The original “What We Do in the Shadows” short film provides a hilariously mundane window into the secret lives of vampires, revealing that even immortal bloodsuckers struggle with roommate squabbles, domestic chores, and the ever-present social awkwardness of being undead. More than just a comedy sketch, it establishes the core comedic principles – deadpan delivery, mockumentary style, and absurd situations rooted in ordinary life – that would define the later feature film and television series.
The Undead Underbelly: Understanding the Short Film’s Impact
The original “What We Do in the Shadows,” created by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, is more than just a precursor to the beloved feature film and television series. It’s a masterclass in comedic minimalism, showcasing the brilliance of taking a fantastical premise – vampires living in a Wellington, New Zealand flat – and grounding it in the everyday realities of mundane existence. This short film, often overlooked in the larger franchise landscape, is the comedic bedrock upon which the entire “Shadows” universe is built. Its impact lies not just in introducing the core characters and mockumentary format, but in establishing the enduring themes of loneliness, social awkwardness, and the struggle to adapt to modern life – all while drinking blood.
The short film meticulously crafts a satirical portrait of vampire life. We see Viago, a dapper but insecure vampire, attempting to organize a flat meeting. Vladislav, the ancient and formidable vampire, complains about his eternal feud with “the Beast.” Deacon, the rebellious young vampire, is reluctant to do his share of the dishes. These are not the glamorous, powerful creatures of gothic literature; they are flawed, bickering roommates dealing with the same issues as any ordinary flatshare. This contrast is where the film’s humor truly shines.
Furthermore, the mockumentary style, pioneered in the short, allows for direct engagement with the audience. The vampires speak directly to the camera, sharing their thoughts and frustrations. This intimacy creates a sense of complicity, inviting the viewer to laugh along with their ridiculous predicaments. The seemingly unscripted moments, often involving awkward pauses or bewildered expressions, contribute to the film’s authenticity and comedic timing. The handheld camerawork and grainy visuals further enhance this sense of realism, making the fantastical seem strangely believable.
The legacy of the short film extends far beyond its runtime. It established the core comedic DNA that would be amplified in the feature film and television series. The blend of horror and humor, the emphasis on character-driven comedy, and the mockumentary format all trace their origins back to this foundational piece. Without the short, the larger “Shadows” universe simply wouldn’t exist in its current, hilarious form. It’s a testament to the power of concise storytelling and comedic innovation, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the biggest impact.
Delving Deeper: Your “What We Do in the Shadows” Short Film FAQs
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the original short film.
What is the core comedic concept of the short film?
The core comedic concept lies in the juxtaposition of the supernatural and the mundane. Vampires, traditionally figures of fear and power, are portrayed as ordinary roommates struggling with everyday problems like chores, bills, and social anxieties. This contrast between expectation and reality creates a constant stream of humorous situations.
How does the mockumentary style contribute to the humor?
The mockumentary style allows the characters to directly address the audience, creating a sense of intimacy and complicity. Their deadpan delivery, awkward pauses, and bewildered expressions, often captured through shaky camera work, enhance the film’s authenticity and comedic timing. It makes the fantastical seem strangely believable, amplifying the humor.
Who are the main characters featured in the short film?
The short film features three main vampire characters: Viago (played by Taika Waititi), an overly polite and well-meaning vampire; Vladislav (played by Jemaine Clement), an ancient and formidable vampire haunted by his past; and Deacon (played by Jonathan Brugh), a rebellious young vampire with a penchant for mess and a general disregard for chores.
How does the short film portray vampire stereotypes?
The short film both embraces and subverts vampire stereotypes. While the vampires possess traditional abilities like flying, hypnosis, and drinking blood, they are also portrayed as being inept, socially awkward, and often more pathetic than menacing. This playful deconstruction of vampire lore is a key element of the film’s humor.
What are some of the key plot points or scenes in the short film?
Key scenes include Viago’s attempts to organize a flat meeting, Vladislav’s recounting of his past failures, Deacon’s refusal to do the dishes, and the vampires’ awkward attempts to navigate modern social situations. A particularly memorable scene involves Vladislav discussing his long-standing feud with “the Beast.”
How does the short film establish the themes that are explored in the later feature film and television series?
The short film establishes several key themes that are later explored in greater depth, including loneliness, social awkwardness, the struggle to adapt to modern life, and the importance of friendship (however dysfunctional). It also introduces the idea that even immortal creatures have mundane problems and relatable anxieties.
How long is the original “What We Do in the Shadows” short film?
The original “What We Do in the Shadows” short film has a runtime of approximately 28 minutes.
Is the short film widely available for viewing?
The short film is not as widely available as the feature film or television series. However, it can often be found online through various streaming platforms, video-sharing sites, or through physical media collections of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s work.
How does the short film compare to the feature film in terms of style and humor?
The short film shares the same core style and humor as the feature film, but on a smaller scale. Both utilize the mockumentary format, deadpan delivery, and absurd situations to create comedic moments. However, the feature film benefits from a larger budget and a more expansive narrative, allowing for greater character development and more elaborate set pieces. The short film maintains a raw, almost DIY aesthetic, which contributes to its charm.
What is the significance of the short film being set in Wellington, New Zealand?
Setting the film in Wellington, New Zealand, contributes to its unique comedic sensibility. The ordinary, unassuming backdrop contrasts sharply with the fantastical subject matter, further enhancing the humor. It also allows for the incorporation of local cultural references and colloquialisms, adding to the film’s authenticity.
Did the actors improvise during the filming of the short film?
Improvisation played a significant role in the filming of the short film. Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi are known for encouraging improvisation on set, allowing the actors to explore their characters and find unexpected comedic moments. This improvisational approach contributes to the film’s naturalistic feel and adds to its comedic spontaneity.
What is the overall legacy of the “What We Do in the Shadows” short film?
The overall legacy of the “What We Do in the Shadows” short film is that of a comedic gem that laid the foundation for a larger and much-loved franchise. It proved the power of simple ideas, clever writing, and strong character development. Its influence can be seen in numerous other mockumentary-style comedies, and it remains a testament to the comedic genius of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. It demonstrated that vampires, like us, just want to be loved (and maybe have someone else do the dishes).