Dracula (1897) is one of the most commonly studied gothic novels and has been hugely ... more
influential through adaptations in fiction, on stage and in cinema. This book introduces its context, language, themes, criticism and afterlife, leading students to an understanding of the text.
Advantages: Dracula is a great novel and introduces a literary icon Disadvantages: the writing style is strange and makes the reading odd at times
Dracula in a similar manner to Frankenstein has become more famous than the original book through exposure in films, TV and popular literature. An example of this is the town of Whitby which is known for being the place Dracula landed despite Dracula being a literary creation by BramStoker.
So the basic story away from the image we all know of the cape, teeth, bats and impeccable upper class manners, Dracula is a man Jonathan Harker is asked to go to a castle in Transylvania (Romania) where he meets Count Dracula. The count is looking for a property in England and Harker has been asked by his English sponsors to act as a conduit between the firm and the Count.
The count of course lives in an antiquated castle, Harker becomes imprisoned and starts to become worried about the counts nocturnal activities and the disappearances ...
Advantages: Style, chilling, faithful to original novel. Disadvantages: The bat costume.
What first strikes you about this movie is it incredible level of style. The whole film takes on an eerie, seductive feeling that can only be likened to that of Dracula himself.
You know that this is sticking closely to the original premise set out in the novel even if like myself you've never read it. The most notable chilling moments are those when the count's shadow appears to be following Dracula. The effect is done with such subtlety that you can't quite be sure whether or not it was just your imagination.
The cast is superb with strong performance by all especially Gary Oldman as Dracula.
My only criticism is of a scene towards the end of the film involving a rather laughable bat costume but this is a small flaw in a work of immeasurable genius. ...
This is the best vampire/Dracula film that I have watched.
Gary Oldman plays an excellent Dracula and Winona Ryder is, as always, brilliant.
I did also notice that the costumes were really good in this film, but that maybe a typical woman's point of view!
Although it is quite a long film I can't think of any bits that are boring. The storyline is steady all the way through. Even Keanu Reeves, who usually really annoys me, is good.
This film is not to be missed, even if you don't like horror films, a classic! I have watched it loads of times and I'm still not bored of it. ...
Count Dracula reunites with his soul mate, Mina, after four centuries. Mina's friend Lucy succumbs to the deadly bite of Dracula while Renfield, locked in an asylum, eagerly waits for his master's return. Mina's fiance, Jonathan Harker, with the help of the eccentric Professor Van Helsing, attempts to save Mina's life and soul before she can become Dracula's eternal bride.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Languages
Main Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Introduction by Francis Coppola, Full-length director's audio commentary, Making of Dracula, Design featurette, Visual effects featurette, Deleted scenes
Aspect Ratio
1.85 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
DVD Description
A seductive retelling of the legendary tale, BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA is Francis Ford Coppola's opulent, erotic, blood-filled feast. Count Dracula (played with irresistible intensity by Gary Oldman) reunites with his soul mate, Mina (Winona Ryder), after four centuries. Mina's friend Lucy (Sadie Frost) succumbs to the deadly bite of Dracula while Renfield (Tom Waits), locked in an asylum, eagerly waits for his master's return. Mina's fiance, Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves), with the help of the eccentric Professor Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins), attempts to save Mina's life and soul before she can become Dracula's eternal bride.
After Dracula attacks Mina’s friend Lucy (Sadie Frost), Dr. Jack Seward (Richard E. Grant) calls in the legendary Professor Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins) to cure Lucy’s "disease of the blood." Jonathan escapes from the castle and he and Mina are married while Lucy dies and is resurrected as a vampire. When Dracula appears to Mina in her sleep, she declares her undying love for him. Professor Van Helsing, Jack Seward, and Lucy’s fiancé, Arthur Holmwood (Cary Elwes), join Jonathan and travel to Transylvania to destroy Dracula, but Mina tries to save her tortured lover.
Musician Tom Waits appears in the film as Renfield, a Victorian lunatic singing the praises of Dracula. Ornate costume design and lighting awash in shades of blood make this film a seductive and scary must-see. In his version of the oft-told tale, Francis Ford Coppola takes Bram Stoker's archetypical horror story and accentuates the romantic angle. Blood still flows in large amounts, and Coppola opted to do all the eye-pleasing visual effects in-camera, utilizing shadow puppets, smoke, miniatures, and other time-honoured tricks of the trade--creating a visual style not unlike that of a storybook come to life.
Compare Bram Stoker's Dracula (Deluxe Edition) (DVD) to other similar Horror »
