Bram Stoker's Dracula Revealed: The Mythology, History & References Explained!

I have been rewatching Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film, Bram Stoker's Dracula every Halloween for decades. In that time, I obviously noticed a few interesting details but I also came up with questions. For example, how much real history did Coppola include in the film's epic opening sequence and what real mythology and folklore did Stoker use to create vampire mythos? In this video, I will do a deep dive into those questions and point out other interesting details I noticed in the Bram Stoker's Dracula film as well as the novel it was based on.
Let me know what details you noticed in the comments below.
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Instrumental by Wojciech Kilar,
Beat Prod. by Shxcobb / channel
#DraculaNetflix #bbcdracula #dracula #vampire #mythologymonday

[@StoryDive]

Check out my follow-up to this video that goes into more detail on Dracula's inspiration: Vlad Tepes, Henry Irving and Irish Mythology kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXunf2BjZ92VepY

[@kennethreedjr3030]

Hey StoryDive can you do a Story review on the movie mother! The mythology and legend of it Please I love to see that one

[@charlesware5767]

Super job on the references.

[@clairepeace5783]

Have any of you read The Historian a fantastic Dracula novel ? X

[@j-remiduguay]

My version of Vampire Dracula has and like Jesus been exagerated and alot of this have to do with Religions making fake stories!! If blood he drank..!! He was just a nut case!!

[@countrymousejewelry]

Wow talk about deep dive!! This video was frickin awesome 👍🖤❤️🖤

[@samaelcain]

You got practically all of it. Though I do personally think that part of why Dracula doesn't drink wine, is because he rejected God and he still views wine as the Blood of Christ.

[@daniellemusella1594]

+DarkLaughterGaming Interesting idea. I never looked at it this way.

[@briankersey3313]

Very intuitive!

[@Aquarian231990]

Amazing

[@janinejohnstone468]

What does he think human blood is then?

[@samaelcain]

@@janinejohnstone468 He thinks what all vampires think; human blood is sustenance, food, drink, etc. Jesus was both all God and all man, and the Godly aspect is what makes his blood so potent to the wickedness of the world (like Dracula).

[@nickfrankie3274]

Gary Oldman kills every roll he takes on. Hes the best.

[@chiefscheider]

*role

[@ginger864]

@@chiefscheider okurr..spelling bee police

[@chiefscheider]

Whatevs, Cardi B.

[@TheCOZ]

I once saw him challenge a cinnamon roll. It was close, but he took it. He's an amazing actor too BTW.

[@turtleflipper9935]

Dracula very similar to old lady from murder on the orient express

[@amandacogger7014]

This has always been my favourite Dracula film. Gary Oldman for me was amazing as Dracula

[@Rick_Cleland]

Gary Oldman was drunk out of his mind during filming.

[@sb416]

@@Rick_ClelandLMAO😂 THIS MY FAVORITE MOVIE DAMN

[@thechosenone-4598]

Try dragula untold that's hawt too

[@amandacogger7014]

@@thechosenone-4598 great choice, I really enjoyed that film

[@thechosenone-4598]

@@amandacogger7014 then the queen of the dead with stewie Townsend

[@hindsightpov4218]

The costumes from Coppola’s ‘Dracula’ were so brilliant. A well deserved Oscar win for designer Eiko Ishioka. Her costumes for ‘The Cell’ and ‘The Fall’ are brilliant as well.

[@Amp661]

How? Old Dracula's outfit was awful. If they stayed true to the book, he would have looked so much better.

[@twelvepetaledlotus1721]

Your right! They are magical as is the cell and the fall I never knew those films were all the same designer all three films are fantastic.

[@coliesnow3141]

It makes sense now between the cell and here with the red muscular armor I could never place my finger on it! 🙏👍🩵

[@Pixxelina]

I wish she would had used a traditional Romanian ceremonial outfit instead of basing it off a golden Austrian art nouveau kiss picture. The Romanian traditional attires are even more intricate by means of embroidery and elaborate use of colors, fabrics and accessories. The golden mosaic just made no sense… speaking from a Romanian’s perspective.

[@Pixxelina]

9:32

[@Sharvalgon]

It's clever how the film is so true to the book and yet is such a radical departure; it changes one key point (Mina being the reincarnation of Dracula's wife) and thereby completely changing his motivation.

[@Reichthoff]

Well, vampires in folklore typically target their loved ones first. So it's not that impossible to accept.

[@ruggiebuggie3195]

Yeah, Mina falling in love with her best friend's killer and husband's abuser really made her character better. Not!

