Thirty years ago, Interview with the Vampire became a sensation. Director Neil Jordan’s sumptuously macabre big-screen adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1976 novel was a daring swing, pairing two of Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs (Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt) as slyly homoerotic undead companions raising their eternally young bloodsucking daughter (Kirsten Dunst).
But even before its Nov. November 1994, release, the film was making headlines. There was the author’s reported displeasure over Cruise being cast as her beloved anti-hero, the Vampire Lestat. And Oprah Winfrey was reported so disturbed by an advance screening of the film that she walked out after only 10 minutes and considered canceling an interview with Cruise.
The film ultimately received generally favorable reviews, two Oscar nominations and was a box office success. But with so much advance buzz, it’s no wonder so many A-listers turned out for Interview with the Vampire’s red carpet premiere.
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise:
Tom Cruise’s transformation into the blond, blue-eyed Lestat is one of the film’s most memorable scenes. But on the red carpet with his then-wife Nicole Kidman, the actor looked much more recognisable.
Brad Pitt
Similarly, Brad Pitt returned to his scruffy, blond look after donning a brown wig, bright green contact lenses and plenty of 18th-century lace in the film.
Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst had reason to smile on the red carpet. Her role as the tragic child vampire Claudia is still considered one of the most memorable performances by a child actor.