We All Have a Choice
Figure III
"Lord, Almighty."
-Lionel "Elvis" Cormac
One of the most universal themes in literature is the choice between good and evil. This is applicable through nearly all critical theories; such as the "good" of the worker versus the "evil" of the bourgeoisie in Marxist method, the oppressors versus the oppressed, or even man versus nature (though the good/bad view is more flexible). The list could go on, but religion brings the idea of good and evil to the stage dressed up in neon lights.
One of the things I have personally enjoyed about learning critical methods is the scope it opens one's mind to. It was only after re-watching Daybreakers in preparation for this project that I saw the religious overtones--which were so obvious I can not believe I saw them before!
Yet another one of the overall themes of the movie is The Choice. The ultimate choice of morality that is asked of every man or woman and could define the individual.
What is left of humanity is the representation of "good". The human resistance pockets show a great deal of admirable traits to suggest this. They show charity and kindness to their fellow man, live more harmoniously with nature (as will be expanded on later in Eco theory), and most importantly they resist the temptation that is personified by vampirism. Meanwhile "evil" is represented by the vampires in their selfish nature, violent tendancies, and unlimited self indulgence. Even visually the two factions are identified. Scenes revolving around the human cast have a warm golden color tone suggesting the sunlight and purity. Even during a scene that took place at night in the vineyard, the light inside made it look like it could have been the noonday sun. Scenes that are set in the vampire reference are all dark tones and cold atmosphere suggesting that the vampires live outside of the embrace of the light. The atmosphere will be further examined within the page on eco-criticism.
The idea of good and evil and the relation to theology can is not simply a general message as we can see certain religious roles being fulfilled in characters. Specifically Elvis, Ed, and Mr. Bromley.
Lionel "Elvis" Cormac
Figure V
"From ashes springs new life."
- Quote on Elvis's Car
Elvis acts in the role of a messiah. He is not exactly the "embodiment of good" but he is the vessel in which the good agenda is moved forward. We see this idea repeated in many ways from the moment he is first introduced. Initially, he sends for Ed, extending the hand of the light as it were and his first appearance on screen he is bathed in golden light resting under the only tree in view. It is a metaphoric tree of life he picks as a safe haven. The tree even serves Ed positively, sheltering him long enough to meet with Elvis.
Elvis literally came back to life in what could be called a miracle. The sun bathed him and banished the taint of the vampire from his person before he fell and was baptized in the lake. Like Jesus, he emerged from a cave (technically, it was a tunnel but the effect on screen was the same) and strode out into the sunlight, reborn.
Throughout the movie, Elvis acts as a prophet. He is the only character to reference a higher power in the movie, breathing "Lord Almighty" when Edward is saved. It is true that all of his quotes may not be as holy as one would expect in the vessel of the light; "Living in a world where vampires are the dominant species is about as safe as bare backing a 5 dollar whore," but I believe that this only added a likable charm to the character. Additionally, this made more inspirational quotes such as: "...Truth is like the sun, you can shut it out but it will never go away," all the more poignant. He is the best sort of character to fulfill a messiah role. He does not know his importance but he is the quiet (most of the time) hand behind the actions, like a watchful shepherd.
Even the body of Elvis proves to be a holy artifact in itself. Like Catholics imbibe the blood and body of Christ, it is when Frankie attacks Elvis in a bloodlust that the easily transmittable cure is discovered. But drinking Elvis's blood does more than cure Frankie of the vampire disease, it is the final step in redeeming him of his sins. Shortly after, Frankie sacrifices himself to save his brother and Audrey. He does not die guns blazing as would have been true to his character at this point, but opens his arms to his brothers and pleads for reason. When he is shown dead after the attack, he lays on the ground with his arms open in a vague crucified pose. Through Elvis he was redeemed and allowed a sort of martyred saint's death.
- Quote on Elvis's Car
Elvis acts in the role of a messiah. He is not exactly the "embodiment of good" but he is the vessel in which the good agenda is moved forward. We see this idea repeated in many ways from the moment he is first introduced. Initially, he sends for Ed, extending the hand of the light as it were and his first appearance on screen he is bathed in golden light resting under the only tree in view. It is a metaphoric tree of life he picks as a safe haven. The tree even serves Ed positively, sheltering him long enough to meet with Elvis.
Elvis literally came back to life in what could be called a miracle. The sun bathed him and banished the taint of the vampire from his person before he fell and was baptized in the lake. Like Jesus, he emerged from a cave (technically, it was a tunnel but the effect on screen was the same) and strode out into the sunlight, reborn.
