Visually stunning

Rating: 7/10 (16 January 2005)

Vampire movies seem to be one of the most popular genres in film, both past and present. I'm no huge fan of the genre, but this is an interesting movie well worth the attention.
The solicitor Renfield is sent to far-away Transylvania to negotiate a purchase of an estate in London. The buyer is the mysterious count Dracula. Soon though it dawns on Renfield that the count is a vampire who plans on stealing his fiancé and having his way with the people of London.
The book "Dracula" by Bram Stoker is an interesting book i think. It's not what i would call brilliant in any way. But still the way it's told, in letters between the main characters and entries into their diaries, is interesting. This movie is one of the few i have seen that at least tries a little to follow this concept and does it successfully. I won't elaborate much on the story since it is well known to most people.
More than anything this movie is a feast for the eyes and ears. The cinematography and camera-work is outstanding. The effects are also very very good and the music is a masterpiece from composer Wojciech Kilar. Gary Oldman is magnificent as count Dracula and further heightens the experience. The rest of the cast are also mostly well cast. Unfortunately one of the things that really disturbs me is Keanu Reeves portraying the important character Renfield. I can't understand why they would choose to use Keanu Reeves with a thick obviously fake accent when there are so many good British actors around. When will film-makers realize that the audience DO appreciate a good actor rather than a big name on the poster?!
The focus in this film is on the love story. Something that contributes to the fact that you many times feel sympathetic towards the vampire. And it also lends a warmth to the story that many other similar films lack. Still this remains a faithful rendition of the book, well adapted for the big screen. Well made, mostly well acted and beautiful like few other movies. I would rate this experience 7/10.