Exploring the Complexity of Interview with the Vampire | A Video Essay

[@rhys1264]

'Unreliable narrator doesn't necessarily mean liar,' THANK YOU FOR THIS PEOPLE GET IT SO MIXED UP. Also you need to do a series of explanations of each episode honestly, I could listen to you for hours!

[@Littlestraincloud]

In addition to sitting in the memories of his losses, Lestat carries around a wooden plank of a piano after breaking the piano he used to play with Claudia. He refuses to move on without her.

[@Iamhere829]

This..this theory is going to make me weep for months..

[@5_nightfury]

Incredible. The story of Armand was especially eye opening for understanding his character.

[@Seriesable]

thank you! ❤️ regardless of shipping, Armand is such a fascinating character and Assad really brought him to life so well

[@theurbanoutlander4565]

@@Seriesable He really is a fascinating boy.

[@rokhayas]

i need 6hrs of this

[@erick7895]

This is the best analysis of the series' characters I've seen

[@Seriesable]

thank you! glad you liked it ❤️

[@weiyingssugardaddy4741]

Your level of articulation is beyond phenomenal. You were able to dissect the intricate themes, characters, parallels, and narrative nuances with such depth and eloquence it's insane. You've illuminated aspects of the story I hadn't even realized existed before. Thankyou!

[@Seriesable]

Aw thank you so much!! 🙏

[@itsdantaylor]

I really like what the AMC did in approaching the idea of memory, and that seemingly none of the characters are definitive 'reliable narrators' it gives a purpose for there to BE a interview and for the overarching show to be titled as such. Reviewing the past, seeing how it changed the characters and how said characters 'change' the past. I never read the first book, just heard synopsis of the series as a whole and I was always curious as to what was the 'purpose' for the original interview as there didn't seem to be one in the original context. So I'm glad the show seems to be giving more importance to the need for said interview to have taken place.

[@isattathecreator]

Hands down best narrative essay I have EVER come across. Beyond Interview With The Vampire, this was just amazingly articulated and precise. You left no topic untouched. And you did it under 35 minutes.

[@lanielovespopculture]

What I love about this show is how the audience is able to understand intrinsically everything you so eloquently explained verbally. Like I could never put it into the words like you did but I still was able to comprehend the concepts the show communicates. In my opinion, that’s a mark of great writing: inspiring reflection at all levels of understanding and intelligence. Also just wanted to thank you for pointing out even Claudia’s diaries are subjective! I never thought as deeply on that as I did Louis and Armand’s narratives.

[@charlotteogunoye7001]

Amazing analysis! I would love to hear more of your thoughts on the implicit and explicit ways in which Armand influenced how Louis remembers, particularly how he remembers/remembered Lestat. Louis is indeed an unreliable narrator and Armand has been meddling with his recollection since S1! It's as if Armand is telling Louis's own story through Louis, making the real narrator Armand. Oof this show is AMAZING and I appreciate the time you spent giving us this beautifully constructed video essay ❤

[@ad2094]

This is exactly the sort of reasoned analysis and discussion that makes me sometimes miss english undergrad classes 😅 we the people need more!

[@theprettypurplepony]

I want 100 hours of this, such a great analysis!

[@rhianonmorris5367]

This essay is very thought provoking! I really enjoyed how you analyzed each character's perspectives and their reasoning for why they do what they do. I hope you get around to making a part 2!

[@RaphaST]

That was fascinating! And you pointed out some things that I hadn't even noticed, like the books being out of Louis' reach. Thank you for this essay! I hope you talk about the show more.

[@Seriesable]

thank YOU for the feedback! 😊

[@twisteddarkdelight1106]

Loved it!! Seconding the others here - please do a second part?

[@Seriesable]

i’ll see if I have enough to make a part two i will! thank you 🙏

[@Mrantheknee]

The call put on how Armand keeps the library overhead! Amazing catch and great overall analysis. I hope you do individual character analyses.

[@BrokenDarkFire]

This is such an impressive video essay! I’ve struggled to understand Armand’s motivations and why he chooses to present himself as he does, but you really unpacked his trauma responses as well as how every character’s individual traumas influence them throughout the story.

[@Mrantheknee]

The call out on how Armand keeps the library overhead! Amazing catch and great overall analysis. I hope you do individual character analyses.

[@dankjungle4219]

I finished season 2 last week and thank you for this analysis. You made me realize just how complex these characters are, and I aspire to be as articulate with words as you.

