Rice expressed her disappointment in the film's portrayal of certain characters, particularly Akasha and Maharet. She felt that the movie simplified the complex character dynamics and motivations of these ancient vampires. Additionally, Rice took issue with the film's ending, which she believed missed the essence and power of the novel's conclusion.
Despite these criticisms, Rice did acknowledge the positive elements of the movie. She commended Townsend's performance and the chemistry between him and actress Aaliyah, who played the vampire queen Akasha. She also praised the film's visuals and atmosphere, which she thought effectively captured the Gothic, sensual nature of her vampire world.
Overall, while Anne Rice had reservations about the "Queen of the Damned" movie, she still recognized the effort and talent put into the production. Ultimately, she understood that adapting a literary work into a film inevitably requires certain creative adjustments and compromises.