My quick rating - 5,8/10. This popped up and I will admit I don't remember it at all. WCV days. Completely forgot Hugh Grant was in this. Definitely has a few scenes I remembered as it played on. If you haven't seen this one, it is a bit of a bizarre one. Although Ken Russell was at the helm, so that shouldn't be much of a surprise. I can't compare it to the book, although at least this time I knew of its existence beforehand. The story is of a skull-like fossil being found in a small town by a local archaeologist. Shortly after, strange things begin to occur as he and a couple of friends, one of which is Grant, try to unravel the mystery of what the skull belonged to. This is when we are introduced to Amanda Donohoe who does a terrific job playing the vampire-like creature who seems to be just as curious about this artifact as they are. How this movie was made, even in 1988 is kind of a mystery as well. The atmosphere and the locale are very fitting. Great cinematography to keep the eyes entertained while the brain is wondering why a movie with such a flimsy plot and absurdly poor special effects has been made. Russell interjects some of his typical hypnotic and trippy dream sequences loaded with a bit sexuality. All of which I have become accustomed to when Russell is involved (Whore ?) But in a time when slashers are all the rage, this artsy horror-comedy somehow slipped in. Certainly not a movie for everyone but it definitely has a cult-type feel to it. Just don't expect much out of the end of this one. Seemed very rushed and could very much have used a bit of a budget boost for the snake when we finally get to see it. Still an enjoyable yet strange look at this far lesser-known book by Bram Stoker.
