Bill Paxton’s Wildest Vampire Role Still Outshines Sinners—38 Years Later

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Just like Jack O’Connell’s performance as Remmick in Sinners, Bill Paxton’s role as Severen in the 1987 movie Near Dark presents a captivatingly disturbing and alluring antagonist. From his chilling introduction, Severen’s character stands out with his distinctively chaotic persona within the vampire storyline.

In a similar vein to Ryan Coogler’s unique blend of horror and vampirism, Near Dark creatively combines genres, incorporating Western motifs with a contemporary 1980s revival of the vampire theme. Director Kathryn Bigelow’s movie skillfully establishes a haunting Southern Gothic ambiance, which is believed to have significantly influenced the wave of vampire films and television series that followed for the next two decades.

Near Dark Is Another Surprise Vampire Movie With Bill Paxton As The Villain

Severen From Near Dark Is Deranged And Intoxicating

One standout feature that elevated “Sinners” was the electrifying performance of its main vampire, Remmick. While his authentic Irish accent suggested his background, he primarily spoke with a Southern drawl in the film, which added an intriguing twist. As the story unravels and Remmick’s character grows more predatory, he evokes reminders of 1980s vampire villains. Characters like David from “The Lost Boys” (portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland) and Severen from the vampire Western “Near Dark” (played by Bill Paxton) are examples of such influences.

If you’re a fan of the gritty vampire tale, “Sinners,” and fancy joining the undead on their travels, I’d recommend checking out the unorthodox vampire movie, “Near Dark” next. When Severen, one of the characters, makes his debut with the chilling line, “I’m gonna separate your head from your shoulders. Hope you don’t mind none,” it sets the stage for his menacing persona. While the rest of the immortal family in “Near Dark” are quintessential vampires, Severen (played by Bill Paxton) exhibits an unusual fondness for violence and pandemonium. His behavior towards humans is reminiscent of Remmick’s Southern charm, complete with a disconcerting smile and bolo tie.

How Near Dark Is Similar To Sinners

Both Movies Cross Genres And Are Visually Stunning In Their Own Ways

The film “Near Dark” is a remarkable fusion of genres, originally intended to be a Western but evolved due to financial difficulties into a unique blend of Western and vampire themes. Given the surge of vampire films in the 1980s, this creation was perfectly timed. Moreover, it embodies the spirit of a road trip movie, as the film’s vampire family are nomads, frequently found at gas stations, roadhouses, and motels during their journey.

In the vein of Sinners, an intense battle unfolds within a bar in Near Dark. The scene is adorned with elements fitting of its Southern Gothic atmosphere, such as bootspurs, to amplify the violence and grit. Notably, while both films incorporate their respective settings – 1930s Mississippi for Sinners and the South for Near Dark – the latter maintains authenticity to its cultural context, accompanied by a Tangerine Dream Soundtrack. However, unlike Sinners, Near Dark does not delve into the same level of historical political commentary.

Intriguingly, all the vampires in the movie “Near Dark” are portrayed as white, and their leader, Jesse (Lance Henriksen), mentions that he fought for the Confederacy when asked about his age. While the racial undertones in the film “Sinners” aren’t straightforward, its initial recruits are white members of the Ku Klux Klan. They play upbeat country music with ominous lyrics, contrasting with the blues played within the party. This is followed by attempts to win over the rest of the cast using language that emphasizes unity and family. Both portrayals, thus, might imply a sinister, predatory association with white vampirism.

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2025-05-04 12:38