Watch Vampira and Me

Vampira and Me is an insightful, touching and insightful documentary that explores the life and career of the iconic Maila Nurmi, better known as 'Vampira'. Directed by R.H. Greene, the film comprises of intimate interviews with Nurmi, as well as a wealth of archive footage, photographs and stories from those who knew the actress well.

Nurmi began her career as a model and television personality in the 1950s, and quickly made a name for herself as a gothic icon with her portrayal of Vampira, a horror hostess character based on Morticia Addams of The Addams Family. She quickly gained a massive following thanks to her unique blend of wit, charm and gothic glamour, and even received her own show at one point. However, despite her success, Nurmi remained an enigma, and many of her fans knew little about her beyond her onscreen persona.

With Vampira and Me, R.H. Greene shines a light on Nurmi's fascinating life story, from her early years in Finland to her rise to fame in America. Through a series of candid interviews, Nurmi discusses her experiences with fame and her struggle to maintain her public image, as well as the challenges she faced in her personal life, such as her addiction to prescription drugs and her difficult relationships with men.

The film also features interviews with several of Nurmi's friends and colleagues, including actress Gloria Pall, who worked with Nurmi on the film Plan 9 from Outer Space, and who speaks candidly about Nurmi's integrity and passion for her work. Ray Greene, who co-produced and directed the film, also appears, sharing his own personal connection to Nurmi and his admiration for her strength and resilience.

One of the standout features of Vampira and Me is its focus on Nurmi's artistic achievements, particularly her contributions to the gothic and punk subcultures. The film highlights her influence on various artists and musicians, including punk icon Alice Bag, who speaks about the impact Nurmi had on her own career. Additionally, the film includes footage of Nurmi's various collaborations with artists and photographers, showcasing her unique aesthetic and creative vision.

While the film certainly celebrates Nurmi's life and career, it does not shy away from the darker aspects of her story. Vampira and Me is an honest and often heartbreaking look at the toll that fame and addiction can take on a person, and it offers a nuanced portrait of Nurmi that goes beyond her public persona. At the same time, however, the film is ultimately a celebration of Nurmi's spirit and resilience, and a testament to the lasting impact she had on popular culture.

Overall, Vampira and Me is a must-see for fans of Maila Nurmi, as well as anyone interested in the history of gothic and punk culture. It is a heartfelt and illuminating tribute to a truly unique and unforgettable artist, and a moving reminder of the power of individuality and self-expression.

Vampira and Me is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.