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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Coach Potato
Format:DVD
Christopher Lee had often expressed his displeasure at Hammer's treatment of the original Dracula and anounced he wanted to do a definitive version that was faithful to the book. In 1969 he found a willing partner in Jess Franco. The end result here on sale turned out to be a flop and Lee ended up back at Hammer doing more sequels. The first half is a pretty close adaption of the book retold in labourious fashion. The second half seems like it was shot in a panic as the director desperately tried to get it all in the can.
That isn't to say the film isn't without merit, it has some wonderful performances, Lee gives his all as the Count and is given much more to do than in his Hammer versions. Klaus Kinski steals the show as the throughly demented Renfield and Soledad Miranda as the ill-fated Lucy.
The pacing of the film is like a yo-yo, it goes from atmospheric to sluggish within the first hour with some memrorable moments sticking out. Give it a chance, to me its a flawed gem!
That isn't to say the film isn't without merit, it has some wonderful performances, Lee gives his all as the Count and is given much more to do than in his Hammer versions. Klaus Kinski steals the show as the throughly demented Renfield and Soledad Miranda as the ill-fated Lucy.
The pacing of the film is like a yo-yo, it goes from atmospheric to sluggish within the first hour with some memrorable moments sticking out. Give it a chance, to me its a flawed gem!
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
In this movie, Franco set out to make the first truly faithful adaptation of Stoker's work. The early castle scenes do just that. It's a treat to get Christopher Lee delivering great chunks of Stoker's original dialogue, word for word, while dressed and made up much more in line with Stoker's description than previous films had attempted. Sadly, halfway through the movie Franco obviously realised that at this rate the movie would be about 4 hours long, and would cost a fortune, so he had to botch together a hastily-compiled second half that departs from Stoker's text. Nevertheless, it's not terrible, thanks to Herbert Lom and Klaus Kinski's excellent turn as Renfield. Ultimately, this movie is an example of what could have been. All I can do is wish that Franco had had Coppola's budget, then we might genuinely have seen Bram Stoker's Dracula. But still well worth watching.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By "ncfewer"
Format:VHS Tape
If you're not a fan of horror movies, don't buy this. If you are, however, then curiosity value alone is enough to warrent the few pounds it costs to add this odd little movie to your collection.
At the time it was made, this was the closest movie adaptation of Stoker's novel despite the fact that massive chunks of the story are missing, numerous significant changes are made and several imortant characters simply aren't there. In the early scenes where Christopher Lee is allowed some dialogue, he is, despite poor direction and shoddy production values, qwite mesmerising. It's difficult for all concerned to completely escape the Hammer influence, but certain subtle differences in Lee's characterisation allow us to perceive this as, in places at least, a more authentic portrayal. Indeed, the film only comes to life when he is on screen. The rest of the performances are dull and listless with the exception of Klaus Kinski, who makes an interesting Renfield, but he seems to be too worried about his hair, and his character remains one - dimensional.
I didn't buy this expecting a great movie; we are, after all, talking Jess Franco here, but the fact that I had never seen it, coupled with the opportunity to see Christopher Lee taking a slightly different stab at the Count and delivering his interpretation of the 'Children of the night' speech was definately enough to justify buying it!
At the time it was made, this was the closest movie adaptation of Stoker's novel despite the fact that massive chunks of the story are missing, numerous significant changes are made and several imortant characters simply aren't there. In the early scenes where Christopher Lee is allowed some dialogue, he is, despite poor direction and shoddy production values, qwite mesmerising. It's difficult for all concerned to completely escape the Hammer influence, but certain subtle differences in Lee's characterisation allow us to perceive this as, in places at least, a more authentic portrayal. Indeed, the film only comes to life when he is on screen. The rest of the performances are dull and listless with the exception of Klaus Kinski, who makes an interesting Renfield, but he seems to be too worried about his hair, and his character remains one - dimensional.
I didn't buy this expecting a great movie; we are, after all, talking Jess Franco here, but the fact that I had never seen it, coupled with the opportunity to see Christopher Lee taking a slightly different stab at the Count and delivering his interpretation of the 'Children of the night' speech was definately enough to justify buying it!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Even Dracula has his off days
I truly believe that dear Christopher Lee went into this one in an optimistic mood, but actually came out the other end sadly disillusioned. Read more
Published on 17 Jan 2010 by Allan Broadfield
3.0 out of 5 stars
I have already dined
Christopher Lee is arguably the best Dracula that has ever been committed to celluloid -- but you gotta admit that Hammer Horror didn't put him to the best use. Read more
Published on 16 Jan 2009 by E. A Solinas
2.0 out of 5 stars
I'm being generous here
This atrocious waste of time and effort really only deserves one star but, in Edna's book, is partially redeemed by the mesmerising stuffed animals scene!! Read more
Published on 20 Oct 2007 by Edna Sweetlove
2.0 out of 5 stars
noble but flawed attempt.
a wasted opportunity in more ways than one. despite what is stated at the beginning before the credits start, this is not an official adaptation of the novel. Read more
Published on 26 May 2006 by Mr. A. E. Ward Davies
2.0 out of 5 stars
Doesn't Cut It Friends
I should have LOVED this film, oh yes. I'm a fan of sklockmeister director Jess Franco, the second sleaziest director alive (the first being Joe D'Amato.. Read more
Published on 1 May 2000 by 10166794@scholar.nepean.uws.edu.au
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