Vampire Island
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. For centuries, the vampire myth has frightened cultures around the world. But in recent decades, assorted scientists, archeologists and forensic specialists have investigated the real-life inspirations behind these blood-sucking night dwellers. Their discoveries might surprise you. The intriguing and spooky documentary Vampire Island provides the facts behind the legend.
The myth really took hold with the 1897 release of Bram Stoker's Dracula, a defining work that continues to thrive in publication to this day. In the years since, books, comics and cinema screens have been flooded with new takes on an old tale. Each version speaks to changes in the culture during the time of their release - from the hints of anti-Semitism in 1922's classic Nosferatu to the teen-angst love story at the center of the Twilight franchise.
In truth, the models from which popular culture has based much of its vampire lore are more ghoulish than alluring. Stoker used Vlad the Impaler - a savage warrior who was born in Transylvania in the early 15th century - as the blueprint for her title character. As Prince of Wallachia, Vlad led the revolt against the Ottoman Empire as they struggled to expand across Europe. His tactics were particularly barbaric; he was known for driving the bodies of his victims through large stakes planted into the fields of combat. The punishment he inflicted on his victims eventually became prophecy as he ended his reign buried alive with three stakes pounded through his ankle, hip and throat.
This is just one of the parallel stories presented during the course of the film. Over the centuries, similar urban legends have festered in countries like Australia, China and India. The filmmakers travel across Europe and beyond to explore the origins of these cultural myths. We learn the various states of decomposition which may have led frightened villagers to believe in the existence of the undead. In addition, we witness the uncovering of various artifacts which show how each community chose to combat these fears.
Occasionally morbid but consistently fascinating, Vampire Island is a must-see for fans of the horror genre, as well as those who relish the macabre curiosities of world history.
Directed by: Julian Thomas
Vlad the Impailer.. existed. Vlad Dracul, same person. Vlad the impailer is the now deceased queen mother, she being Vlad's great great great great great Grandchild. The movie Risen, good movie, pointed out something to me most would miss. When the Tribune went to galilea (however it's spelt), he goes for a walk and talk with Jesus up the cliffside. If you were on the boat, looking up to where they were, you'd be looking to your left. As The tribune walked with Jesus, they got higher up the cliff, startling what at first appear's to be a flock of bird's, when in fact they were bats. Vampire bats. Vampire bats actually exist, they usually only drink the blood of cattle. Then I watch Tom Cruise's movie, the Mummy, and noticed before he was introduced to Mr Jekyil, (russel crowe), he spots a skull, and his expression is obvious. His look was one of um, wtf? The skull had sabre teeth. Wait a minute, why at the end of this movie, do they insist on showing this skull in a movie about a mummy? Shh! Was it not heroditus who described the sphinx of his day as having the head of a human with sabre like teeth? I know they are indeed real, for a certain three women I know, 2 related, the other a friend of their's, at different time's, while alone with each, all said the same thing. Vampires exist. Get over it.
!st sentence reads wrong, should read 'Vlad the impailer is the now deceased queen mother's great great great great great grandad, FACT!!
Waste. Of. Time. None of that proves vampires are/were facts.. smh
The Greek Woman like any Greek, recites the textbook, adds nothing
So did he go back to the little island??? Talk about a cliffhanger. What the heck??
I know many dismiss such ideas out of hand. But the truly impartial scientist remains unbiased. There are still much we do not know even about our own world. New facts are discovered every day. It IS possible that there is something unique about the regions where people claim that vampires exist -- some unusual chemical in the plant life or water (or, that leaches from the plants to the water) making these manifestations possible. Perhaps one that causes a madness that brings on a death-like appearance, then a thirst for blood. I am not a believer in vampirism but, then again, we don't know what we don't know.
The first supposition about Vlad is that he was dead when he was put in the coffin. Could it not also be that he was killed in this manner?
In the description it says: "Stoker used Vlad the Impaler - a savage warrior who was born in Transylvania in the early 15th century - as the blueprint for her title character.".
This caught me off guard for a second because I always thought Bram Stoker was a guy. Something a quick google search confirmed