Dracula

This is the best rendition of Dracula ever captured on film. Gary Oldman's dark and sensual personae outshines any other vampire who ever dare put on a cape. To me Gary Oldman is the most talented and underrated actor ever. He becomes who he is playing, however in this role... Dracula became him... Oldman set the bar so high it is untouchable even to Bela Lugosi. Winona Ryder's delicateness suited the role of Mina/Elisabeta nicely and Keanu Reeves played the unsuspecting and naive Jonathan with satisfaction. However the whole movie comes together because of Gary Oldman's intoxicating essence. He draws the viewers into his darkness and passion and guides them through until the end. This film is drastically romantic and hauntingly captivating- just like a real Dracula movie should be. The cinematography deserved Oldman's phenomenal performance and perfectly created a true vampire realm. Francis Ford Coppola is brilliant. This is the spirit of the vampire.

If a book is adapted to the screen, it should at least somewhat follow the plot and spirit. Coppola's Dracula does not. I don't deny that Gary Oldman acted well, but come on... He's playing Dracula, not one of Ann Rice's vampires. Not a pathetic anemic pretty boy. Not a hero. Not something that deserves the least bit of sympathy. But an evil, revolting, murderous MONSTER that must be destroyed. Because that's what Dracula is. The book is about the band of friends that stood up to the despicable evil being that Dracula was. Coppola's movie is about a romance between Dracula and Mina. It was such an insult to call this movie "Bram Stoker's" when it was so far from Stoker's vision of Dracula as an ultimate creature of evil. It doesn't even stand on it's own as a film. Over-sexed, over-acted... what a joke. Skip this movie and watch NOSFERATU (the best film adaptation of Dracula out there, and a masterpiece all in it's own right too.)

I have never seen Keanu act so poorly as he does in this. But in general, it does seem like the director is going for a really over the top, hammy kind of feel. The effects and everyone's portrayal of their characters ranges from terrible to barely passable. It was at time's hard to watch but if you're in the mood for a B movie, go for it.

I saw this movie when I was junior high school. This movie is different from any other vampire movie. And destined to be classic horror movies. Francis Ford Coppola made this movie faithful to the novel. We've got brilliant director who know to interpret this wonderful novel to extravaganza movie with beautiful costumes, art direction, special effect. Wonderful song by Annie Lennox (too bad no Oscar nomination for her). And top of all BRILLIANT ACTING. Until this time, this is the most beautiful vampire or horror movies of all time.I give this movie 10 for my favorite movie of all time. Gary Oldman definitely the best actor ever to portrayed as Dracula. I cannot wait for special edition DVD release.