Dracula (2007) on DVD

Dracula (2007)
[DVD Dracula]

This 2007 Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 novel is a stylish, visually appealing version this gothic tale. Marc Warren (whom I’ve enjoyed as Danny Blue in the con-game series Hustle, Rochefort in The Musketeers and The Gentleman in Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell) plays Count Dracula as both sensual and reserved, and gives off a perfect menacing air. But it was actually the non-vampiric performances that impressed me the most — Tom Burke as Dr. John Seward, Dan Stevens as Lord Arthur Holmwood and Donald Sumpter as cult leader Alfred Singleton are all impressive. And David Suchet (Poirot) is quirky but earnest for the short time he’s on-screen as Abraham Van Helsing. But the women steal the show — Sophia Myles is doomed Lucy Westenra (the same year she starred in the CBS vampire series Moonlight!), and Stephanie Leonidas is quite memorable as Mina Murray.

Production design, set decoration, costumes and make-up are all top-notch. This 90-minute film is a visual feast. However, for those who are accustomed to today’s big-budget special effects and stunt extravaganzas, featuring horrific “monster” make-up and athletic “vampire hunters”, you need to be aware that this film is true to Stoker’s original novel, and the scares and thrills come from the atmosphere and characterizations, not from “shocks”. A classy production, and one that I recommend!

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try reading the original novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, or the 1970s TV-movie adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘Salem’s Lot, starring David Soul of Starsky & Hutch fame. ]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ PBS Masterpiece Theatre’s official Dracula web page ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library

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