Isabelle Huppert: "I Wanted to Really Bite" in New Vampire Film

Berlin – A new film, “Die Blutgräfin” (The Countess of Blood), premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, starring Isabelle Huppert as a vampire operating in Vienna. The film, directed by Ulrike Ottinger, is a grotesque comedy based on the legend of Elisabeth Báthory, a Hungarian countess who, around the year 1600, was accused of murdering dozens of young women in an attempt to achieve eternal youth through their blood.

A Desire for Authenticity

The Allure of the Vampire Role

Isabelle Huppert, 72, expressed her enjoyment of playing a vampire, stating, “It has been fun to play a vampire.” She also noted that the director’s approach added another dimension to the genre. Huppert specifically requested to “bite properly” at least once in the film, a desire that director Ottinger happily accommodated.

Director’s Vision and Collaboration

Director Ulrike Ottinger, 83, described Huppert as wanting to play “a proper vampire.” Ottinger collaborated with Austrian author Elfriede Jelinek on the film’s dialogue, an idea that originated with Ottinger in 1998. The premiere reportedly received considerable applause.

Did You Know? The film draws inspiration from the historical figure of Elisabeth Báthory, a Hungarian countess accused of murdering dozens of young women around 1600.

Unexpected Roles and Artistic Choices

Eidinger’s Initial Expectations

Lars Eidinger, known for his roles in “Jay Kelly” and “Sterben,” plays the role of Theobald Tandem, a therapist in the film. However, he initially hoped for the role of the vampire itself. He ultimately accepted the role of the therapist due to his interest in collaborating with director Ottinger, praising her “Punk attitude.”

A Cast of Characters

The film also features Tom Neuwirth, known as Conchita Wurst, in multiple appearances. Birgit Minichmayr plays the blood countess’s maid, and Thomas Schubert portrays a unique character within the vampire family: a vegetarian vampire named Rudi Bubi Baron von Strudl zur Buchtelau.

Expert Insight: The casting choices and the film’s premise suggest a deliberate subversion of traditional vampire tropes. By including a vegetarian vampire and focusing on the psychological aspect through the character of the therapist, the film may explore themes of identity, morality, and the search for meaning beyond the sensationalism often associated with the genre.

What Might Come Next

Following its premiere, “Die Blutgräfin” could be submitted to further film festivals. A wider theatrical release is a possible next step, depending on distribution agreements. Critical reception and audience response will likely influence the film’s future trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Die Blutgräfin” about?

“Die Blutgräfin” is a grotesque comedy based on the legend of Elisabeth Báthory, a Hungarian countess who allegedly murdered young women to drink their blood and achieve eternal youth. The film stars Isabelle Huppert as the vampire.

Who directed the film?

The film was directed by Ulrike Ottinger, a “cult” director, and features dialogue co-written with Elfriede Jelinek.

What role does Lars Eidinger play?

Lars Eidinger plays Theobald Tandem, the therapist of the vampire, though he initially hoped to play the vampire himself.

How might a film that deliberately subverts genre expectations resonate with audiences accustomed to more conventional portrayals of vampires?

Isabelle Huppert: “I Wanted to Really Bite” in New Vampire Film