A Great Revival

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2005)

Bram Stoker's Dracula is one of those movies I simply must recommend. The film is different in many respects to former iterations of the novel. Instead of sticking with the horror formula, director Francis Coppola has intertwined the recipe with that of a tragic love story. This new direction adds much needed life to the overused story and reinvigorates it. From the beginning of the film the tone is dark and foreboding, relying on shadows, and dark colors. The art direction is spectacular, with mouth dropping sets, lighting, and backdrops. One of the first scenes which Dracula (Gary Oldman) is introduced to Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves), the foreshadowing of Dracula's true intent and personality come to life with his shadow, seeming to defy any natural law, leaves his body to commit horrific acts in the background. The story is superbly told through narration and the eyes of several main characters: Dracula (Gary Oldman), Dr. Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins), and Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves). This is also one of the only letdowns of the movie. The acting throughout the film is almost laughable. Keanu Reeves plays one of the most uninspired and ill-rehearsed characters I have ever seen. Winona Ryder as Mina Murray does not help out either. In her attempt to display affection for Jonathan Harker, she comes off as prudish. Gary Oldman's attempt as Dracula is admirable although long winded; the only person seeming to be a real actor and strong character in the film is Anthony Hopkins, as Dr. Van Helsing. Although for the acting, which is dismissible due to everything else shining of creativity and originality, the film is fantastic. Bram Stock's Dracula takes views of previous versions and adds to them brilliantly. I consider this film a must see for anyone remotely interested in the genre.