A Love Story with a Powerful Heart and a Great Bite!

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2007)

Many have tried and few have succeeded translating this masterpiece into the great film it should be. Yes, there are hints of power, romance, and unexplained hellish forces at work in the 1931 Lugosi film. However, rarely has a master given us as memorable a film as Francis Ford Coppola was able to create with the expert team of filmmakers and actors in this movie. For starters, having Wynona Ryder play the role of the beloved Mina is one of the best pieces of casting ever thought by Hollywood. She's as smart and passionate, a force of nature who can't understand the extent of her spell over her doomed lover. Ryder is capable of showing emotions and passions in a few minutes with a gesture or a look. In the title role, Oldman is grand. He portrays the vicious demon in three incarnations, and yet, by the end of the film, we know that the forces that control him are beyond his control.
There is some unsatisfactory prologue that explains what led to Dracula's downfall. It all ties to a source of despair and despondence, an act that alienates him from what society at the time considers its biggest foundation. Losing spiritual connection isolates him, forcing to become an entity that brings about horror and pain to others. The reasons he does this all lead back to his own failure to save his love and, eventually himself.
Oldman is brilliant as the old vampire who schemes his way into London, and though his original intent is certainly beyond owning some pricey real estate, his ultimate goal is his reunion with his princess. Mina, is at first confused and derailed herself, as her prince slowly seduces her back into a relationship can end terribly.
Beyond the passionate storyline, we find some terrific camera-work, sumptuous art direction, costume design, and luscious score. the film never strays from its portrayal of passionate love, lust, and spiritual redemption., It is a powerful yet lovely and delicate portrayal of the only force that save and doom you: Love.