[@Mallowolf]

Your videos are always a joy to watch. You have a keen insight for character motivations and an eye for detail. Which I especially appreciate in series like this one where there’s layers upon layers to look through. I’m doing a re-watch of the series right now, and when I’m done I’ll come and watch this video once again. Thanks for sharing your work!

[@Seriesable]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mckayla5747]

you helped me notice so many more things about this show!! especially with louis' character! you also helped make the unreliable narrators theme much more clear and enjoyable to me, so thank you so much

[@Rosula_D]

What an eye-opening analysis! You have managed to explain some of the most complex intricacies of the story in a way that is understandable and very obvious if one looks carefully into what was actually shown. Also, you pointed out some important details that I would have never been able to clock, like the devil/angel dichotomy. I especially enjoyed your deconstruction of Armand's persona. Great job! I'm sure this essay will go viral when more folks can finally watch this incredible show!

[@2ndround415]

Ma’am! This is such a beautiful, insightful and intelligent analysis of a hauntingly beautiful show.

[@Seriesable]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@tekmepikcha6830]

This series is incredibly complex, with numerous layers that can be missed by a casual viewing. It's packed with hidden revelations, moments of poetic justice, betrayal, and deception-indeed, it has it all! Your breakdown/analysis of the series took me back to English Literature classes lol. Very insightful, very thorough 👏👏👏

[@shadowseer07]

All of this is absolutely mindblowing! I feel like I understand season 2 so much better!!

[@Seriesable]

i’m so happy by this feedback thank you! ❤️

[@05Kate_Daniels]

This was such a detailed, thought-provoking analysis! So deeply insightful. I'd never thought to compare the scenarios of Louis' asking Lestat to make Claudia and Louis' asking Armand to make Claudia and his manipulation in both scenes. I also find your perspective of Armand very intriguing. Thank you!

[@khalilcanady2012]

This series was an odyssey I was happy to watch and be involved in as a spectator!!! Superb choices of music and great performances!!! 🔥🔥

[@MathMiniLessons]

This is such a well written analysis of characters and the show itself. Very impressive. Thank you for sharing it.

[@Seriesable]

thank YOU for the lovely feedback 😊

[@cyanrose499]

This was such a great analysis, you broke everything down so beautifully ❤ I'm just in awe of how well the writers of this adaptation were able to include so many intricate details regarding the perspectives from the characters we have so far and how it only enhanced my interest in even some of the more deplorable characters, rather than reducing them to 2-D flat personas. The way they frame the mental state of vampires and how both their monstrous nature and the effects of time and trauma really challenged my previous thoughts of "living such a long life with superhuman abilities can't be that bad, right?" Just an incredibly heartbreaking story overall 💔

[@caritae4821]

Who are you? This analysis was profoundly helpful to my own. I’m inclined to hear more of your thoughts on many other things. I can barely express how insightful and inspired this video is. I love this show and how mindfully they’ve constructed such a complex narrative. You absolutely nailed it. Your mind! I’m following now. Outstanding.👏🏾❤️‍🔥

[@Seriesable]

thank you so much for the wonderful comments ❤️

[@anthonywritesfantasy]

Watching this show because of this video! Really cool play on the original premise. It's wild: stress types totally change my view on these characters. Louis using ambiguity and playing the witness is classic stress 9 behavior, and Armand is maybe the most nuanced 2 I can name!

[@vashsunglasses]

What are "stress types"? I tried googling it and got nothing. Certainly nothing where someone could be a number 2 or number 9.

[@anthonywritesfantasy]

@@vashsunglasses It's just a different term for Enneagram types. For me, the paradigm is about how you respond to stress. It's about coping mechanisms. The anger triad responds to stress with frustration, the fear triad responds to stress by either escaping the situation or hiding in some way, and the shame triad responds to stress with embarrasment, which can then turn into either anger or fear, depending on the person, the situation, etc. Stress types!

[@vashsunglasses]

@@anthonywritesfantasy Oh...! Ok. In that case I'm a 5. Anywho, what numbers would you give Lestat and Daniel?

