It is a timeless tale. Good verses evil. The pure verses tainted. Based on the title Dracula alone it is at least worth one viewing. To say the acting is poor is being generous.
Keanu Reeves couldn't carry an English accent if it were placed in a brown paper bag. The accent comes and goes through the entire movie. Winona Ryder lays it on too thick and comes out looking prim and proper rather than common. Gary Oldman is the only person that saved this movie. His portrayal of Dracula through his many stages of life / death onscreen is powerful, convincing and pure cinematic drama. Sadie Frost nails the part of Lucy Westenra. Richard E. Grant also saves the movie with an authentic accent and dedication to portraying the part of the manic Doctor Seward. Anthony Hopkins was well suited for the part of Van Helsing. Renfield was portrayed by Tom Waits, another character that is never really explored. He was astounding and extremely convincing.
Francis Ford Coppola did what he could with the cast. He suggested a few other people for some parts but did not have the last say. It is rumored that Mira Sorvina (Son of Sam) wanted the part but couldn't pick up the accent (like Winona or Keanu did a smash up job). I think it was like trying to make a sandwich at 2 in the morning - you find what is in the fridge and made do with it. Victoria Thomas did a very poor job with casting. Coppola utilized some of the best set designers and costume makers and restorers; Eiko Ishioka was nominated for several design awards in Europe for the funeral gown worn by Westenra.
Things that might persuade you to see the movie? Well, there are subtle things. In a scene where Dracula and Mina are sharing a moment drinking Sebor Absinth you can clearly see the word SIN enlarged in Mina's glass as she lifts it to toast to 'friendship'. This was a subtle hint that was never followed through, Coppola had shot it with Ryder doing a read over saying "If this is a sin then let me never confess". It was cut out during editing. Another point is the chase scene through the mountains. This was all done on a sound stage. It is amazing! The set was oval with a camera trace laid around the outside. As the horses and actors were going around the track the prop men were moving trees and boulders to create the effect of an ever changing background.
It is an epic love story that can touch even the hardest hard. One of the most powerful scenes is when Dracula leans over a passed out Mina and utters the words that would make any woman of the era melt.. "I have crossed oceans of time for you...". Oldman carried the scene over the edge. Every love store has to have a few twisted and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the main thing is Mina is mortal and Prince Vlad is a vampire (duh).
There are worse adaptations of the book out there and this one is certainly not the best. The box offices were swarmed the first few weeks and it became an instant 'classic'. This isn't the movie to see if you like flicks where the guy gets the girl in the end. It's pretty much a codependent relationship.
The musical score is fantastic. There are several different compact discs available; soundtrack, musical score and theatric version. All are well worth the trouble to track down. If you have a stereo hook up turn the volume up to ten and hold on to your popcorn, it will blow you away.
If you like true dark love stories then you owe it to yourself to check out The Crow. The sequels to The Crow pale in comparison. Stick with the first one.
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