Bram Stoker's Dracula

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Starring: Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, Richard E. Grant, Sadie Frost, Cary Elwes, Billy Campbell, Tom Waits

Distributed By: Columbia Pictures

Release Date: November 1992

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The definitive version of the most famous Vampire of them all; this movie is intensely erotic and filled with mysterious longing as Gary Oldman's Dracula seeks out his desires.
Jonathon Harker is a likable character and Keanu Reeves tries his best to make him gallant and thoughtful during his ‘house arrest’ although I would imagine he had a fairly pleasant time filming the scenes as he is overwhelmed by Dracula’s three brides! Unfortunately his accent does make me laugh at times; which is something that he probably did not intend!
Winona Ryder is quite lovely as Mina and her scenes opposite Gary Oldman have great chemistry as she tries to remain a virtuous member of society. I also like the fact that she is the perfect example of purity as opposed to Lucy’s insatiable approach to the opposite sex and her pursuit of them! Sadie Frost gives a very vibrant and convincing portrayal of Lucy as she falls under the Count’s spell and gets to enjoy one of the most blood soaked scenes!
I absolutely love Cary Elwes performance as Arthur, his mannerisms and pronunciations alone are brilliant! Richard E. Grant is very enjoyable as Jack and Tom Waits is excellent as the disturbed Renfield.
The two stars of this are undoubtedly Gary Oldman who gives a strong performance as Dracula and goes through some incredible visual looks throughout the movie and Anthony Hopkins who gives a very faithful performance as the great Van Helsing, it’s just a shame that they don’t share more screen time.
The movie is beautifully filmed, has plenty of action and extreme Gothic sensuality but it doesn't quite match the urgency that’s captured in the book, particularly during the thrilling chase back to Transylvania which remains a classic and chilling read; however it's still one of the best adaptations on screen to date.
~~Nikki~~