Rice's twist on vampire tales, told from the viewpoint of the vampires, has become a modern horror classic, with legions of rabid fans. Much of the elation subsided, however, upon the news that Tom Cruise had been cast as Lestat - the vampire you love to hate. Lestat was a tall blond. Cruise is a short brunette. Lestat, particularly in Interview with the Vampire , is dashing and cold-blooded.
Cruise is a pretty-boy.
Despite initial misgivings, however, the film ended up being a very good movie that can be enjoyed by both fans of the books and those who have never heard of it. The story begins in modern day San Francisco. Little does the interviewer realize he is speaking to a creature that lives on blood and has existed for two hundred years. Louis tells of the time when he was made into a vampire by Lestat, and of the years that followed. Lestat is a remorseless killer.