beautifully crafted piece of horrific love

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 2001)

Of course, all dracula fans know the story and have heard it few too many times. But, it seems as if coppola's version is somewhat different than it predecessor's. What you must realize when watching this movie is that it is not about terror of vampires or the wrath of nosferatu, but simply about love, the universal subject of the world. Though this seems clearly shown throughout the movie, it has come to my attention that most people have not recognized the tragedy for what it really is. Though it is violent and gory, it is also entrancing. With the strange visuals throughout the movie including the weird blue and green lights that were almost groundbreaking in 1992, it seems that it enhanced the viewing of the movie and also knowing that they spent time on the horror element of the film rather than always focusing on romance.
The part of the film I didn't like was the first-person view of the beast running through the woods. Now, I will admit in 1992, this was probably scary, but I think that Evil Dead 2 just totally ruined that scene. Evil Dead 2 being a very funny movie, did not mean in any way to harm the viewing of this masterpiece I am sure, but the fact of the matter is, it almost seems like it was copied. After seeing ED2, this part made the movie cheesy in a way, and I did not like that feeling.
What made up for the ED2 cheesiness though, was the very solid cast and their very solid acting. Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves! What a cast! Probably the best cast in a "horror" film ever. Anthony Hopkins ranking way up there on my favorite actors list of all time, sord of stole the show at times, but I was glad to see not all the time, leaving more room for the other actors to show their great talent. The cast made some of the shallow gore into a dramatic showing of epic proportions. It was like the cast felt the script when they were acting it. The acting will remain in memory along with some of the best acting ever (Titus, Magnolia, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Silence of the Lambs, Nsferatu, American History X etc.)
Overall this movie towers over other dracula films (except for nosferatu of course) and is a must-see for any film lover of any kind, but remember to be awake and to clench your teeth.
*********/********** 9/10