Throughout the movie, Elvis acts as a prophet. He is the only character to reference a higher power in the movie, breathing "Lord Almighty" when Edward is saved. It is true that all of his quotes may not be as holy as one would expect in the vessel of the light; "Living in a world where vampires are the dominant species is about as safe as bare backing a 5 dollar whore," but I believe that this only added a likable charm to the character. Additionally, this made more inspirational quotes such as: "...Truth is like the sun, you can shut it out but it will never go away," all the more poignant. He is the best sort of character to fulfill a messiah role. He does not know his importance but he is the quiet (most of the time) hand behind the actions, like a watchful shepherd.
Even the body of Elvis proves to be a holy artifact in itself. Like Catholics imbibe the blood and body of Christ, it is when Frankie attacks Elvis in a bloodlust that the easily transmittable cure is discovered. But drinking Elvis's blood does more than cure Frankie of the vampire disease, it is the final step in redeeming him of his sins. Shortly after, Frankie sacrifices himself to save his brother and Audrey. He does not die guns blazing as would have been true to his character at this point, but opens his arms to his brothers and pleads for reason. When he is shown dead after the attack, he lays on the ground with his arms open in a vague crucified pose. Through Elvis he was redeemed and allowed a sort of martyred saint's death.
Long before Elvis is shown on screen, the opening credits relate him (as Willem Dafoe) to a cathedral and a brilliant glow of sunlight.
Charles Bromley
Figure VII
"I was never very good at being human, Sir."
-Frankie Dalton
Where Elvis is the guiding hand of the light, Charles Bromley is the embodiment of the devil. From the Marxist chapter, we already know him as the corrupted head of big business. Tying such a man to imagery that would relate him to the devil sends a clear message of the film's stance on his ruthless capitalism.
Charles Bromley is the anti Elvis. Elvis is human, morally driven, and working class while Mr. Bromley is vampire, morally bankrupt, and a member of the bourgeoisie. As the owner of the Bromley Marks pharmaceutical company, he is one of the most powerful people on the planet. His company harvests blood from humans and holds the key to sustaining the populace. His position seems to come complete with control over the army which he uses to his personal ends. The film uses imagery to make him further menacing. In his every shot there is always a spot of red in all the darkness, whether it is in the blood he drinks or on the assistance that he treats with the same consideration as a garage door opener. Additionally he is always depicted as looming over those that are 'beneath' him.
Through the course of the movie the audience sees Mr. Bromley slowly be revealed for what he really is. At first, he could be excused as a business minded man. He makes it clear to Ed that he still plans to harvest humans after the substitute is finished but he rationalizes this by telling Ed if he did not, another company would. However, it is this conversation that leads Ed to seek out Elvis. Mr. Bromley quickly escalates from questionable businessman to downright fiend. When he finds that Ed is beyond bribery he resorts to using Ed's own brother, Frankie, to hunt him down and kidnapping Audrey. His last redeemable trait--the love for his daughter, Allison--is shattered when he orders Frankie to rape Allison of her humanity and change her against her will. When Ed meets with him again in the climax of the movie, Mr. Bromley is the clear embodiment of evil and has already crucified Audrey in his office. He taunts the now human Ed while he sips Audrey's life away from a fine wineglass.
Charles Bromley meets his downfall befitting the Morningstar-by pride. His pride injured, angrily consumes the goodness (humanity) from Ed's veins in an attempt to consume him completely. The change back to human that wrecks his body more so than any of the other vampire to human transformations on screen thus far. Mortal and vulnerable, Ed leaves him for all the starving soldiers to feast from. The very same soldiers Mr. Bromley had been using as his iron fist devour him. Evil destroys itself.
It is important to note that the transformation back to human was a sign of redemption in all other cases. First Elvis, then Ed, and then Frankie. Even though Frankie's redemption happened after attacking Elvis, it was an act of starvation outside of his control. Allison's execution had already caused the soldier had to turn away from Mr. Bromley as we see him standing alone in a aura of the golden light at the end of that scene. Becoming human does not redeem Mr. Bromley because it was a product of him actively seeking to destroy another. Mr. Bromley is incapable of being saved which is untrue for everyone else and the only being that should be without the chance of being saved would be the devil himself.
-Frankie Dalton
Where Elvis is the guiding hand of the light, Charles Bromley is the embodiment of the devil. From the Marxist chapter, we already know him as the corrupted head of big business. Tying such a man to imagery that would relate him to the devil sends a clear message of the film's stance on his ruthless capitalism.