[@anthonywritesfantasy]

@@vashsunglasses Well! Let's work it out together. Lestat is difficult to place exactly, because he is practiced in the way of concealing what he's thinking. I actually think this makes him an excellent character to begin with. But I like to start with their "triad." It's all about stress - how do you respond to stress? Anger, Fear, or Shame? Or (more commonly felt, smaller versions of those very big emotions) frustration, the urge to hide, or embarrassment? In Ep. 2, one of my favorite Lestat moments is his hatred of the tenor in the opera. And his response is rage. It's a small stimulus that triggers a very powerful, animal emotion, and in Lestat, that's anger in that moment. He's not embarrassed for the tenor, which would put him in the 2/3/4 triad, and it doesn't make him wish he wasn't there, which would put him in the 5/6/7 triad. So, the anger triad. 8/9/1. So which of those is Lestat? Stress type 8 wants to feel respected, wants there to be justice, and tends to be a big grudge holder. Type 8s call themselves Protectors, but there can be a danger of the Type 8 becoming a Punisher, a "revenge at any cost" kind of person. Stress type 9 wants there to be peace, and wants to be everyone's friend, and wants to be comfortable; their anger is something they are "asleep" to, something they hide, push down, suppress, until it leaks out. (Personally, I do not think Lestat is not a 9; but I think Louis is a 9, and that Lestat loves him for that.) The type 1 desire is to feel like you are in control, like there is a right and a wrong way to do something, and I am doing it right, which makes me feel in control. Often, Stress type 1 also holds grudges and seeks revenge, but they tend to be "plotters," designing a revenge rather than acting as quickly as they can. That tendency to design or engineer an experience is their superpower, too: to give a great gift, to know just the right way to thank someone, or to say just what that person needs to hear when they are down. It's important to remember that these are coping mechanisms developed in your childhood, and that they are primal, and that every weakness is actually just one side of a superpower-coin. The strength IS the weakness, and vice versa. The way I described type 1 makes them seem like a villain; not my intention, and not the truth! All it is is a response to internal or external stress. So, I ask you - what do you think? Is Lestat a type 1, or a type 8? Or another type entirely?

[@mikeyfrederick1232]

This is a great discussion on AMC's Interview with a Vampire.. you have a wonderful insight...while I respect the movie version.. the show just explored so so so many important perspectives that the movie comes nowhere near... an interracial queer couple in a horror situation.. a black creole man dealing with racism of the 1900s.. having to deal with morality... and religious dogma... Dealing with all the guilt of feeding and ending so many lives in order to survive... A relationship that was beyond toxic.. and then they make the worst mistake a couple can ever have... Thinking that having a child will save the relationship...and etc etc.. I adore the show for illuminating and giving all those roles a strong voice...and not in an overly preachy cringey kind of way... In my opinion they do not force any kind of statements.. Credit to you and your channel...

[@witchplease9695]

My favorite show in a long time. Great analysis.

[@Malikiliki]

I loved the insight. This is clearly a labor of love. Thank you so much! I wish it was longer.

[@jeffbaker4669]

This was absolutely fantastic! Thank you for revealing this deeper aspect of the story, making me enjoy even more! I love this series, I love this brilliant video!

[@alexrussell1778]

This is SUCH a wonderful analysis! I could watch you talk about this show for hours and hours. Thank you so much!

[@Seriesable]

thank you for the lovely feedback! 🙏

[@FurTheWorkers]

This is my first time seeing one of your videos, and I have to say that this was a great analysis and pointed out a lot of things I did not notice watching it the first time. The juxtaposition of the line about "wait for revelation to enter the room" and the subsequent damage that flew right past me until having it pointed out to me.

[@paulomartins4246]

This was incredibly well made and researched, loved it!

[@Hemiah_5]

Thank you so much for your wonderful review I have been sorely defeated by the plethora of negative comments of Armand where most reviewers of the paint Armand as an absolute villian and i have been trying to find the right words to my love for this character with out relying to heavily on the books. Thank you for your nuanced takes on all the characters

[@Seriesable]

It’s wrong to consider any of the main character as either heroes or villains. They are all flawed characters, that’s what makes them fascinating to begin with! Fandoms get also very dragged down by shipping. I love Louis/Lestat too but that doesn’t mean that Armand sucks, it’s such a stupid way to look at a rich text like this. It dumbs it down to: he good, he bad. They may as well watch reality TV where there is an obvious good v bad narrative if that’s all the complexity they can process. Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@Wintersmith.]

I really really loved this deep dive into their psychology.

[@kenzie7146]

incredible analysis!! so well researched and thought out, would love a second part if u ever chose to make one

[@camicole99]

incredible analysis! the best i’ve seen so far of this truly special and stunning show

[@Cotten-]

*_Wow. Fantastic interpretations. Subscribed!_*

[@the8thsquare]

Wonderful essay! You pointed out so many things I hadn't already noticed. Very much appreciate hearing your thoughts, particularly about Armand. Would love to see your in-depth thoughts on S2E5 and Daniel and Armand's relationship.