[@paulalopezpose927]

@@ruggiebuggie3195 it´s like a kind of toxic relationship she wins because at the end she kills him

[@HkFinn83]

@@paulalopezpose927and renders the whole thing nonsensical

[@lorddemonoss3945]

This is still THE Best Dracula movie till this date 😎

[@kungfubrandon6886]

I liked dead and loving it but it was a comedy

[@porkyV2]

i agree 100%.

[@lorddemonoss3945]

Sorry Dracula untold story 😥 your are cool 😎 but not legendary 😤

[@lorddemonoss3945]

@@kungfubrandon6886 is that a McDonald's reference 😕

[@worldeconomicforumbarbie9323]

DRACULA Dead and Loving It. #1

[@fridun007]

"i have crossed oceans of time to watch this video..."

[@ADarkMindsArt]

This film just keeps getting better and better the more you get into it

[@ronniejdio9411]

Oldman was fantastic here. Well he is always fantastic

[@schneir5]

"They got everything here from a diddled-eyed joe to damned if I know." My favorite roll Gary Oldman ever played was in "True Romance".

[@pagogo84]

Oldman was and is more than fantastic. He was and is world class epic! One of my favorite actors.

[@ronniejdio9411]

@@pagogo84 in the GOAT conversation

[@sexiestwoman9171]

true

[@ingriddubbel8468]

That goes without saying.

[@kuribo1]

Winona Ryder is absolutely Beautiful.......

[@Stigmatix666]

She's the epitome of a deer in headlights here..

[@alexparty2002]

Not for everyone

[@jedielder7970]

Oldman's co-stars reported that he got so into this role, that it actually freaked them out (he was that convincing). Great movie and my favorite Dracula adaptation, as well. Thanks.

[@LeafInTheWind88]

He’s the best.

[@dantheman4838]

For me Oldman carries the entire movie. Everyone else was quite forgettable tbh.

[@frostbite2179]

@@dantheman4838 Van Helsing was pretty cool

[@dallesamllhals9161]

@@dantheman4838 OH STOP IT! Keanu was PERFE"%/¤&X#did okaish#/¤"%...was in the film 😛

[@Kpink452]

For me this is the absolute best version of Bram Stokers Dracula. Gary Oldman was superb . I never tire of watching this film it’s a masterpiece of acting love costume design photography and the soundtrack is superb .

[@abskorditis1232]

Shame more horror movies aren't made this way.

[@GeneralBulldog54]

I know it's effort, research into the actual lore and history and the director's homage to the Hammer horror style, not to mention the music make this amalgamation of varying styles timeless.

[@robomnemonic3751]

Exactly. This generation is all about CGI and lazy directing. Ths movie is a masterpiece

[@andrewmarinelly5838]

Would agree if that didn't mean that all horror movies would feature Keanu Reeves British accent.

[@cfG21]

@@GeneralBulldog54 the real dracula is an eastern orthodox christian/catholic who would condemn you for heresy and would.kill this dracula for blasphemy

[@guytremblay1647]

thats because you need to separate a Vampire movie from a Dracula's movie . a vampire movie is only a vampire movie and is ment to be about a killing beast while Dracula is a story about a human being cursed to live forever and be slave to his thirst of blood for forsaking God and losing his love even after all he did in the name of God .Dracula is story not a horror movie

[@MECHINEA]

This movie is great and Gary Oldman should of been nominated for an Oscar!

[@marquelleivey4910]

Agree!

[@marquelleivey4910]

@Mustard Fart , very true. Keanu definitely wasn't meant for this part. To me, he and Winona should not have been cast in those roles. Just my opinion

[@michaeladams7489]

Yes definitely, Keanu was a bad choice though.

[@marquelleivey4910]

@@michaeladams7489 , Cary Elwes should have played Harker. Would have been a better fit

[@leanie9660]

Ugh...I hated Oldman in this part...he overplayed it to death....and whoever played Lucy was horrible !! Dracula's wives were dreadful. Overacted...ugh

[@JessicaEarnest]

This movie was gorgeous. I wish more horror genre classics were adapted like this one.

[@Armylady74]

Jessicake xoxo agree! The words spoken by Dracula to Nina while on the bed was so elegant ! It gives me chills every time I see it! I love movies and TV shows that makes a scene so moving by its wording! Penny Dreadful is another show that uses such exquisite wording!

[@fernand3932]

The film is very childish. The idea that the love never dies is silly. Feelings can change me. An old love has rekindled and they are destined to be together. When she has another life, new relationships and feelings, she is someone else. This idea that we remain the same is bullshit.

