Anya Taylor-Joy, the Miami-born actress raised across Buenos Aires and London, revealed that the 1994 film Interview with the Vampire played a significant role in inspiring her to pursue acting. In a recent interview with Chris Hemsworth to promote Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, she credited this cult classic, starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst, as a key influence on her career and artistic direction.
The Dark and Gothic Atmosphere of Interview with the Vampire Resounds with Taylor-Joy’s Artistic Style
Interview with the Vampire follows the story of Louis de Pointe du Lac, portrayed by Brad Pitt, as he recounts his transformation into a vampire in 18th-century Louisiana. The film explores themes of sorrow, violence, and complex relationships, all wrapped in a haunting Gothic aesthetic. Its dramatic and homoerotic undertones, combined with an Oscar-nominated original score, establish it as a defining work within Gothic horror. Taylor-Joy’s fondness for the film’s tone aligns closely with the dark, atmospheric qualities seen in much of her work.
During the interview, she also shared her top four favorite films, which besides Interview with the Vampire, included Hook, Forrest Gump, and Almost Famous. She commented on these selections by highlighting how
see [Almost Famous] in color and in a feeling
and appreciated the film’s skill to create a tone. She expressed a similar admiration for the Gothic sensibility of Interview with the Vampire, saying
I really love just anything Gothic.
Taylor-Joy’s deep appreciation for Gothic themes is evident in several of her roles. Her breakthrough in Robert Eggers’ 2015 horror film The Witch showcased elements of folk horror, while her television project The Miniaturist echoed the Gothic traditions of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. Even in the film The Menu, she embraced macabre themes, which extended to her real-life wedding that featured a Gothic-inspired aesthetic with black embroidery, candelabras, and uniquely thematic food. Although Taylor-Joy might have developed a taste for gothic styles without seeing Interview with the Vampire, the film clearly helped establish a foundation for many of her creative choices.
Elements of Camp and Drama in Interview with the Vampire Also Influence Taylor-Joy’s Performances
Beyond the dark and Gothic appeal, Taylor-Joy highlighted the camp features that attracted her to Interview with the Vampire. She noted that
seeing those two guys [Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise] have so much fun in those roles
inspired her desire to act. The movie’s flamboyant sets, extravagant costumes, dramatic storyline, and queer undertones create a campy atmosphere that modern audiences recognize. This influence appears in films like Last Night in Soho, which mixes horror with lavish design, and in epic dramas such as The Northman that share a similarly intense, dark narrative style.
While no single film can entirely explain Taylor-Joy’s career, the connection between her choice of projects and her admiration for Interview with the Vampire is apparent. In her interview, she admitted that witnessing the joy and energy Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Kirsten Dunst brought to their roles motivated her to play in that way. This highlights how the film’s theatricality and emotional depth have influenced her approach to selecting roles that combine intensity with artistic expression.
Connecting Taylor-Joy’s Inspirations to Her Expanding Career
Anya Taylor-Joy’s career has flourished with diverse roles that continue to explore themes introduced by her cinematic inspirations. From the superstition and tension in The Witch to the psychological complexity of Split, and the period drama of Emma, her performances remain deeply connected to the Gothic and camp sensibilities she admires. The legacy of Neil Jordan’s film not only sparked her initial interest in acting but also shaped the distinctive energy and passion she brings to each role.
Looking ahead, this foundation suggests Taylor-Joy’s future projects may continue to blend dark, dramatic storytelling with vibrant visual style, reflecting the influence of her cherished classics. As audiences anticipate her next steps, it is clear that Interview with the Vampire remains a touchstone in her artistic journey, underscoring the lasting impact a single film can have in shaping an actor’s inspiration and career path.