[@jomarch1085]

Yes please!!!! 💜

[@plumblossomed]

This was excellent. Armand is my favourite character in the show, and your analysis here, was spot on.

[@Seriesable]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@Robinski000]

You articulated beautifully why I feel such love for these characters and their stories. Thank you so much. I've been mulling over a theory on Armand and how deep his preparations go. I believe there's plenty of clues dotted in the show that tell us Armand had his sights set on Daniel since at least the 1970's, and if Louis hadn't begged Armand to stay, he would have left Louis for Daniel then. By the end of season 2, I think Louis has it slightly wrong when he tells Daniel he was sired out of spite. We have to remember that Armand has never turned anyone before, and approaches everything with the utmost consideration, finding the best angle to most benefit himself. In the 1970's, he was ready to leave when he sensed Louis was trying to get back to Lestat. With the 2022 interview, I think he believes this is what is happening again. Why not make immortal the man who is so in tune with the current world, and is perhaps even more fascinating than Louis. In a very calculated effort, Armand himself has become *fascinating*.

[@maraaboul5966]

I need more people to watch iwtv it’s truly a masterpiece !

[@ariadne625]

Thank you. Your analysis helped me understand Armand's journey in Season 2. I'm excited for my next rewatch!!

[@photokunstler]

This is so so so well thought out and absolutely wonderful analysis of the series and book kudos you are very, very good

[@Seriesable]

Ohh thank you!! ❤️

[@mickey8503]

Fantastic video! Really cool to see the additional layers of the characters, I know I missed some of these on my first watch through

[@Hanayuni]

This is the very first video essay about this series that I'm being recommended. It was about DAMN time! I love IWTV so fucking much!

[@samf.s.7731]

This looks so good, NGL. I'm gonna watch it for sure. Update: Did, and it was delicious 😋 Amazing how with all the vampire craze of the late 2000s early 2010s this didn't get made... When every other product is, for all intents and purposes, inferior to it. The writing .. The references The actors.. 10/10.

[@en_fairytopia]

Wooow, such a great analysis! 💗💗

[@camillemayers103]

This is a beautifully astute analysis. Thank you.🎉

[@ohann4115]

great analysis video, I hope there will be more!

[@shadowoflotus]

I just discovered your channel and I am in awe of your work. Your attention to detail, your succinctness and the depth of your analysis is really impressive. Could you make more videos? Perhaps on movies or other series. Very impressive!

[@Seriesable]

thank you so much! i really appreciate it 😊 yes, i’m planning to make more videos and more often. it’s a bit tough because these take a long time just to research and write and i don’t want to put out basic level stuff just to publish something you know? plus i work full time and it’s a challenge but this sort of feedback definitely helps with motivation ❤️

[@medinamojo]

This was done so well, very well done

[@zorrokass3]

I hope you make a second video!! This one was brilliant

[@Buzz0Killington]

What a beautifully done analysis. Subscribed!

[@Seriesable]

Thank you 🙏

[@eivyu6527]

This was so incredibly well done and very comprehensive. Excellent analysis and great work 👏

[@mouse2390]

Thank you, thank you for such a thoughtful and refreshingly articulate take--I so wish there were more--and more like you.

[@annnie6133]

I loved your analysis!!!

[@imrunningsoda1350]

this is such a good video essay i love itttt

[@francis_nasct]

Just love the way you explained Armand

[@l.rhymes606]

incredible analysis!

[@parisamortazavi]

Can we say that the lengthy process of selling the Francis Bacon painting represent Armand and Louie's relationship? And when the painting was gone their relationship came to an end?

[@Dela-Sin]

Bravo👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 perfect break down

[@zorrokass3]

Fantastic! Please continue

[@mellymonty02]

Please more this is gorgeous if that’s the right thing to say I love this so much

[@rlunafernandez8951]

⚡️Excellent, brilliant analysis. Thank you. ✨

[@Yerrrsei]

Thank you for this! Haven’t been able to find any good content about the show. We’re two going on three seasons in and I feel like I’m alone in this!

[@lolabrognanolcswpmh-c4619]

I need one million more of these.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Great video please do a part 2

[@theresaluke6686]

This was 🤩 👏🏾!!! Thank you!

