Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

☆ ☆ ☆ 

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) -- F. F. Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola also tried his hand at the (more than) twice-told tale. His is a stylistically indulgent version with a lot of eye-popping scenes that fortunately distract us from the two types of actors here: those made of ham (Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins) and those made of wood (Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder). In comparison to earlier versions (with the best coming from Murnau and Herzog), Coppola foregrounds the sexual nature of the interactions between Dracula and his prey (and the immortal beloved romance with Mina). Unfortunately, the proceedings drag on a bit more than they should (a tighter version might have been at least a little exciting) and there is nothing at all scary to contemplate. On the plus side, the special effects have been lovingly created in the old school ways without CGI. Worth a look but the missed opportunities are disappointing. (2008 review)