Thursday, March 22, 2007

Review - Bram Stoker's Dracula

"Bram Stoker's Dracula" is based on the classic horror novel by author Bram Stoker, and is one of countless movies made on history's most infamous vampire.
The movie begins by going into some of the background of what made Dracula into the creature he is in the rest of the film. Feeling betrayed by the church that he swore to protect, Dracula curses God...and for that, becomes the Undead. Fast forward several hundred years, and a young man named Jonathan Harker has been summoned to Dracula's castle in the remote forests of Transylvania. Harker believes he is going to aid in a real estate deal with an eccentric Count...but little does he realize that he is but a pawn in a much larger scheme. And once the Count reaches heavily populated London...the stakes become much higher.
Vampires have long been one of the favorite topics of Hollywood...but rarely is a vampire movie made with the depth and visual striking of this version. Easily boasting one of the strongest casts ever for a vampire movie, the cast brings unique qualities and feeling to each character. Gary Oldman's tortured Count Dracula may be the best performance ever for Stoker's famous vampire...and certainly has become the portrayal that all others will be measured against. The costumes and sets are detailed and elegant...and lend strong support to an already considerable story. This is quite possibly the best vampire movie ever made.
For an excellent character drama...and the best ever telling of Bram Stoker's classic tale..."Bram Stoker's Dracula" is simply enchanting.
Starring - Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Bill Pullman, and Cary Elwes. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Time - 2 hours, 8 minutes. Rated - R (Horror violence/gore, sexuality, nudity, language)

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