Mark's Horror Movie Retro Review: Bram Stoker's Dracula

 

Bram Stoker's Dracula hit theaters in 1992 and promised excited movie-watchers a true adaptation of the beloved novel. Dracula has an all-star cast, with Gary Oldman playing the lead Prince of Darkness, and Anthony Hopkins, fresh from his Oscar win as Hannibal Lecter, playing Van Helsing. Added to the mix are Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves. Even Carey Elwes and Tom Waits got in on the action of this blockbuster. 

I was only 9 years old when Dracula debuted, and I remember a buzz with the adults as this was a quality "date" horror movie, as it blended the raw, sexual desire of Dracula with just enough gore and violence to keep the non-romantics interested. 

To me, Gary Oldman's portrayal as Dracula may just be the best version of Dracula on film. He is sensual and real; he's broken and predatory. Oldman plays Dracula the way he should be played, whether it is the withered Count in the castle, or the handsome young bachelor on the prowl. 

Gary Oldman as "old" Dracula

Ryder does what she does best, and that's play the doe-eyed, naive Mina who has the eye of not only her soon-to-husband, Jonathan Harker (played by Reeves); but also that of Dracula, who believes her to be the reincarnated soul of his wife, Elisabeta. All of the actors do their jobs well, with only Reeves being the obvious weak link, as even Francis Ford Coppola admits he was casts only to get female audiences into the theater. Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing is fantastic as always, but let's be honest, when is he not? 

Gary Oldman as "sexy" Dracula

The movie is dark and both parts romantic and sensual. There is a certain heaviness that hangs in the air throughout the entire film, and in the end, you'll probably want to read the book if you haven't yet. At times the movie can drag a bit, and I recommend getting those subtitles loaded as everyone does their best job faking an accent they weren't born with. For being 25 years old, the movie holds up well today, and was a three-time award winner at the Oscar for makeup, costume, and sound editing. 

Admit it, this woman scared the hell out of you

Three trivia tidbits that will only interest me:
1. Gary Oldman hired a singing coach to lower his voice by an octave.

2. Gary Oldman was drunk in the scene where he licks the blood from the razor blade.

3. Liam Neeson was considered for the role of Van Helsing, but was passed over for Hopkins. 

You can watch Bram Stoker's Dracula on Amazon Prime right now!