Post by Stu on Aug 4, 2005 12:14:24 GMT
Dir: Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola’s large scale reworking of Bram Stokers historic novel ‘Dracula’ brings a refreshing and much needed revamp to this classic work of fiction. Although Coppola’s version went on to receive its fair share of critical panning I myself saw it as a great tale told with the gothic authenticity missing from many of its predecessors. That is of course excluding Keanu Reeves’ attempt at an English accent, which I think we all reserve the right to disapprove of.
Jonathan Harker (Reeves) travels to Transylvania in an effort to conclude some real estate business with the mysterious Count Dracula (Gary Oldman). On arrival he realises that all is not well. After the deal is complete Harker is held prisoner within the walls of the Count’s great castle, leaving him to the temptations of Dracula’s vampires as the Count himself travels to London and his latest acquisition.
It’s here in London that Dracula stumbles upon the beautiful Mina (played by the seductive Winona Ryder) girlfriend of Harker, whom the Count believes to be a reincarnation of a former lover. Dracula begins seducing Mina whilst turning her best friend Lucy (Sadie Frost) into one of his vampires. Meanwhile Harker finally escapes from the Count’s castle walls to the sanctuary of a monestary. Here the now confused Mina who loves her Jonathan so, but also has grown very fond of her new friend from overseas, joins Jonathan as they are to be married.
Dr Jack Seward whom is treating Lucy calls in the legendary Dr Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins), a former mentor, to help in the diagnosis of Lucy’s unusual attack. It’s here that Helsing announces the work of evil, which has cast itself over Lucy and is now working on Mina. Seward and Helsing joined by the returning Harker pursue the Count back to his lair in Romania to finally put an end to the legend that is Dracula.
A stunning assemble of acting talent brings the film together as the irresistibly gifted Oldman and Hopkins along with the stunning Ryder help translate to the big screen what is without doubt the greatest horror story of them all.
“Children of the night, what beautiful music they make.” – Count Dracula
Francis Ford Coppola’s large scale reworking of Bram Stokers historic novel ‘Dracula’ brings a refreshing and much needed revamp to this classic work of fiction. Although Coppola’s version went on to receive its fair share of critical panning I myself saw it as a great tale told with the gothic authenticity missing from many of its predecessors. That is of course excluding Keanu Reeves’ attempt at an English accent, which I think we all reserve the right to disapprove of.
Jonathan Harker (Reeves) travels to Transylvania in an effort to conclude some real estate business with the mysterious Count Dracula (Gary Oldman). On arrival he realises that all is not well. After the deal is complete Harker is held prisoner within the walls of the Count’s great castle, leaving him to the temptations of Dracula’s vampires as the Count himself travels to London and his latest acquisition.
It’s here in London that Dracula stumbles upon the beautiful Mina (played by the seductive Winona Ryder) girlfriend of Harker, whom the Count believes to be a reincarnation of a former lover. Dracula begins seducing Mina whilst turning her best friend Lucy (Sadie Frost) into one of his vampires. Meanwhile Harker finally escapes from the Count’s castle walls to the sanctuary of a monestary. Here the now confused Mina who loves her Jonathan so, but also has grown very fond of her new friend from overseas, joins Jonathan as they are to be married.
Dr Jack Seward whom is treating Lucy calls in the legendary Dr Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins), a former mentor, to help in the diagnosis of Lucy’s unusual attack. It’s here that Helsing announces the work of evil, which has cast itself over Lucy and is now working on Mina. Seward and Helsing joined by the returning Harker pursue the Count back to his lair in Romania to finally put an end to the legend that is Dracula.
A stunning assemble of acting talent brings the film together as the irresistibly gifted Oldman and Hopkins along with the stunning Ryder help translate to the big screen what is without doubt the greatest horror story of them all.
“Children of the night, what beautiful music they make.” – Count Dracula