Dracula (1979)
Directed by John Badham
Genres - Horror, Romance |
Sub-Genres - Costume Horror, Gothic Film |
Release Date - Jul 13, 1979 (USA - Unknown), Jul 20, 1979 (USA) |
Run Time - 109 min. |
Countries - United Kingdom, United States |
MPAA Rating - R
Share on
Synopsis by Clarke Fountain
In the late '70s, Frank Langella starred in the hit Broadway play Dracula, written by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston. Langella's charisma and the surreal, black-and-white sets designed by cartoonist Edward Gorey were the chief outstanding features of the play, which was otherwise undistinguished. While this film production of the play boasts performances by stage veterans Lord Laurence Olivier and Donald Pleasance, as well as Frank Langella as the suavest of counts, it was neither a critical nor a box-office success, doubtlessly because expectations ran too high. One highlight of this production is its skillful use of special effects. The standard story of Bram Stoker's original novel is re-created here: the undead count arranges to move from his home in Transylvania to Whitby, and once there, a reign of terror begins. He is opposed by the canny Doctor Van Helsing (Laurence Olivier), who eventually triumphs.
Characteristics
Moods
Themes
Keywords
Dracula, vampire, bloodsucker, immortality, romance, bloodshed, castle, countryside, courtship, village
Attributes
High Artistic Quality