Inappropriate Title For Interesting Interpretations

Rating: Null/10 (11 December 2000)

Let's face it,the original story had nothing about Dracula as a crusader against the Turkish hordes,nothing about a long-lost wife,and the seduction of Mina was,in all honesty,a rape.Watch this as Coppola's interpretation,and you'll be much happier.This is an opera without music,and that's the best way to enjoy this flick.I wonder about Oldman in the title role,as it is my understanding that they had considered Banderas and Assante prior to this choice.Each would have had more genuine sexual magnetism and virility.This comment aside,Oldman does have the time of his life.Rider and Reeves had to have been cast for physical attractiveness,as neither are at all believable in their parts.She's much too American,and he's much too flat.Lucy is much too arch,and the 3 Stooges-excuse me,the 3 suitors, are adequate.renfield is marvelous,and Hopkins walks away with the acting honors as Dr.Van Helsing,giving the hammiest performance of his career,and one of the hammiest since Porky Pig.Sets,costumes,choreography are outstanding,the street scenes are great,special effects can't be beat,and the final chase and battle have yet to be equaled.