Gary Oldman

Rating: 10/10 (12 April 2005)

I totally agree with other commentators. This is acting at it's best. Gary Oldman has always been one of the finest actors that ever graced the cinematic screen, and as Dracul/Prince Vlad he has no peers. Vlad is so sensuous he could make female viewers swoon, this female viewer in any case. This was like looking into another's most precious memories, frame for frame, Gary dominated the view, regardless of who was there with him. I found it hard to take my eyes off of him. Winona was delicate it is true, but the scope of her acting was enhanced by her foil, Gary. She truly seemed to be a woman in thrall of her deepest emotions, unable to escape. Mina honestly made it seem as if the princess' spirit had been re-born in herself, and that the love she felt for her prince had not, and could not ever die. Prince Vlad, soon re-awakened in Mina the spirit of Elisabeta that had been dead for centuries, and recaptured her affections, those that had once belonged only to Johnathan. The interaction made it seem natural, and their love, a natural consequence of their meeting. Even with some events that were so horrible, such as the prince giving the baby to his hags to feed upon, had no effect on diminishing his appeal. As the ancient and wizened Count, there shown out a captivating radiance that was mesmerizing in itself. This happened to be the third or fourth time I watched this film, and yet, it was as if I were watching it for the first time. This film had some of the best characterizations by the actors I have ever seen. Cary Ewels was perfect as Holmwood, the proper English Gentleman. Bill Campbell was very masculine and handsome as the American cowboy, Quincey Morris, loyal friend, and brave combatant to the end. Richard E. Grant was wonderful as the obsessed doctor Seward, trying to help his insane patients with all his might, his gauntness lending a touch of reality to his dedication to his work. Tom Waits, perfectly insane, and thoroughly devoted to his master, as Renfield, 'til he looks Beauty in the face. What a backstabber! Sadie Frost, exactly what you'd expect from the rich débutante aristocratic, Lucy. Prim and proper outwardly, inwardly a wanton slut, aching to be set free. Then there was the maniacal way that Anthony Hopkins portrayed the world famous vampire hunter, Van Helsing!! That was worth the price of the ticket, right there. Driven mad by his quest to destroy the evil Dracula, led him to using such terminology as "The devil's bitch", when he was speaking of Lucy to her husband to be, and Morris. Such scenes were hilarious, and well placed. Brilliantly acted out also, by the incomparable Mr. Hopkins. I say, if this was the world Bram Stoker envisioned, or even more, actually lived in, I'd have to say that they must have had one grand Ole lusty time at that!