RE-VAMPING

The tragic death of River Phoenix has brought about a scramble in Hollywood. Within days of his Oct. 31 collapse outside Johnny Depp's Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard, agents were on the phone with the producers of Interview With the Vampire, suggesting clients who could take Phoenix's role as the interviewer in the Tom Cruise movie. According to an industry source, leading contenders for the part now include Stephen Dorff (The Power of One), Christian Slater (True Romance), and Leonardo DiCaprio (This Boy's Life). ''It was a delicate dance,'' says an agent who made a call (though not on behalf of any of these actors). ''It was, you know, 'We're really heartbroken, and by the way we have someone who would be perfect for the part.''' A final decision is expected from director Neil Jordan at press time. -Jeffrey Wells