“Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992) directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins & Keanu Reeves / Z-View

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Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Screenplay: James V. Hart, based on DRACULA by Bram Stoker

Stars: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Richard E. Grant, Billy Campbell, Sadie Frost, Tom Waits, Monica Bellucci, Jay Robinson, Laurie Franks and Cary Elwes.

Tagline: Love Never Dies

The Plot…

1462.  When Vlad Dracula (Oldman) returns from a victorious war campaign, he learns that his defeated enemies sent messages that they had killed Dracula in battle.  His wife Elisabeta became so distraught that she committed suicide.

Vlad Dracula is beside himself.  How could God let this happen?  A Priest tells Dracula that Elisabeta committed a cardinal sin by killing herself.  Her soul will be damned to hell.  Dracula loses it.  He renounces his Christian God and vows to use the powers of darkness to avenge her!  Dracula drives his sword into the chapel’s huge crucifix. When blood begins flowing from the cross, Dracula drinks it.

Four hundred years pass. Feeling the need to leave his homeland, Dracula has settled on London as his new home.  When Dracula sees a photograph of Mina Harker, he is convinced she is the reincarnation of Elisabeta.

Dracula will have her at all costs.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bram Stoker’s Dracula was nominated for four Academy Awards and won three…

  • nominee Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: Thomas E. Sanders, Garrett Lewis
  • winner Best Costume Design – Eiko Ishioka
  • winner Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Tom C. McCarthy, David E. Stone
  • winner Best Makeup – Greg Cannom, Michèle Burke, Matthew W. Mungle

Francis Ford Coppola was determined to use only effects available when movies first started (since this was the time period of most of this movie).  He used no CGI.  Coppola made use of forced perspective, rear projection, miniatures, matte paintings and more.  For instance, to create a sense of increasing claustrophobia, he gradually had the walls move in during a scene.  For some vampire scenes the film was run in reverse to make their movements seem off.  One of my favorite of Coppola’s effects is how Dracula’s shadow moves independently of him!

Liam Neeson wanted the role of Van Helsing, but Anthony Hopkins was riding a popularity wave after Silence of the Lambs, so it went to him.  Steve Buscemi turned down the role of Renfield.  Tom Waits was a perfect choice.

Actors who auditioned for the part of Dracula include: Armand Assante, Gabriel Byrne, Antonio Banderas, Viggo Mortensen and Andy Garcia.  Of that group I’d have given the nod to Assante or Banderas.

Coppola wanted Johnny Depp to play Jonathan Harker.  Charlie Sheen auditioned for the role.  The studio wanted an actor more popular with young girls.  Keanu Reeves was awarded the part.

I’m a fan of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.  I love that Coppola swung for the fences.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) rates 4 of 5 stars.