Dracula Review
This oft-criticized take on the classic Bram_Stoker story is probably its most controversial adaptation. W.D. Richter's screenplay toys with the source material in some interesting ways -- like making Lucy a proto-feminist -- but it suffers from a muddled third act and reduces Harker to a nonentity, a flaw compounded by Trevor_Eve's lackluster performance. These flaws keep this version of Dracula from reaching classic status, but the film remains worthwhile because it gets several other things right. Frank_Langella makes an excellent Dracula, creating a figure whose seductive nature is a key part of what makes him frightening. Sir_Laurence_Olivier matches him note for note as Van Helsing, bringing a delightful theatrical touch to his sparring matches with the evil count. Best of all, John_Badham directs the proceedings with a true flair for gothic melodrama and gives the film a tremendous sense of atmosphere. His work is aided immensely by a thunderous (and rather atypical) score from John_Williams and the lush, moody cinematography of Gil_Taylor. Ultimately, the pros outweigh the cons in this version of Dracula and it remains worthwhile for fans of old-fashioned horror. Donald Guarisco, Rovi
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