Bram Stoker's Dracula

REVIEW
Coppola's extravagant adaptation of the literary classic delivers the goods with visceral, almost apocalyptic images of carnage juxtaposed with lush, Gothic visuals befitting an Anne Rice novel. These elements coupled with a truly seductive performance by Oldman as the bloodsucking antihero makes for a riveting journey through time. The film opens in the 14th century where Vlad the Impaler (sometimes thought to be Stoker's inspiration for his novel) renounces God in favor of evil following his beloved's premature death. The film then jumps to 19th-century England where Vlad, now known as Count Dracul, finds his eternal love reincarnated as a young beauty, portrayed by Ryder. The film is augmented by an eclectic supporting cast, all of whom bring new texture to familiar characters. A boldly original and satisfying interpretation of vampire lore.