Logan Sork Film Reviews
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Dracula is among one of the most iconic movie monsters of all time. First appearing in Bram Stoker’s 1897 gothic novel Dracula, the character has gone through several iterations on the big screen, including Bella Lugosi’s iconic version in the original Universal Monsters films in the 1930’s. There is one iteration however, that I believe to be the best iteration and is criminally underrated. The one I’m referring to is the 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This film is not only grand in its sets costumes and actors but adds a layer to Dracula that makes him walk a fine line between man and monster, which is something other films based on the classic character have struggled to do.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula is directed by Francis Ford Coppola and stars Gary Oldman, Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder and Anthony Hopkins. We learn that Dracula (Oldman) was once the ruler of Transylvania became the vampire creature after he cursed god for the death of his loved one. Hundreds of years later, Jonathan Harker (Reeves) travels to Transylvania to meet with the count about some properties he had in London. During his stay, Dracula learns that Harker’s fiancée Mina (Ryder) is the reincarnation of his lost love. Harker manages to escape the castle after an attempt on his life, but Dracula follows him to London to reclaim his lost love. Meanwhile, Dr. Abraham Van Helsing (Hopkins) works to track down the vampire and put an end to his evil once and for all.
What makes this version of Dracula stand high above other versions was be how human it made him seem. I most other iterations, Dracula was nothing more that a blood sucking vampire whose sole motivation was to feed on the innocent and spread his curse to others. This is true for this version as well, but a layer of humanity is added with the inclusion of the sub plot involving the death of his wife. With this addition, we have an understanding as to why he became a vampire in the first place and adds some duality to the character. There are times in the film where Dracula struggles to maintain his humanity, before ultimately giving in to the animalistic nature that has beset him. This version of Dracula is tragic and is much more interesting because of it.
Gary Oldman also deserves credit for giving the performance of a life time in this film. This is truly one of the greatest performances that has ever been put to screen. Oldman manages to make Dracula a horrific monster and a sympathetic man and is able to switch between the two personas in mere seconds without skipping a beat. While Oldman steals the show, the rest of the cast is also great. Both Hopkins and Ryder are excellent in their respective roles and express both sides of Dracula’s character. Hopkins wants to destroy the creature, while Ryder falls in love with the exotic count. The only one who sticks out like a sore thumb is Keanu Reeves. Reeves is painfully miscast as Harker and comes across as a bland cutout (especially in his scenes with Oldman). Add to that one of the worst British accents ever, and you have yourself with a horrible performance in an otherwise great cast.
The film also looks amazing, with gothic sets looming over the characters creating a fantastic atmosphere. The costumes are also excellent, helping to exaggerate a certain character’s attributes without overshadowing the actor’s performances. While most of the other technical elements are excellent, there are some effects that feel quite out of date and don’t really fit right with the rest of the film.
For the most part, the story is also very good. Part gothic horror part romance, Coppola does an excellent job of presenting a tragic love story while also not skipping out on any of the monstrous imagery that the character is known for. There is however a section of the film involving Mina and Johnathan’s love life that slows down what is an otherwise excellent story.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula is not a perfect film. There are a couple of effects that feel out of place, one particularly bad performance and a couple points where the pacing feels slow. Aside from those problems however, this film is terrific. With a great emotional core, beautiful sets and costumes and a fantastic performance by Gary Oldman, this is easily one of the best Dracula films ever made.
8.5/10