Dracula

An adaptation of the Dracula story made at the end of the 1970s. A ship runs aground at Whitby on the English coast. There is no crew, the log is strange, and the only passenger to come ashore is Count Dracula. Before long he has attached himself to a local family. What separates this adaptation is its register. The Count is presented not as a monster but as an attractive, courteous man; the seductions are as central as the horror. The approach was argued about at the time and influenced later adaptations. Frank Langella had played the part on Broadway and carried it into the film. Laurence Olivier plays Van Helsing and Donald Pleasence plays Seward. Visually the film is dark and ornate; fog, sea and large interiors dominate. The score is by John Williams. John Badham directed. Years later the colour was heavily drained for the video release at the director's request; the decision is still argued about and two different-looking versions circulate. A good example of its period for anyone who likes classical horror adaptations and gothic atmosphere. For a viewer expecting hard horror, the film chooses a romantic register over frightening.