Almost as good as "Dracula's Dog"!

Rating: 8/10 (28 December 2000)

Just Kidding! I just wanted to point out that the Dracula phenomenon has been so over the map that Coppola's genius in this movie was to play it (almost) straight. Although Dracula was played sometimes in an almost "Kabuki" fashion, there is extreme attention to detail and an attempt to set the mood of the time. (I had the chance to visit the set while it was being shot and it is amazing how the simple sets were made to look so opulent on screen). The characterizations were just kooky enough and straight enough to make you want to watch the screen play forever. Unfortunately it had to end and the ending was less than satisfying.
If you want to see how a master film maker handles a too oft campy legend, this is the film for you.