Introduction
What We Do in the Shadows is a 2014 New Zealand mockumentary horror-comedy film directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The movie follows four vampires – Viago, Vladislav, Deacon, and Petyr – living together in a flat in Wellington, New Zealand. This article will explore the various elements of the movie that make it unique and memorable, such as its use of dark humor, character development, and the relationship between comedy and horror.
Exploring the Dark Humor of What We Do in the Shadows
Dark humor is a type of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, and other forms of wit to address topics that are typically considered taboo. In What We Do in the Shadows, the concept of death and mortality is presented in a humorous way, as the vampires struggle with their own mortality while also facing threats from humans who attempt to hunt them down. For example, when Stu, one of the human characters, is killed by Petyr, his body is left lying on the floor for days until it turns to dust. Viago comments, “It’s like he just disappeared.” This statement is meant to be humorous, as it plays on the idea of Stu literally disappearing due to the fact that he was turned to dust.
The dark humor of What We Do in the Shadows is used to highlight the absurdity of the vampires’ situation, while also providing a moment of levity in the midst of the horror. As Dr. Christopher M. Moreman, author of American Zombie Gothic: The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Walking Dead in Popular Culture, states, “Humor serves to lighten the tone of a narrative, allowing the audience to take a break from the intensity of the horror, while still engaging with the story.” In this way, the dark humor of What We Do in the Shadows allows viewers to engage with the story without becoming overwhelmed by the horror elements.
A Look at the Cast and Characters of What We Do in the Shadows
The cast of What We Do in the Shadows includes Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Ben Fransham, Jackie van Beek, and Rhys Darby. Each character is given a unique personality, which helps to bring the story to life and make the characters more relatable to the audience. Viago is portrayed as the most sensitive of the group, often expressing concern for his roommates and trying to keep the peace. Vladislav is the oldest, most experienced vampire, and is known for his violent outbursts. Deacon is the youngest and most naive of the group, while Petyr is the most mysterious, as his origins and motivations remain unclear throughout the movie.
The cast has great chemistry, which helps to bring the characters to life and make the movie more enjoyable to watch. As actor Jonathan Brugh said in an interview, “We all got along so well, and we had such a good time making the movie that it really shows in the performances.” This chemistry can be seen in the interactions between the characters, as they banter back and forth and play off each other in a natural and believable way.
The characters of What We Do in the Shadows are also developed in interesting ways. Despite being hundreds of years old, the vampires are still learning about modern technology and customs, which adds an element of surprise and humor to the movie. Additionally, the characters’ struggles to come to terms with their immortality are explored in depth, as they grapple with the idea of never aging or dying. These themes add depth to the story, and help to make the movie more than just a horror-comedy.
How What We Do in the Shadows Subverts Vampire Movie Tropes
Vampire movies often rely on certain tropes, such as the idea of vampires as dangerous predators, or the notion of vampires as romantic figures. What We Do in the Shadows subverts these tropes by presenting the vampires as sympathetic, bumbling characters who are struggling to fit in with modern society. This is done through the use of dark humor, as the vampires’ attempts to adapt to the 21st century are often met with comic results. For example, when the vampires attempt to use a selfie stick, they fail miserably, as their ancient reflexes prevent them from understanding how to use the device.
This subversion of common vampire tropes has a significant impact on the overall story, as it allows the viewer to sympathize with the characters rather than fear them. As Dr. Rebecca Housel, author of Vampires: Myths and Metaphors of Enduring Evil, states, “When we view vampires as sympathetic characters, it allows us to relate to them on a more personal level.” This relatability creates a deeper connection between the audience and the characters, making the story more engaging and memorable.
Examining the Worldbuilding of What We Do in the Shadows
In addition to subverting vampire tropes, What We Do in the Shadows also succeeds in creating a fascinating and intricate world. The movie takes place in Wellington, New Zealand, and the setting is presented in great detail. The city is filled with hidden secrets, and the vampires must navigate this world while avoiding detection from humans.
The movie also establishes its own set of rules for vampires, such as the fact that they are vulnerable to sunlight and garlic, and must drink human blood in order to survive. These rules help to create a sense of realism, and make the world of What We Do in the Shadows feel more lived-in and believable.
The worldbuilding of What We Do in the Shadows also serves to enhance the story. By providing a detailed setting and established rules, the movie is able to craft a unique and immersive experience that draws viewers into the story. As Dr. Housel notes, “Detailed worldbuilding allows us to suspend our disbelief and become fully immersed in the story.” This level of immersion makes the movie more enjoyable to watch, and helps to keep viewers engaged throughout.
Analyzing the Relationship Between Comedy and Horror in What We Do in the Shadows
What We Do in the Shadows also succeeds in blending comedy and horror in a unique and effective way. Comedy horror, or “splatstick”, is a genre of horror that combines elements of comedy and horror in order to create a unique and entertaining movie experience. What We Do in the Shadows utilizes this genre to great effect, as the movie blends moments of tension and suspense with scenes of dark humor.
For example, in one scene, the vampires are attacked by a group of werewolves, and the resulting fight is both hilarious and intense. The scene builds tension as the werewolves corner the vampires, but then releases it with a comedic punchline. This blend of horror and comedy creates a thrilling and entertaining experience, and helps to keep viewers engaged throughout the movie.
Conclusion
What We Do in the Shadows is a unique and memorable movie that blends elements of horror, comedy, and drama in an effective and entertaining way. The movie utilizes dark humor to address topics such as death and mortality, and subverts vampire movie tropes by presenting the vampires as sympathetic, bumbling characters. Additionally, the movie succeeds in creating a detailed and believable world, and blends horror and comedy in an effective manner. All of these elements combine to create an engaging and enjoyable movie experience that is sure to leave viewers wanting more.
Final Thoughts
What We Do in the Shadows is a unique and memorable movie that succeeds in blending horror, comedy, and drama in an effective and entertaining way. Through its use of dark humor, subversion of vampire movie tropes, and effective worldbuilding, the movie creates an immersive and enjoyable experience that is sure to leave viewers wanting more.
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