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Bram Stoker's Dracula
Customer Reviews
Rating:  - I am a Dracula collector/fan
I have read just about everything the character or Dracula has ever appeared in from the Bram Stoker's novel to the Marvel Comics adaptation and beyond. Likewise I have seen many Dracula movies from Nosfaratu to Bella Lagosi to the Hammer House films. My favorite adaptation of all the movies is this one.
While it could never live up to the classic Lagosi movie it is it's contemporary equal. Everyone has their take on the legendary blood sucker but this one is at the top.
My favorite scene is when Dracula (Gary Oldman) comes up behind Harker while he is shaving causing Harker to cut himself. Dracula then turns his back to him and while facing the camera, licks the blade and quivers his lip. Truly one of the creepiest moments in filmdom!
Rating:  - Dracula movie
Dracula is a great movie. Gary Oldman is both creepy and seductive. A host of other actors are in this movie--Keanu Reeves, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder and Billy Campbell. This movie sticks closely to the book, which is another reason why I liked it so.
Rating: - Superbit vs. Blu-ray
If you're looking for a brighter, more detailed picture buy the Superbit DVD. I compared it to the Bluray which I rented. The Blu-ray is MUCH darker and much more creepier which is what you want in a horror movie!!! With the extra darkness comes loss of detail however. The contrast is much better though. I believe Coppola did not approve of the Superbit but did approve the Blu-ray. I prefer the Blu-ray version.
Rating: - Best Vampire Movie Made In Recent Years
I never thought another movie could beat the original Lugosi film, but this movie comes very close. It takes the character of Dracula and makes him a horrible monster, but also sympathetic. You can't help but feel, and maybe understand, somewhat why Dracula does what he does. Gary Oldman is amazing in the title role and makes the character extremely believable. The special effects are incredible, and although it wasn't that long ago, the movie still holds up to this day. This will surely go down as a classic, and that is saying a lot for a remake. This movie brought a lot and delivers. I highly recommend this movie
Rating:  - All Style, No Substance
Horror, when done really well, is very appealing to me. I am no stranger to macabre films or literature.
I wanted to like this film, ever since seeing it when it first was released (even after hearing Keanu's pathetic and blatantly poor attempt at an English accent which drives me to giggles every time he opens his mouth).
The film was so grand and sweeping; it had such a feeling of large scale and of power. And it was a fun nod to the old school horror films of the 1930's and 1940's. Yes, this Dracula has looks, atmosphere, blood, and some panache. You almost admire the quaint visual tricks, the matte painting backgrounds, the whole retro feel to the filmmaking.
But it is so weak and lame because it tries so hard to be astonishing. Repeated viewings only make it laughable to me. Some of the effects are absolutely absurd, and others are so obviously an attempt to look cool. When The Simpsons did a parody on a Halloween episode, I was delighted because this movie deserved it in spades.
There is much enthusiasm for this film from its fans, and even I enjoy certain things it possesses: the sets, the colors, the sound design, the costumes, the music, the fog, the old fashioned feel. But it leaves me feeling empty and unsatisfied after viewing it. There's something missing, some meat that should be on the bones here.
The only metaphor I can come up with for "Bram Stoker's Dracula" is like a cake that has an amazing frosting which is beautiful; then when you get to the inside, there's sawdust.
This version, which is simply eye candy, just doesn't satisfy me.
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