“Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person”, Interview with Ariane Louis-Seize
In a captivating conversation with Ariane Louis-Seize, the visionary director behind “Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person“, we dived deep into the creative intricacies of this unique coming-of-age, horror, and dark comedy blend. The film, which had its world premiere at the Giornate degli Autori of the 2023 Venice Film Festival, delves into themes of loneliness, death, and belonging, all while maintaining a whimsical and sensitive touch.
Louis-Seize, celebrated for her award-winning short films like “Wild Skin” and “Shooting Star”, brought her expertise in portraying unconventional young women to her feature debut. In “Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person”, she skillfully presents a narrative where Sasha, a young vampire portrayed brilliantly by Sara Montpetit, refuses to harm humans for sustenance.
Instead, she stumbles upon Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard), a lonely teenager with suicidal tendencies willing to offer his life willingly.
Exploring the Film’s Themes
Our interview with Louis-Seize unveiled the film’s profound themes. She described it as “a film about death, of course, but also about life and our need for human connection and friendship”. The narrative revolves around Sasha and Paul, two outcasts in their own worlds, whose lives intersect in an unexpected way, resulting in a complex tale of self-discovery.
Drawing Inspiration from the Vampire Mythos
Louis-Seize’s fascination with vampires and supernatural worlds served as a foundation for the film’s exploration of deep human matters. She explained that the vampire figure, with its longevity and the need to take life to survive, offers a compelling lens through which to examine the human desire for love and connection.
Furthermore, the director made intriguing parallels between the vampire’s need to feed and the ethical questions surrounding our treatment of animals. She also likened Sasha’s coming-of-age journey to the awakening of her vampiric nature, creating a unique twist on the traditional coming-of-age genre.
Creating the Memorable “Awakening” Scene
The interview delved into the film’s memorable scenes, particularly the one where Sasha’s fangs emerge, set to Brenda Lee’s music. Louis-Seize shared that this pivotal scene was written in three parts and featured improvisation from the talented actors. The choice to shoot it as a single mesmerizing take was a collaborative decision between the director and DP Shawn Pavlin.
Sara Montpetit’s Remarkable Performance
Louis-Seize couldn’t praise Sara Montpetit’s performance enough, calling her “a good vampire” with her enigmatic presence. The casting process confirmed that Montpetit was the ideal choice for Sasha, and her chemistry with Félix-Antoine Bénard, who played Paul, added depth to their characters’ unique connection.
Horror Inspirations and Vampire Favorites
The interview explored Louis-Seize’s horror inspirations and favorite movie vampires. She cited “Only Lovers Left Alive” and “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” as two standout vampire films that influenced her work. In fact, her first short film, “Wild Skin”, was indirectly inspired by the latter.
Exploring Complex Female Characters
Louis-Seize’s filmography reflects a keen interest in unconventional, mysterious, or conflicted female characters. She spoke of her attraction to characters wit