A small guide to the films that the famous vampire spoke about – S&H ​​Magazine

Very few literary characters can boast such a large number of film adaptations: Draculathe quintessential vampire described by an Irish writer Bram Stoker in the 1897 novel of the same name, inspired by Prince Vlad III of Wallachia, he appeared on the big screen from the very beginning of the history of cinema and impressed different generations, which, despite countless adaptations influenced by the evolution of cinematic language and narrative genres, determined the almost eternal success of the character.

From August 10 enters the cinema “Demeter: Dracula’s Awakeningfrom Norwegian director Andre Øvredal, the most recent transposition of Stoker’s novel, which stands out for its choice of deepening the events told in chapter VII of volume, which tells of the ill-fated voyage of the schooner “Demeter”, chartered to transport fifty mysterious wooden boxes from the Carpathians to London, covered with earth. When the team realizes they are being stalked by a ruthless creature that takes its victims night after night, they must figure out a way to survive the transition; however, the Demeter arrives in England half-charred.

What fate befell the ship’s passengers? If Stoker’s novel leaves very little hope in this regard, then it remains to be seen whether the film granted salvation to at least one of the characters, Captain (Liam Cunningham

), first officer (David Dastmalchyan), ship’s doctor (Corey Hawkins) or maybe an unfortunate stowaway (Aisling Franciosi). Of course, the image of Dracula, embodied in his transitional vampire phase from Javier Botetespecially disturbing right out of the trailer: the evolution of special effects over the years has contributed to making this iconic character’s characterization more realistic, which, however, left its mark from the very first appearance thanks to a few carefully studied details. in makeup and costumes.

The first feature film inspired by Stoker’s Dracula wasDracula halala – Death of Dracula“, an obscure 1921 Hungarian silent film directed by Carol Lightaybut it’s withNosferatu Vampire(1922) by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnaua masterpiece of expressionist cinema that the Count interpreted by a theater actor Max Shrek appears in one of his most iconic images, albeit under a different name; In fact, Stoker’s heirs sued Murnau for copyright infringement, and despite changing the title character’s name to Orlock, he lost the case and was sentenced to destroy all copies of what would become a silent film landmark. Fortunately, the director decided to secretly keep a copy of the film, which thus came down to us, along with some curious legends: indeed, it is said that before starting the filming, Murnau went to the Carpathians to hire a vampire, who then played the role Main character. The film is inspired by this legend”Vampire shadow(2000) author E. Elias MerhigeWith John Malkovich like Murnau e Willem Dafoe the vampire Max Shrek; in 1979 Murnau’s film was the subject of a famous remake”Nosferatu, prince of the night

” From Werner HerzogWith Klaus Kinski starring.

It was from 1931 thatDracula” From Tod Browning With Handsome Lugosi, considered a masterpiece of horror cinema and listed in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural value; between the 1930s and 1940s, Universal produced many other films starring the Count, which from the late 1950s inspired Hammer Film ProductionsEnglish production house: nel 1958actually coming out”Dracula vampire” From Terence Fisherthe first chapter in a series of films that see Christopher Lee starring until the early 1970s. Lee – the bloodthirsty Dracula – blood-sucking fangs appear with him for the first time – endowed with physicality, especially suitable for giving the character charm and cruelty; in 1979 instead Frank Langella try your hand at the role of the Count, in the film “Dracula” From John Badhamwho sees Laurence Olivier like Van Helsing and brings a particularly noticeable note of sensuality to the story, which will be greatly enhanced “Dracula by Bram Stoker(1992) signed Francis Ford Coppola.

Coppola’s film is a resounding success and gives new life to the figure of the famous count, played by Gary Oldmanbut also his female colleague Mina Murray, to whom he lends his face Winona Ryder: The characters are actually connected by a love that spans the ages – Mina is the reincarnation of Dracula’s bride – and which gives the protagonist a captivating romantic-decadent touch. The film, which can also be seen in the cast Keanu Reeves AND Anthony Hopkinsreceived 3 Academy Awards, including Best Costume Design for Eiko Ishioka

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Among the latest transpositions “Dracula 3D(2012) author Darius SilverWith Thomas Kretschmann AND Rutger Hauer“Dracula untold(2014) author Gary Shorewhich tells the story of Prince Vlad III, played by Luke EvansAND “Renfield(2023) author Chris McKayhorror comedy about the misadventures of Robert Montagu Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), a servant of Dracula for centuries (Nicolas Cage).

After all, many movie parodies inspired by the Count’s character have been created over the years; don’t miss the author’s comedies”Please don’t bite my neck!(1967) author Roman Polanski AND “Dracula is dead and happy(1995) author Mel Brookswhich demonstrate the greatness of a literary character, capable of crossing artistic languages ​​and genres. It remains only to wait to find out who will be the next Conte, who will win the hearts of the public, making them beat with horror and delight.