The vampires in 30 Days of Night speak a completely original language that was created specifically for the film. It is not based on any existing human language.
The Creation of the Vampire Language
To ensure authenticity and enhance the unsettling nature of the vampires, the filmmakers commissioned the development of a unique linguistic system.
Here are some key details about its creation:
- Purpose-Built: The language was designed from the ground up to be used exclusively by the vampires in the movie. This helped to emphasize their alien and predatory characteristics, making them feel more distinct and terrifying to the audience.
- Expert Assistance: A linguistics professor at a New Zealand university was instrumental in its construction, lending academic rigor to the fictional language's development. This collaboration ensured a structured and believable sound for the vampire dialogue.
- Film Origin: Although 30 Days of Night is widely known as a comic book series, its creator, Steve Niles, originally conceived the story as a film. After years of studio rejections, it was adapted into a comic. When it eventually made its way to the big screen, the decision was made to give the vampires their own unique form of communication, reinforcing their ancient and otherworldly presence.
This bespoke language contributes significantly to the eerie atmosphere of the film, setting the vampires apart as truly non-human antagonists.