Charles Bromley is the anti Elvis. Elvis is human, morally driven, and working class while Mr. Bromley is vampire, morally bankrupt, and a member of the bourgeoisie. As the owner of the Bromley Marks pharmaceutical company, he is one of the most powerful people on the planet. His company harvests blood from humans and holds the key to sustaining the populace. His position seems to come complete with control over the army which he uses to his personal ends. The film uses imagery to make him further menacing. In his every shot there is always a spot of red in all the darkness, whether it is in the blood he drinks or on the assistance that he treats with the same consideration as a garage door opener. Additionally he is always depicted as looming over those that are 'beneath' him.
Through the course of the movie the audience sees Mr. Bromley slowly be revealed for what he really is. At first, he could be excused as a business minded man. He makes it clear to Ed that he still plans to harvest humans after the substitute is finished but he rationalizes this by telling Ed if he did not, another company would. However, it is this conversation that leads Ed to seek out Elvis. Mr. Bromley quickly escalates from questionable businessman to downright fiend. When he finds that Ed is beyond bribery he resorts to using Ed's own brother, Frankie, to hunt him down and kidnapping Audrey. His last redeemable trait--the love for his daughter, Allison--is shattered when he orders Frankie to rape Allison of her humanity and change her against her will. When Ed meets with him again in the climax of the movie, Mr. Bromley is the clear embodiment of evil and has already crucified Audrey in his office. He taunts the now human Ed while he sips Audrey's life away from a fine wineglass.
Charles Bromley meets his downfall befitting the Morningstar-by pride. His pride injured, angrily consumes the goodness (humanity) from Ed's veins in an attempt to consume him completely. The change back to human that wrecks his body more so than any of the other vampire to human transformations on screen thus far. Mortal and vulnerable, Ed leaves him for all the starving soldiers to feast from. The very same soldiers Mr. Bromley had been using as his iron fist devour him. Evil destroys itself.
It is important to note that the transformation back to human was a sign of redemption in all other cases. First Elvis, then Ed, and then Frankie. Even though Frankie's redemption happened after attacking Elvis, it was an act of starvation outside of his control. Allison's execution had already caused the soldier had to turn away from Mr. Bromley as we see him standing alone in a aura of the golden light at the end of that scene. Becoming human does not redeem Mr. Bromley because it was a product of him actively seeking to destroy another. Mr. Bromley is incapable of being saved which is untrue for everyone else and the only being that should be without the chance of being saved would be the devil himself.
Dr. Edward Dalton
"I can't even remember what it's like to be human."
-Edward Dalton Edward's role in the movie to be symbolic of us as the viewer. He is the man who must make the choice between good and evil when both are vying for his soul as the viewer must. Ed is the only character in the story that has the unique trait of being courted by both sides and thus the choice he makes is really the most important out of all of the other characters. As one can see from figures VIII and IX, both the light and dark attempt to influence Ed but ultimately he willingly bows to the goodness in the light. He already had a positive moral compass just like the viewer. The film assumes that the audience, for the most part, wants to do the right thing but sometimes it is not a clear or easy path. From the very beginning Ed is bothered by the harvesting, denies himself human blood, and is fighting for the cure to what he knows is wrong. However it is not been an easy path to walk for the past ten years, he does work for the company he disagrees with after all. He, like the viewer, needs guidance to move from knowing what is right and wrong to actually finding the path to right. Even after he is saved, Ed makes mistakes. He cannot be absolute good because absolute good is not possible for the viewer. It is forgivable for him to sin (such as feeding Mr. Bromley to his soldiers) because it is forgivable for the viewer to sin as well. It is what one does in the larger picture that is important and the movie ends not only with Ed moving into the light but encouraging the rest of the world to follow him. |
Audrey and Frankie are the next canadiates to be concidered as the role of the viewer however both have the flaw of being exposed to one side.
Audrey is human and while she acts as a maternal figure to the other humans on the run, this is not pure goodness because it was never tested. She was never a vampire and thus never had to make a conscious choice. One could argue that her conscious choice was never to be infected at all but it is more luck than her choice that keeps this from happening. Frankie weighs in on the opposite side of the scale. He relished in vampirism and his duties under Bromley's command. "I was never very good at being human, sir" is a defining quote for the character that hints that he had some difficulties in his previous life. He is purified by Elvis and redeemed by sacrificing himself but his transformation was an accident and not a conscious choice like his brother. |