Count Dracula is a character as old as time itself — or at least it feels that way. Formally introduced to the big screen in the silent 1922 film Nosferatu (where the look of this horror icon was inspired by Germanic folklore), this blood-seeking creature created by author Bram Stoker has been in countless cinematic productions. Not every title on that list is going to be a five-star classic — some are just too humorous to be taken seriously, while others have aged poorly, the effects overtaking the horror vibe.
One of the films most synonymous with the immortal fiend is Bram Stoker’s Dracula, directed by Francis Ford Coppola in 1992. Interestingly enough, the movie itself was a success at the box office and won numerous Academy Awards, but one actor was criticized for their performance. Let me tell you, I don’t agree with the critics on this one, and you shouldn’t either. Keanu Reeves is far better in the film than critics would have you believe.
‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula Has a Style All Its Own
Whether you loved it or hated it, Bram Stoker’s Dracula certainly has a lot of dramatic flair. Gary Oldman’s intense emotional performance in the role injected a dark sort of zest — unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The Transylvania settings were certainly all very foggy and spooky, but also gave just enough color to remind you of a Tim Burton homage (maybe that’s why the movie snagged Best Art Direction?). Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing and Sadie Frost as Lucy Westenra both deliver excellent — if not a bit over-the-top — performances as the vampire slayer and the vampire victim. The dialogue delivery from these two is unforgettable.
Add in the camera creativity that’s exhibited during the more sensual sequences, and this gothic take has a certain lighthearted fervor to it that you cannot deny. Keanu Reeves as Dracula’s new lawyer contributes to this unique energy that critics seem to overlook. An article from Total Film (via GamesRadar), highlighting the 29 worst miscastings, referred to Reeves as a black hole of sex and drama. Virgin Media claimed The Matrix actor was just as painful as he was hilarious. AskMen — a branch of IGN — took it all a step further and stated that he lacked range and presented abysmal on-screen instincts. There was truly no need for all of that.
Camp, Old School Effects, and Lustful Dialogue
‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ Has It All
Bram Stoker’s Dracula is unmistakably a campy spectacle, full of dramatic flair and old-school effects. Coppola rushes around with the camera — especially when entering Dracula’s castle or Luci’s home — which adds a touch of excessive style. This movie is engrossing and entertaining — but is also not to be taken seriously. The main female characters lust after Dracula to the point that it borders on comedy. Van Helsing is written out to have the charm of Sherlock Holmes, guiding his young allies around like they are a multi-headed Watson. Reeves knew what he was getting into and tried to play Jonathan Harker in the same tone.
Critics have such a hard time coping with the character because the movie starts with his journey, even though he’s the most innocent one out of all of them. The count does not seduce him, he doesn’t decapitate demons, and he certainly doesn’t turn into an undead version of himself either. Harker is merely the required vessel for Dracula’s arc to begin, and Reeves’ portrayal is perfect because he represents the viewer of this movie — an ordinary person thrown into an increasingly scary situation. Harker’s exaggerated accent can be seen as part of his attempt to present the best version of himself to his client and those around him, including his fiancée Mina, who comes from a higher social class. The obvious fluctuation could easily be coming from a man who is trying to look more than he is, given the odd circumstances.
Keanu Reeves Was Done Wrong
From two different angles, the law clerk is suddenly thrown into two different rich worlds — that is, Dracula and his to-be bride. Reeves’ excessive manner of speaking and his supposed novice acting could very well fit the bill of Harker’s obliviousness toward the situation. The movie’s entire exaggeration is no different. Stone crosses bleed vivid red, and recurring visions of Dracula’s eyes haunt Mina’s dreams. Reeves unintentionally bringing Harker to life like some fish out of water does not kill the film. Lots of things happen in this movie that are out of this world!
Some performances inevitably pale in comparison to the masterful work of Hopkins and Oldman. The film stands on these two men. It might have been a mistake to put Keanu Reeves (someone who is most known for the action genre for the last four decades) next to drama experts, but critics were very wrong for putting him on blast like they did. The bewildered presence of Harker might come across as cornier than any other element in the film, but it feels right given the campiness that pervades the finale. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is now available to stream on Netflix.
