Dracula 79

John Badham (79, USA/UK)

Cast: Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier, Kate Nelligan, Donald Pleasance

Plot:
Mainly the usual Dracula story, with slight differences, for exemple it skips the usual beginning in Transylvania. For those who still don’t know the story (you’ve either been in a coma for much too long or you’re 2 years old), Count Dracula falls in love with a women whom he tries to seduce. How’s that for a resume :)

Appreciation: 7/10
That’s a hard one to review, as I have mixed up feelings about. If I had to sum up my first impression, I’d say "Rob Zombie meets The Bold and the beautiful". It’s half serious, half funny. To begin with, Langella as the Count looked odd to me at first. Just picture yourself David Copperfield playing Dracula, and you’ll understand what I mean. So, I thought he looked funny at first, but the more the movie advanced, the more he seemed charming and effective for this role. The other actors were good as well, but I can’t remember anything meaningful about them for now.
As for the directing, it’s brilliant at times, for exemple the blood red background scenes with Dracula and Lucy and the chilling landscapes and interiors. Carfax Abbey is just gorgeous! *drool* I wish i owned such a place..
But it’s also quite funny, for exemple the Count changing into a bat in the good old oh-so-cheesy way.
Overall, an above average adaptation of the Dracula story.

Other suggestions: Bram Stoker's Dracula, The hunger