[@Sharon1701_]

Excellent! Please do another analysis. Keep it coming 😉

[@gorinito]

Great analysis! Maybe you can help me understand something that doesn't quite convince me for Armand's narrative: He was willing to sacrifice and kill Louis just because his coven was getting out of control, but why? At that time he already "owned" Louis and had his love, and Louis was happy that Claudia could find love. So why plot against Louis if he loved him that much? I mean, the coven really meant that much for him?

[@mstar303]

This was so good! Saw you are Italian. This discussion of relationships and time and memory has me thinking about My Brilliant Friend. Are you a fan? I would love to watch or read your thoughts on it! It’s another masterpiece not enough people have seen.

[@Seriesable]

I saw bits and pieces of my brilliant friend when it first aired on Italian TV, before it kind of exploded abroad. It was so hyped all the time here in Italy that I kind of lost interest if that makes sense? When something’s too pushed I often end up waiting for the popular wave to pass before giving it a chance 😅 I bought the book actually a few weeks ago though and plan to read it this summer and then watch the series so I will consider making a video if I feel I can add to the discussion for sure 😊 thank you for watching!!

[@mstar303]

@@Seriesable completely understand waiting until the hype dissipates. Given your gender and sexuality analysis in other essays, I will cross my fingers you feel drawn to share your thoughts at some point. To me, it is very rich for analysis. In English, the show doesn’t get much discussion in the usual TV criticism circles, and I’ve struggled to find much analysis in writing or video in English. Most American shows don’t engage with issues around labor, historical leftist movements, so I’ve been interested to find supplementary material to help understand the period the show covers in Italy especially as it relates to post-war Italy/organizing/leftist movements, which comes up more in the most recent season.

[@Seriesable]

Usual TV circles unfortunately only cover mainstream or trending stuff in a specific point in time because they are more likely to get views. On a way it’s a fault of the audience too because very few people are interested in serious commentary on things that may be less popular. So I’m loving this suggestion, will check it out soon 😊

[@whcares]

excellent analysis

[@leslust]

Great analysis ❤

[@jamiedoe6822]

Amazing review

[@pipersolanas3322]

Excellent!

[@rafaela00002]

Great analysis!! Really enjoyed the video! Only felt a bit sudden, idk if it's just me

[@kristyevangelista2659]

Really insightful and articulate essay, the best I’ve seen on IWTV. I admit, I struggled to understand Armand’s character, but your analysis really put it together for me. The video did feel like it ended very abruptly, though, it seemed like there was more to say?

[@Rhowski]

maybe i do want to watch the show after all

[@Seriesable]

you definitely should, darling ❤️

[@moniqueebrown1188]

It’s so good and an amazing complex take than the 90s/00 movies

[@HuntingViolets]

It’ll start on Netflix this month.

[@sleepyjoness]

It's so good. I love the books and the show blows me away.

[@Badwitchx1]

This is amazing, but I think it may have cut short. Please do a part 2!

[@Badwitchx1]

Like, I had to rewind at the end to make sure, it cuts off while you’re mid sentence 😢

[@Seriesable]

Thank you! Oh I had so many issues with this video and the outro ended up kind of meh 😅 But the best thing I’m going to take away from this is that you’ve watched till the end ❤️

[@Badwitchx1]

⁠@@Seriesableoh absolutely! Armand’s part about reintegrating the fractured aspects of the self after a trauma instead of denying or attempting to discard them was really thought provoking.

[@allydowning7697]

Love this analysis ❤

[@alicegrisolia9639]

Un video davvero molto interessante, è bello vedere altri fan italiani della serie

[@khusizwane7590]

Well-done really enjoyed this

[@shelby_wootang]

👏👏👏 great job! Thank you 🙏

[@brickstitch435]

Phenomenal essay❤

[@snehanjalim3926]

DO THIS MORE PLEASEEEEEEE

[@jackelinemercedesmartinezd4177]

This was amazing!

[@Jj-lg23]

This was truly fascinating. As someone who wants to write their dissertation thesis on IWTV could I please have a list of resources you used for this?

[@tjhouston1280]

The beginning was funny when you just cut to the explanation of the wall🤣

[@nativesun7661]

Where’s the rest?????? I need more of this

[@Mirraluvsu]

Heyyy!! I love your video essays and was wondering if you have the time 9r energy to do one, could you make one of the series Swarm by Donald Glover? I find it very interesting and haven't seen that many analysis on that show.

[@MAThompsonFrenk]

Very well done!

[@rezasaboori9429]

What a videoooo

[@kalypsodough]

Seriously where can I find more of this?? I need hours if you analysis

[@lafemme3081]

This is great