Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
The movie should really be called “Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula” as the story stays mostly faithful to the original novel until it doesn't. Oh well. This is one of the most stylish and ominous horror films you can set your eyes upon. It oozes dread and terror through spectacular camera work, art direction, and special effects.
In 1897, a property solicitor named Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) travels to Transylvania at the request of the bizarre Count Dracula (Gary Oldman). He realizes too late Dracula is a vampire, a blood-sucking monster who wishes to move to England and feed on its unsuspecting citizens. The Count develops a particular appetite for Jonathan’s fiancée, Mina (Winona Ryder). Their only hope is an eccentric expert on the supernatural named Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins).
Every single detail in the sets and costumes feels purposeful and adds to the overall look. The way lightning bolts take the shape of grasping claws, the shadows who move in otherworldly ways, the design of the ruined castle as Jonathan approaches it. This Transylvania is a world of nightmares, where a century-old vampire has been sitting on a cyclopean throne and feeding on the population not only literally, but metaphorically as well. In a place like London, where thousands of unprepared victims reside, it would be disastrous. It's frightening, but never so obvious (until it’s far too late) that Jonathan should've left the instant he arrived. High praises to cinematographer Michael Ballhaus and the costume, sets, makeup, and special effects department for achieving this feeling.
Playing Dracula in his numerous forms is Gary Oldman, who is outstanding. He is able, even through tons of makeup, a huge, elaborate wig, and an extravagant costume to create a complete character. If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear they cast three different people as Dracula. While I’m not crazy about a tragic love element added to the film, in practice, it works to turn Dracula into a complicated, even tragic predator. Some of the “classic” Dracula moments, like the first time we realize how much blood means to the creature, have never been done better, not even by Bela Lugosi.
If we’re going to talk about the cast, we must address Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker. He isn’t quite up to the role. His English accent isn’t very good, but you can why Coppola said yes to him anyway. Remember, the film is set in 1897. In those days, the proper thing to do was court for two years before taking “the big step” and kissing. In this world, people are stiff and unemotional. Reeves excels in these roles. He highlights the sex appeal and otherworldly nature of an uninhibited Dracula. Would the movie be better if they had cast someone else? Probably. Is he a fatal stake through the picture's heart? No.
The supporting cast is also strong. Winona Ryder and Anthony Hopkins are both excellent. Sadie Frost as Lucy, Tom Waits as Renfield (who’s always been a favorite character of mine), Billy Campbell and Cary Elwes as allies in the struggle against Dracula play critical roles. Even the mostly dialogue-free brides of Dracula (Monia Bellucci, Michaela Bercu, and Florine Kendrick) stand out thanks to their awesome entrance. They effectively set the mood for what is ultimately a frightening and erotic fever dream.
This twist on the classic horror icon has layers and a lot of presence. The visuals can’t be beaten. I’ve focussed on the special effects, sets, makeup, and costumes, but the cinematography and editing are equally strong. Every little element of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is working in perfect unison to generate an eerie atmosphere upon which (mostly) solid actors in juicy roles have been placed to tell a timeless story. (On Blu-ray, June 26, 2015)
