Nigel Sheinwald

A Bloody Good Show

In these pages I have shared observations on the British contribution in Afghanistan, the UK’s role in shaping the international economic agenda, and our performance as a leading innovator in new low-carbon technologies.  But in this blog, I wanted to flag a less remarked-upon British contribution to American life: to the unholy ranks of the Silver Screen’s undead.
 
It seems an immutable law of Hollywood that the finest baddies in American film are always played by Brits. I’m not sure exactly why – there is nothing inherently menacing, I think, about an English accent. But whatever the reason, I have spotted a cinematic trend here that builds on this fine tradition: British vampires.
 
This week sees the release of the highly anticipated second instalment of the Vampire saga Twilight. This spectacular teen drama - which focuses on the forbidden love of the vampire Edward Cullen for his sweetheart Bella - has attracted, in some circles, as much attention as the current healthcare debate (although being undead would still presumably be classed as a pre-existing condition?).
 
Cullen is played by the talented British actor Robert Pattinson, whose disturbing stare now dominates downtown billboards advertising the new film.  As a Prince of Darkness flying the flag for Britain, Pattison is not alone. His British colleague Stephen Moyer has proved a tremendous hit as the tormented blood-sucker Bill Compton in HBO’s series True Blood, whilst Kate Beckinsale, as Selene in the Underworld franchise, shows British women are equally adept at vampyric horror.
 
All three build on an established pedigree of undead Brits terrorising their transatlantic victims. From Christopher Lee to Gary Oldman, the Transylvanian Count has often enjoyed an English incarnation. Coincidence? Or something, shall we say, more “cryptic”? Could it be the British climate that creates the pale and pasty complexion necessary to portray authentically Bram Stoker’s monster? Or is it our “deadpan” humour, putting the grave into graveyard, that makes us Brits especially suited to vampire kitsch?
 
Whatever the reason, I am very happy – as British Ambassador – to acknowledge this latest example of UK artistic impact in the USA. The success of British actors in the United States, and the popularity of British arts and television here more generally, speak to the strength of the cultural ties that bind our two countries. Our cultural and media exports are also a lucrative industry for the UK economy, which the Embassy will continue to support in whatever way we can.
 
So vampires aside, there is nothing undead about the vibrancy of the UK’s cultural and media life. And am I confident of its continued transatlantic success?  The “stakes” may be high, but you may most definitely “Count” on it!

Posted at 10:55 17 November 2009 by Nigel Sheinwald  |  Comments[3]