[@thumbsaloft]

@@fernand3932 You're entitled to your opinion, just realize THAT'S ALL IT IS your opinion.

[@alexandergalica9383]

I must just state that the author was female.

[@dylonmc4323]

@@fernand3932 your taking your personal experiences out on the movie. Your just being biased without realizing it.

[@unklbuk1]

By far, the BEST adaptation of Dracula ever. Garry Oldman's performance is mesmerizing, and brilliant.

[@crozraven]

this movie confirmed that Keanu Reeves & Winona Ryder are vampires LOL I mean look at them now!!! they still look the same LOL

[@dubuyajay9964]

You ever saw those 19 century pics of Keanu?

[@ramonantoniobennett-ryuuke6301]

Winona Ryder may be a vampire, but Keanu Reeves is an actual demigod

[@leandrotarsia7212]

Winona can suck me dry any time of the day. If you know what I mean...

[@TT-wx4tg]

and that they were both miscast

[@philosopherprince339]

Keanu has aged. I saw him in person two years ago. Rightt bbefore covidd.

[@pamelabutler6742]

The score from this movie still gives me the chills.

[@StoryDive]

I listen to it on the regular.

[@Fnelrbnef]

Same! My favorite is Lucy's Party. Sooo incredibly eerie.

[@CorbCorbin]

When she casting the spell and he’s yelling “Winnds!” Then by that fire. Whoo!

[@frodo322]

The love theme is incredible, I can’t remember the exact title, it’s the theme that plays when they finally meet and Dracula seduces Mina.

[@Fnelrbnef]

@@frodo322 Love Remembered:) I know it's so good.

[@JordanVanRyn]

This version is one of my favorite interpretations of Dracula because it’s beautifully directed and has a gorgeous gothic aesthetic! It’s even in my top 10 favorite movies. Great analysis!

[@jimberlygridder183]

Best Dracula movie ever. The look. The shots, THE COSTUMES, the acting. The story. The effects. Everything was so beautiful and cool and great.

[@lisagarnet2000]

Yes I love everything about it too!

[@stefanfilipovits21]

I still think Dracula’s muscle grouping Devil/wolf armor looks so cool

[@FKAMimikyu]

Check out the costume designer Eiko Ishioka's work

[@BLOODCHROMEDESIGN]

A striking design, has left a lasting impression on me.

[@kristianfagerstrom7011]

Looks like plastic to me..

[@Oi325]

Looked like the muscular system without the epidermis.

[@diegobarron1690]

@@kristianfagerstrom7011 its a heavy leather armor

[@jenss.3613]

"What do you know about love? You have never loved." "I too can love. And I shall love again."

[@MikeBloodslaver]

In the movie that phrase makes more sense than on the book...

[@Despond]

Probably still the best vampire/dracula movie ever made. Enough clever disturbing scenes ,genuine horror, fantastic music scores with great story telling and general ambience.

[@Chloe-vi5mb]

This film is a work of art it's criminally underrated i never understood why ?

[@erichardzz]

I beyond agree with you. I never got why this film isn't ranked along with The Godfather and Apocalypse Now when talking about Coppola's work.

[@mpdalyful1]

It suffers from being over blown. By this point Frances Ford cappolla had become indulgent as a film maker. He only cared about wine making and his film American zoetrop

[@bashsibda6289]

Mark Daly Overblown? This is not a laughing mhatter!

[@toddgarver5397]

It has equal parts of good acting and bad acting. Gary Oldman was a great Dracula, but Keanu and Winona are miscast.

[@Grimreepa220]

@@toddgarver5397 Winona was terrible in this. Keanu speaks for himself lol.

[@Jim-Mc]

Way underrated movie, lots of details, great practical effects, epic music, over the top performances but they work well in this context since it plays like an opera.

[@jaymz010]

The “I never drink...wine” line came from the Bela Legosi Dracula 🧛‍♂️

[@shawnmatthews5118]

jason newstead and was delivered best by him, as well.

[@giorgiomileto9564]

Yes, but also Frank Langella pronunced the same line in his movie.

[@jdhed1601]

I dont think that line is in the novel. I believe he says he never sups. And Angie, will you go out with me sometime?

[@GholaTleilaxu]

He sucks those bottles of palinka and țuică dry, it is known!

[@colinp2238]

@Angie Gomez Maybe he meant the Lego movie version?

