But a funny thing happened around 40 minutes into DreadClub: Vampire’s Verdict. This is, roughly, the start of Betty and Duchamps getting to know each other better. From here until the end, which is absolutely terrific, things become quite gripping. The last half of the film is not just absorbing, but it also engages all watching in a way the first half does not. Audiences will be rooting for Betty and Duchamps to wind up happy, whatever that means for them. A very emotional courtroom speech fully engages and invests viewers.
Hooroo calls the differing character animation styles “Jojo” and “Ghibli.” The “Jojo” look, representing sin, is characterized by its bold and dynamic style, while the “Ghibli” design, embodying innocence, is a softer and more whimsical aesthetic. Due to the initial confusion over who the characters are and what they want, this distinction is not immediately clear. However, as the plot unfolds, the role of the animation in conveying the moral standing of each character becomes apparent. After the biggest reveal, which is truly shocking and original, the shift in style becomes even more imperative to understand everyone’s motivations.
“…quite striking.”
Beyond the styles, the animation of DreadClub: Vampire’s Verdict is quite striking. The black-and-white coloring gives everything a melancholic vibe. The backgrounds are highly detailed and bring this unique world to life. The eye movements are natural, allowing the characters to feel as lifelike as possible. The lip movements range from very fluid to distractingly odd. In the slower scenes, or when just one person monologues for a bit, their mouths move believably. But on occasion, the lip movements seem to be cheaply superimposed Synchro-Vox.
For an A.I.-fueled project, the voice acting is not just strong, it’s remarkably impressive. This is the most consistently impressive technical aspect. No one sounds like a monotone robot, and there are no awkward pauses or wooden deliveries. Each person has a very distinct voice that sounds genuine to how they look and their personalities. The character of Triswald has an incredibly fantastic voice that really matches his sniveling attitude. Betty’s exasperation with her students comes through as she humorously pleads with them to study and do their work. The quality of the voice acting will impress and satisfy everyone.
DreadClub: Vampire’s Verdict is fascinating yet flawed. Jackson keeps the plot moving briskly but rushes through character introductions. The narrative is genuinely intriguing, though it takes a fair bit to make heads or tails out of it. The animation is remarkable, especially the richly detailed backgrounds, though the lip movements are uneven at times. This is an intriguing first step into the potential of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. More importantly, it highlights Jackson as a talented filmmaker with style.
"…the first ever A.I. anime..."
