The Appeal of 'Dark Shadows'
While browsing a bit this morning, I stumbled across an account of a recent Dark Shadows convention attended by Jonathan Frid, the original Barnabas Collins in the series. During his presentation, he managed to sum up the character with one very simple idea:
"I never played a vampire," he said. "I played a man with a secret."
Simple, but also profound. I believe that's the enduring appeal of this character, that's he's not a monster or a hollow stereotype. If he were, he would have been lost to TV history a long time ago. Barnabas Collins endures because the fascination of that "man with a secret" endures.
I like to believe that's the appeal that Johnny finds in him, too. It makes me look forward to his portrayal of Barnabas all the more.
"I never played a vampire," he said. "I played a man with a secret."
Simple, but also profound. I believe that's the enduring appeal of this character, that's he's not a monster or a hollow stereotype. If he were, he would have been lost to TV history a long time ago. Barnabas Collins endures because the fascination of that "man with a secret" endures.
I like to believe that's the appeal that Johnny finds in him, too. It makes me look forward to his portrayal of Barnabas all the more.
posted by Trish Bennett at
1:55 PM
4 Comments:
Indeed, it is. It is that very enigma that strikes (stakes?) at the heart of Barnabas Collins. Everyone I have spoken to about this project is convinced that Johnny's the only guy around now who could do Barnabas and get it right. The DS fan community, by and large, is ecstatic that this project is going to be in the hands of an admitted fan of Frid and the show. Can't wait.
Be still my aching heart!!! Does anyone know when he might be filming?
I was so happy to hear of Johnny portraying Barnabus Collins. He was always my favorite vampire; and I have hoped Johnny would one day play a vampire, now he will be playing the best one! I can't wait to see it.
Jonathan Frid left such an indelible impression on us all. His romanticized performance made Barnabas a hauntingly tragic figure. Forget that he became a "creature of the night"; Barnabas was, first and foremost, a good , although naive, young man, who, through personal folly, made a "mistake of the heart" and paid dearly for it. With Mr. Depp in the lead, perhaps there will be a sincere effort
to enlighten a newer audience with this most Gothic of love stories, while retaining the satisfaction of its older one. I hope that it will come to be. A little vampiness on the side to keep the interest...but, in the underplayed, stealthy, and ultimately remorseful manner in which the foresightful Mr. Frid so mesmerized us.
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