Bram Stoker's??
Created: 30/05/07
Let's look at this film's high and low points. First of all, if you're looking for a movie rendition of Bram Stoker's novel, this isn't quite it. I honestly don't know why they threw his name into the title. It's close, but not quite faithful to the book. Gary Oldman is in fine form here, making a memorable Dracula with his emotional performance. Keanu Reeves on the other hand still hasn't lost his baffled 'Bill and Ted' expression and makes any scene he appears in about as believable as his fake accent. The sets, and lighting especially, look more like stages than reality, but I'm sure that Coppola was shooting for that anyway. The only bad set would be the exterior views of Dracula's castle, which for some reason looks more like an abandoned factory than a castle. The effects are great, especially for the time, and the movie preserves and expands on the novels eroticism. Lucy's transition from coquettish young woman into a very sensual nosferatu is captivating. However, her beau, Cary Elwes, is nearly as laughable as he was in Robin Hood: Men in Tights. The real shame as far as this movie is concerned would have to be the character of Van Helsing. In the book, he is the protagonist, the kind old man staring down evil. In the movie, he is nearly contemptible. He says crude things merely to shock the girls (which is completely out of character), humps one man's leg, and all in all, you will find yourself rooting against him instead of for him. I was completely disappointed by this departure from the novel. Though Van Helsing's character her is an utter diaster, Renfield is played quite admirably by musician Tom Waits. Overall, any horror fan should see this film. If you like the artsy aspect of a stage show and aren't put off by a few terrible choices in casting, you should love it.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

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Bare-bones version, but the film shines through
Created: 06/08/07
The menus on this release of Coppola's extravagant blood romance are so awful that it is no wonder the movie starts right up on insertion. Truly disgusting interface, worse than what you get from the cheapest home-burnt dvd maker. And there are absolutely NO extras (unless you count subtitles!)
As for the film itself, if one can watch it with blinders, ignoring Keanu Reeves' HORRIFIC (not in a good way) performance and Winona Ryder's likewise weak emotive abilities (Coppola is said to have berated her on the set for her lack of commitment-- can anyone say studio casting decisions?), then one can enjoy what is truly an amazing film.
Much is made of Gary Oldman's compelling grotesqueries, but beyond this, the master filmmaker Coppola calls upon all of the Jean Cocteau, Eisenstien and Fritz Lang he can muster and one-ups their theatrical visuals with special effects employed not for fleeting, Hollwoodesque spectacle, but for mood and symbolism. Finally Holywood's arsenal of effects has been put into the hands of a master artist.
A wonderful post-Victorian Romantic take on Stoker's classic.

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A Great Movie You Can Sink Your Teeth Into!
Created: 06/08/08
First of all Johnny Depp isn't in this one that's Keanu Reeves..now for the review..this stellar cast of thousands includes Anthony Hopkins, Richard E Grant (Redferne the witch hunter on Warlock) Gary Oldman (Serious(sp?)Black Harry Potter)and yes I even enjoyed Winona Ryder even though she in my opinion is a useless Actress..she was pretty good here..I also loved her in "Mermaids", but that's the extent of it! I believe this film captures the essence of Dracula as told by Bram Stoker in the original novel..one tends to feel bad for the soulless Count by the end of the movie..A really great movie, but not for the wee ones..turn down the lights and enjoy!

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Gary Oldman reinvents Vlad The Impaler
Created: 24/03/09
Great cinematography and visual effects. The subtle comic relief executed by Anthony Hopkins as Professor Van Helsing is welcomed in this rather dark version of Dracula.
Keanu Reeves - what can I say that you don't already know - the guy can't act his way out of a hat. In his defense, Jonathan Harker (played by Reeves) isn't the most intelligent guy in the story. Do we call that good casting?
All other performances are relatively solid considering how dramatic the actors play their roles.
I chose to purchase this movie because I have not seen it in almost ten years. I look forward to the arrival of this DVD!

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Bram Stoker's Dracula (1997, DVD)
Created: 09/09/08
I purchased the movie because mine was missing and this is one of my absolutely must have favorites. It would be wonderful to find love such as this.
It is one of the greatest love stories ever (besides West Side Story) and how true love never, ever dies. It has a great cast of actors, including Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman, Keenu Reeves, Winona Ryder, featuring Cary Elwes and I feel they all played their parts beautifully.
I love the superimposition of one scene, leading into the next one. The settings appear to be pretty authentic for that time period with extravagant costuming I wish there had been more of really. The one scene with Keenu being seduced by the vampirists is pretty erotic, too.
I'd recommend it to everyone, especially those who are into love stories.

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