fantastic film-making; best Dracula ever

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2008)

This version of 'Dracula' is I feel the best ever. It really manages to present on the big screen what Bram Stoker's original vision probably was. It is scary, funny, erotic, lush and memorable. Francis Ford Coppola pulls out every cinematic trick in the book it seems to bring to life the story of a centuries old vampire who moves to London in search of fresh victims and a woman who apparently is the reincarnation of his long-dead wife. The movie is richly detailed and at the same time, fast-paced. The opening sequence, where Prince Vlad renounces God and attacks a sacred altar with his sword, is like a hammer-blow to the chest and sets the tone for the rest of the film. There is not a wasted second of celluloid in 'Dracula;' it is superbly written and visually striking, even breathtaking at times. Gary Oldman makes a moody and menacing Dracula, who adopts various guises throughout the movie. I suppose if I have one criticism, it is Oldman's speaking voice- he adopts an accent so thick he hardly seems to be speaking English at times, and making it even more difficult to understand is the halting, half-choked manner in which he speaks. I would say at least a third of his dialogue is virtually unintelligible. The surprise is that the movie does not really suffer because of this. It only adds to the overall atmosphere. Professor Van Helsing is portrayed with great gusto and playfulness by Anthony Hopkins, who's interpretation of the famous character suggests he's been driven about half-crazy by his pursuit of Dracula. Winona Ryder makes a fetching Mina/Elisabeta, and Keanu Reeves registers well as her fiancé and later husband Jonathan Harker, who's hair understandably turns grey after his experiences in Dracula's castle. The energy level of all the performances suggests the actors involved took great pleasure in their roles and the production. Coppola's direction is assured, almost never hitting a false note though he takes a great many risks. He has fun with the Dracula legend but never slips over the line into parody. You will find yourself smiling, laughing, and then cowering in your seat within the span of a few moments. We even get Dracula's trademark line, his equivalent of, "Bond... James Bond." Which of course is, "I never drink... wine." This is an absolutely awesome movie.