As AMC’s Interview with the vampire Season 2 reached its finale, Levan Akin discussed how his experience growing up as a gay Anne Rice fan influenced his direction of 6 of the show’s 15 episodes–more than were directed by any other single person. Recorded on June 20, 2024.
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wow is that vampire makeup or are you actually that pale
check out his film "And Then We Danced", if you can. It made a sensation in Cannes as in many other major festivals all over the world
23:00 I guess I could see floating as a metaphor for love and intimacy. Wanting to meet a raccoon is completely justified as a director’s request. They are little bandits and super cool. 🦝 At least raccoons are found in the US, while it’s confusing to put armadillos in Transylvania. 25:50 I am glad they made Lestat more glam rock via the song “Long Face” instead of making him a TikTok influencer or more poppy, like a male Taylor Swift or maybe a Harry Styles type. The actor is older so I feel glam rock suits him better than something more trendy and it’s something that would appeal to men, women and more people in general vs. more niche music. It’s the problem from aging a character from 20 in the books to 34 years old in the show. But in saying this, being older could have more appeal to a wider audience in general.
Reginald the Vampire has a diverse cast with gay and non-binary characters yet no one covers it. It isn’t a bad show. It’s quite funny.
This interview wants me to seek out And Then We Danced and Akin’s other films, especially if they are Swedish arthouse. 😊 The Circle looks interesting as well.
I like The Mayfair Witches series. I like that Quintron was the hotel house band. I don’t think it is bad as people say.
Tales of the body thief is one of my favorite books in the series along with the third book and interview with the vampire the witching hour is good i need to continue that series
I didn't enjoy prince lestat
SCREAMED when he mentioned Måneskin!! Their vibe is exactly how I picture the rock vibes for TVL ♥️
this is major… congrats!!! 🫶🏽
Oh Levan! I wanted so badly to meet you this year at the Berlinale. I got the tickets but had to leave earlier than planned. You are so talented and cool and I would love to take you out for coffee and pick your brain. Anyone know how I can email him? I also tried to fly from Berlin to Prague to be an extra during the second season.
Why is he not directing Witching Hour??? It would be so much better!
ETA: at 41:30, this is exactly how I feel about the Witching Hour show.
47:57 – I knew it, I knew they had to have at least discussed if not written some parts from Season 2 all the back before Season 1 first aired, because they credited Anne Rice as an executive producer for an episode or two toward the end of Season 2 and I don't think they did that for most of the episodes from Season 2 the way they did for most of Season 1(unless I just missed it somehow). 😁 It wouldn't surprise me if they discussed at least somewhat of a broad/hypothetical outline for much much more than just the first two seasons with Anne, too; but, of course, that's just my own speculation I s'pose.😊
52:50 – YES! My favorite thing about this tv series IS the amount of detail that is clearly put into it—that is exactly what makes it probably going to land in my top faves of all-time, not just currently airing!!!😊💖😊
(Like, take the Vampire Lestat teaser AMC just recently put out….and the arm that has what looks to be "Armand told the truth" written on it, or the background voices having whole conversations like 'where is he' / 'I think he's out in the parking lot in his car' / 'do you want me to go knock on the window or something' / 'I think he's "entertaining" somebody' / 'omg – do we have insurance for homicide' and so on, or like the camera people whispering "Why are we pushing in?" "I'm not doing it, it's him!" and such. SSOOO MUCHH FREAKING DEETAAIILLLL, and the passion too, OmG. I love it!!👏🏻👏🏻🙂 This tv series is so rich with and full of so much on so many different levels, it's incredible, the Vampire Chronicles deserve nothing less!.)
I’ll be honest I found some of her question really out of pocket and disrespectful. Like yeah him being an openly queer man does give credence to how he directs queer characters on screen but idk man the way she asked the question could’ve been worded better. It was just cringy and I got 2nd hand embarrassment from that. Yikes
Yes, this insight from a director is so amazing. It makes want to rewatch the entire show again!
Levan Akin is such a deeply sensitive and beautiful director who managed to bring the incredible beauty of Anne Rice's books to our screens. He is a wonderful conversationalist, and it was such a pleasure to listen to his story, his desire to work on the series at any cost. A wonderful man and creator.
In contrast, I was left with a completely opposite opinion of you as the interviewer. Can you please explain what kind of battle of wits you arranged with the guest who came to your channel? Is it your usual practice to showcase your supposed intellectual superiority? Because by gatekeeping Levan Akin due to the books, you have presented yourself as a complete ignoramus lacking any sense of tact.
Big missed opportunity to title this video "Interview with Interview with the Vampire's Director", lol.
So glad to know you're family Maven!
The importance of a school librarian and access to books.
I have to say, I’m saddened by the fact that Christopher Rice and Team Anne haven’t said a single thing about the show. I know there was rumoured conflict and this wasn’t their original vision. But at least some praise for all the hard work that’s gone into it by all these creators and the actors. That alone deserves some recognition from them. Not to mention how well it’s been received by the fans. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks for this video. Love all your videos! ❤ It’s such an exciting time to be a long time fan! Read every single book btw #humblebrag.
Maven…please cover the “Long Face” video and SDCC stuff. Please!
You were a great interviewer with Levan.
I think you missed it when he said, "I watched your video when you went through all of them"… Also love the body thief and still can't get to finish it 10 years after
You’re alive maven 😢 missed you