[@jeanettebenton3851]

This is my favorite version of Dracula!!! I watched it because Sir Anthony Hopkins was in it, but fell in love with Gary Oldman's interpretation of Vlad! I loved the entire cast but I will still only watch this version! It was a beautiful love story!!!! ❤️

[@clavicleofcernunnos]

Regarding Dracula's shadow, it could possibly be inspired by the Carl Theodor Dreyer movie Vampyr from 1932. The henchmen who work on the vampire's estate have shadows that move independently of their bodies, acting as spies and even assassins. This impressive practical effect was probably accomplished similarly in Coppola's version, which also relied on practical effects.

[@vcello6450]

Well said!

[@Pendragon981]

By far my all time favorite horror film. Gary Oldman's portrayal was masterful. So visceral and terrifying. Reflecting on actual historical events made it even more captivating. He had the will to defy death and find the reincarnation of his one true love, which I think is Gods way of allowing him the opportunity to redeem himself.

[@TheJakub345]

its a lot more than just a horror movie tho

[@criztu]

It's got nothing to do with "historical events". The movie is occult doctrine all the way. Dracula+Mina is the beauty riding the beast of Revelation.

[@cookieamaw]

This is my FAVORITE movie of all times. The best love story ever!

[@cookieamaw]

Trey, I actually have the laserDisc. 💜 and I purchased a pair of earrings that was worn in the video with all the authenticity papers.

[@tracytaylor5115]

Love never dies.

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

Plural? Like even in alternate timelines or what? Eureka - what have you seen woman!

[@andersonsroad5161]

@@cookieamaw You're a hard core fan Carla.... It's a beautiful movie. I have the DVD and watch it along with classics Casablanca and Unforgiven from time to time.

[@Jarek_73]

Thanks that at least someone sees a lovestory in it. There is also a very religious message in it.

[@Spontaneous72]

Oldman: Tell everyone about this movie. Me: What do you mean everyone? Oldman: EVERYONE!!!!

[@iamnotabot5052]

This movie is a modern master piece , the stupendous cinematography, acting, storytelling and haunting score all come together to create a rare piece of movie magic!

[@lukasjhdewaal8212]

Dracula's redemption at the end of the film gives satisfying closure. I love the character development of this film, because the villain is humanised, and even sympathetic, not just tragic.

[@alteredbeast7145]

Its a beautiful film. Themes of redemption always get me

[@backhandok]

He was just a man tormented for centuries by his broken heart. And the damnation of his beloved.

[@Kpink452]

The Prodigal Philosopher it never ceases to make me weep that ending

[@esmeralda1703]

Coppola tried to imitate Dostoievski with the redemption of his characters and was poorly written. He must have read more Crime and punishment.

[@Christopher_J]

Bram's Stoker's Dracula is based on the fall of Lucifer who is now satan. His redemption arc is a fallacy as ultimately satan will be thrown into the lake of fire for eternity.

[@HunterShark300]

As a Romanian, the historical points you mentioned are pretty accurate. Awesome video!

[@HunterShark300]

@Daniel Appleton yes, he is regarded as a hero. If he were still alive nowadays, a lot of political and social problems would have been solved.

[@Bubbles_Vortex4ever]

Wish they had focused a little more on the medieval Dracula.

[@garycox9341]

It's fair to note that Vlad was a victim of the Ottomans. As a child, Vlad and his younger brother; Radu were taken from their parents from the Ottomans and both of them were trained as Janisaries. Eventually, Vlad escaped the Ottomans and went to help train his people of Wallachia to fight back. Another note, the Ottomans impaled their victims, including women and children after every conquest, so you could say that Vlad had had given them a taste of their own medicine.

[@om3japan]

As mentioned, I went to take a postgraduate course in Cluj Napoca just to experience Transilvania (officially, I went there to develop a project of corporate identity for Romania, ahem...) So I had the chance to research about the country, Transilvania, Romanian history and the facts are impecable :)

[@spritelybird]

My mom was born Sebu. Nearby the castle.

[@kramalerav]

I like the visual flourish and look of those opening scenes with Vlad. It’s like Coppola took inspiration from the final scenes of Excalibur, depicting him like a sort of Satanic King Arthur.

[@lisagarnet2000]

Great observation! This also explains why I love both these movies

[@theresajackson8873]

This movie was breathtaking - the costumes, sets, locations, and the exquisite Gary Oldman.

[@guidoleonidas128]

In the scene in the cinema with the wolf, when Dracula commands the wolf he even calls it strigoi.

