, Jeffrey Hause
Box Office Gross: $10,000,000
Distributor: The Samuel Goldwyn Company
Release Date: November 15, 1985