From Nosferatu to Blade, vampires have been popular movie characters, while werewolves have been less so. There have been a few attempts (Wolfen, An American Werewolf in London, Wolf), but they haven't had the lasting impact of vampires. Underworld combines these two horror sub-genres into one visually stunning movie that owes more to The Matrix for its look than to any previous horror film.
In an unnamed city (although the movie was filmed in Budapest), the cold war that has existed between vampires and werewolves has suddenly become hot. Selene (Beckinsale), a vampire Death Dealer, witnesses two werewolves in human form following a mortal into a subway station. She follows with a fellow vampire and a gun battle ensues. (The vampires use silver bullets while the werewolves use a new special 'ultraviolet bullet' that acts like concentrated sunlight). After the battle, which leaves both the other vampire and one of the werewolves dead, Selene is left to ponder just why the werewolves were following the mortal.
The look of this opening scene, with its washed-out blue lighting, gothic buildings, and characters draped in flowing leather jackets, sets the look for the rest of the movie. Sure, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the look of The Matrix, and Selene could be Trinity's younger, vampiric sister, but it doesn't matter. The look of the movie is beautiful, consistent, and it works. The stylistic eye candy is the best thing the movie has going for it.
As the plot progresses, Selene learns that the mortal named Michael (Speedman), that the werewolves were following, is carrying a secret that could affect the future of the vampires and the werewolves. Selene, who finds she is falling in love with him, must protect Michael from the werewolves who are hunting him. The matter is complicated by some political double-dealing amongst the rulers of vampire society, some of whom may or may not be working with the werewolves.
It is Beckinsale who holds this movie together. As Selene, she is both beautiful and convincingly lethal. Although the special effects and stunt work add greatly to her character, it is Beckinsale who keeps her 'human'. And while the supporting cast all play their stock characters well enough, Speedman, as Michael, has little to do except act confused and ask 'What's happening?' a lot. Not since Doctor Who's rotating assistants has there been such a thankless part, but to be fair, he 'fits the suit' well enough.
And in the end, it is the look of the movie that is the real star. From the beautiful clothes, to the intricate wolf costumes, to the carefully choreographed fight scenes, this movie is a treat to watch. I was not surprised to learn after watching it, that its director, Len Wiseman, got his start by filming music videos.
The movie builds to its final clash between the two clans. Along the way, we learn some of the history of the two races as well as the original cause of the war, and one or two other secrets. And while the ending is final, it clearly leaves room for a sequel. Selene's voice-over after the final battle practically comes right out and says, 'To be continued.'
While the romance may be tepid, and the dialogue kept to a minimum, Underworld manages to entertain, if not everyone, then at least fans of the vampire genre.
