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Martin (John Amplas) is a modern sort of vampire--he gains his victims' cooperation with the use of a hypodermic needle instead of hypnotism, and uses razors in the place of fangs. "There's no real magic," he says. "There's no real magic, ever." He says this to his elderly Romanian cousin, Tati Cuda (Lincoln Maazel), a true believer in the old religion, and self-appointed keeper of Martin, who threatens to do away with the boy if the vampirism doesn't stop. According to Cuda, the boy is actually 85 years old--young for a vampire. Truly, the supernatural element of the film is always at odds with psychological explanations that make Martin out to be a sexually disturbed teen, not an ancient bloodsucker. Martin's vampiric episodes are intercut with sepia footage of similar exploits from some gothic era, which may either be Martin's memories or his imagination; take your pick. Garlic, sunlight, mirrors--these are devices of Hollywood, and have no effect on a hypo-toting vampire like Martin, as he explains the rules in his role of frequent call-in guest on a radio talk show where he's known as "The Count." These ambiguities are left teasingly unresolved by the film, which is more interested in establishing the relationship between the traditional vampire and the modern-day psycho. Along with the film's narrative economy, these ambiguities make Martin Romero's midnight-movie masterpiece.

At the very end Romero borrows an image from Carl Theodore Dreyer's classic silent film Ordet, ratifying a moment of religious ritual. Knowing this as you watch the film only deepens the chill. --Jim Gay

34 Reviews 5 star:  (21) 4 star:  (10) 3 star:  (2) 2 star:  (1) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review (34 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most helpful customer reviews   1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: CULT CLASSIC, Dec 10 2002 By  Morgan J. "classicgirl" (New Haven, CT United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Martin (Full Screen) (DVD) Wow. I must say I'm pleasantly surprised to find this movie on DVD, when I thought it would be out of print even on VHS. I had no idea so this movie has so many fans! (NOBODY I know has ever heard of it.) I first saw this movie around 1986-87, whilst I was in middle school. A friend's mom rented the video, and though I just saw it that one time, I found it fascinating. It certainly left a lasting impression. Creepy, dark, haunting, somewhat comical, and very '70s. Just gave it 4 stars because I've yet to see the actual DVD...and it *has* been a while since I have actually watched it so some of my memories are not clear. But, for a movie I've unsuccessfully inquired about for 15 or so years to be so unforgettable, it has to be good. Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: One of the finest work from director:George A. Romero., Aug 14 2000 By  LUCIEN LESSARD (Canada.) - See all my reviews This review is from: Martin (Full Screen) (DVD) The first time, i heard about the film was reading a article based on Romero`s films and later from last year, buying it at a place, where they had all kind of films are used and new for sale. I brought it without watching it. Am very glad, i did. This movie is something very unlike than anymovie, i seen. Thought the videotape was very bad picture quality, i didn`t care, i was into the movie. John Amplas as the title role-Martin and Lincoln Maazel as Cuba, thier performances are one of the best things of Romero`s Work. Very well written and some very suspenseful moments and humour also. DVD quatily is impressive with the picture quality and sound in mono. Excellent and Very funny commentary track by Romero, Amplas and Tom savini, also has a small part in the film. Romero said in his commentary, there is a Three hour version is lost or something stole that print of the film, maybe the thief is very lucky to keep it a Collection of his own!. Very good tralier also. Today Romero`s film is his most personal film to date and it also a midnight classic of it`s own. Today who didn`t seen the film, rent it or buy it, you will won`t regret it. Grade:A. Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)