#719 - BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA

#719 – BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA

The Plot – As the title suggests, more from the book than most adaptations, but reimagined as an epic gothic romance.

Why it’s so great – Gary Oldman’s finest work. Winona Ryder at her most desirable. Anthony Hopkins running around like a madman as Ven Helsing. Dracula’s (very naked and sexual) wives, led by the immortal Monica Bellucci. Keanu Reeves attempting a Victorian accent! Most of all, Francis Ford Coppola going WAY over the top with abandon to give us an opulent monstrosity that somehow works.

Holds up? – Suprisingly well. Perhaps because it’s set in 1897. Unimaginably cheesy, but go with it and 30 minutes in you’re hooked. If you don’t get laid, you’re doing something wrong.

Suspension of Disbelief Index – Uh, we’re talking Vampires, and Keanu Reeves as an Englishman? 9.5 (out of 10).

Genre Grade – I think “Monster with a heart of gold” should be its own genre, but even if we’re just in gothic horror, A-.

Sex/Violence/Nudity? – Yes, please. Not as much as a traditional horror film, but there are definitely some arterial sprays going on.

Pantheon Percentile – I actually think this gets better over time, and the immortal subject matter, and source material, means it will stay relevant forever. Astoundingly overdone, but that’s sort of the point, isn’t it? A real treat. 85.