This movie was a cinematic experience for the first timer for vampire movies. I must preface my comments with the fact I didn't read any of Anne Rice's material at all. I went in without an opinion of how the character Lastat would be portrayed on stage and by what preconcieved idea one would have to fill in such a idealogical version of said actor who could only represent the character of Lastat in his purist, antagonistic form. That being said. From having nothing to influence my judgement on the actors portrayl of a character, I thought Tom Cruise did a superb job on his character. So much so, that to even have the thought of another play Lastat would be a diservice to the character Lastat. Tom Cruise was the perfect choice from the word go.