Jemaine Clement & What We Do in the Shadows
Jemaine Clement turns 44 today and I recently watched his 2014 film, What We Do in the Shadows. He co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in the horror comedy with Taika Waititi (who would make Thor: Ragnarok three years later), about a family of vampires who are having a documentary film made about them. Clement is from New Zealand (as is Waititi and where the film was shot), starred in Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009 comedy series), was the villain in Men in Black 3 (2012 sci-fi with Will Smith), voiced Tamatoa the crab in Moana (2016 Disney), and will next be seen in Humor Me (comedy with Elliott Gould). What We Do in the Shadows gave Jemaine the chance to make a character that is mysterious and sexy, (not unlike the Gary Oldman vampire in Dracula, 1992, that inspired his role), while also being absurd and hilarious. The film explores the family’s everyday life and challenges, and is fun throughout poking fun at the history and lore of vampires. As a fictional documentary, characters talking straight to the camera feels natural, and helps with moving the film forward. I liked the variety of jokes from quick lines to sight gags, and my favorites includes bats and coffins. Enjoyable and pretty much a must watch if you like vampires.
Jemaine Clement
What We Do in the Shadows
2014, PG, 1h 26m