Mutilated adaptation of a literary classic

Rating: 4/10 (2 February 2008)

Well, what can one say about this butchering of a literary classic? It is not often that I feel compelled to comment on a movie, but in this case I couldn't stop myself. While the average movie goer who hasn't read the novel may find this movie to be entertaining (fair enough, as the acting and production values are all decent), anyone who has read the novel will be appalled. Now I don't believe a movie adaptation should follow its source verbatim, it should at least maintain its spirit and focus.
Firstly, the focus. As many on here have already stated, the novel depicts the human struggle against the supernatural Dracula, the movie has invented a "timeless" love between Mina and Dracula. This is bad for two reasons, firstly it destroys the real timeless love between Jonathon Harker and Mina that was fundamental to the ultimate victory against Dracula. Secondly, it humanises Dracula and tries to excuse his fall into damnation because of love as well as inventing Mina as the reincarnation of Dracula's dead bride.
Next, the characters have all been distorted beyond recognition. Lucy has been turned from a classy, lovely lady whom one could believe that three distinguished gentlemen such as John, Quincy and Arthur could all fall in love with, into a trollop and whore whom repels whenever she opens her mouth. Mina I have already mentioned, but when in the movie she openly volunteers to become a vampire and drink Dracula's blood, I wanted her to be slaughtered with him and get what she deserved (although I knew this wouldn't happen). The other characters, most notably John Seward have been stripped to bit part roles in order to support our timeless romance. If I was Harker, I would be getting a divorce quick smart.
The ending of the movie was most painful. The hackneyed chase scene (understandable for entertainment purposes), Quincy's death was handled without the dignity the character deserved, the farcical redemption of Dracula with Mina at the end, I could go on. Don't remind me of the Vlad that Impaler introduction, it was cringeworthy.
I could go on, but ultimately, this movie is only insulting to those who read and appreciated the novel. I didn't not give this movie a '1' as many detractors have, as the movie is far from unwatchable from a neutral viewpoint. It is by no means a masterpiece even then, as it was very overblown, especially the Dracula special effects. Personally, I couldn't wait for the movie to end and I will most definitely never watch this movie again.