Jerry Dandridge told Peter Vincent he had to have faith for that (holding the cross up to him) to work on him. What did you make of that statement? Mr Vincent looked confident to me when he first tried it. Only to have the vampire grab it with his hand and crush it after letting out a loud laugh lol.
shareMaybe as an actor Vincent was faking it and Dandridge realised when it didn't effect him (love how these films just reinvent the lore to suit themselves, btw!).
shareMr. Vincent didn't actually believe in vampire lore, and it was all new to him to see the reality of vampires existing. He was just an actor who did all that stuff to rise to fame.
shareThe cross itself is just an object. There is nothing holy about it. Its the Faith in Jesus Christ that gives that cross any kind of meaning. So Peter Vincent knew that holding up a cross would repel the vampire, but he didnt have real faith in God, thats why it didnt work. But Charlie really did have faith in God and thats why his holding of the cross worked.
This happening in the movie tells the audience that vampirism has some kind of demonic connection without having to go into anymore detail. As Jesus Christ let us all know that we can exorcise demons simply by calling upon his name for help.
The movie gives us enough to think about yet doesnt over-explain. It rides the perfect line of awe and intrigue.