[@tikkidaddy]

Hence the silly warfare depicted in modern movies between the two species is bullshyte, but cute

[@selenea7788]

Have to agree, Coppola's interpretation of Stoker's Dracula is a classic for a few reasons. First, a beautiful love story and fantastic acting from Gary Oldman with haunting music written by Wojciech Kilar. Fortunate for me, I can visit the town of Whitby in the UK where Stoker found inspiration in writing Dracula. A great place to be at Halloween. Excellent coverage of references.

[@thekububeach]

Gary Oldman was fantastic in the movie but the chemistry between him and Ryder was one of the best I have even seen.

[@spiderlegs50]

I have crossed Oceans of time to find you........Best line ever spoken..I love this movie, none other holds a candle to this one.

[@zoesdada8923]

God I was enamoured with Winona Ryder. This movie rang in the nineties for me. I had just moved to New Orleans and I remember it was like moving to another country. Nothing was the same.

[@HyperActive7]

I hope you watched Interview With The Vampire which is classic New Orleans!

[@jt364]

Also Dracula 2000,really enjoyed that take!

[@SnakePlisskin.]

Good times am sure

[@hiroprotagonist525]

Dracula's armor, which is reminiscent of skinless musculature, was the influence for the dream suits in The Cell, which was also costume designed by Ishioka, and while there are some some old Japanese armor that have that ribbed look, they were usually found on shoulder pads and not on the entire armor. Perhaps Ishioka felt it was a gory reference to the blood that is under the skin?

[@alteredbeast7145]

The Cell was surprisingly good! I noticed his name in the credits, and knew I had seen it before!

[@nikeolas]

@@alteredbeast7145 Such an underrated movie. The art direction is incredible

[@duantorruellas716]

You're right, I saw the cell and it was pure eye candy , I loved it. The suit had to be by the same designer. The shogun armor as well was incredible and had to be referenced for the design. Absolutely fabulous.

[@kyriss12]

Also in the witcher 3 blood and wine expansion you can find a set of armor inspired by Dracula's armor in the elder vampires lair.

[@ofotopedro]

Altered Beast Eiko Ishioka was a woman, not a guy. Unfortunately, she passed away some years ago. Brilliant costume designer.

[@bushwalker75]

The best Dracula movie ever made! The set, the costumes, the make up. it is a real masterpiece.

[@itsaashish]

Both the novel and the movie are products of deep, meticulous research that draws on several cultures, hitherto unknown. Masterpiece, from start to finish. And off course, Gary Oldman is a masterclass. More directors and actors need to learn from Coppola and Oldman.

[@KevinKrayden]

This is my favorite Dracula film. I think my favorite thing about it as an adult is that all (or at least nearly all) of the special effects were achieved in-camera using old methods from decades past. To think that this movie came out the same year as T2 is kind of amazing. Because of its use of in-camera effects, "Bram Stoker's Dracula" has aged much more gracefully than most of the CGI-heavy films that came later. CGI only looks "good" for a few years before the technology ages out (as it is constantly improving). Some CGI in films never looks good in the first place. In contrast, we'll be able to watch this Dracula 50 years from now and it will still look amazing.

[@ingriddubbel8468]

T2 came out in 1991.

[@KevinKrayden]

@@ingriddubbel8468 Ah, you're right, though IMO that actually proves my point even more at how unique this film was at the time. Still, I stand corrected on the date.

[@babbyfacerevocation2740]

What's up with the cross of Crist in Godzilla king of the monsters. Was it count Dracula that woke up King Ghidorah from the ice. Dr. Russell has no idea. Van helsing knows it was Count Dracula that woke up King Ghidorah from the ice.

[@P33b4Ugo5omwh3r3]

@@ingriddubbel8468 But if I remember correctly it was filmed two years so still it's close to T2.

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

@@babbyfacerevocation2740 what are you talking about..? I'm a huge Godzilla fan.

[@FredFukkinBear]

Hands down, the best Dracula movie ever made. On the surface it's a horror film, but just underneath it's a love story, making viewers feel empathy for "the monster".

[@lindat.9976]

be not deceived, gothic horror and melodrama are closely relevant genres

[@ellieadkinson3657]

This movie graced my eyeballs right around the very start of 2020. It is astounding and gorgeous and very easy to follow. Beautiful, most of all. My favorite part BY FAR is the scene with Mina petting the wolf. “He likes you.”

[@magicknight13]

That's a very underrated scene! Good pick! 😄

[@vegasrunaway]

Everything about this movie is striking. The film has lush and startling visuals and the score creates great tension and resolution. One of the most aesthetically interesting films of all time. Gary Oldman is genius. This documentary is very well researched and presented. Thanks for this!

[@Jelperman]

The part about the circle keeping Dracula's brides at bay comes from the old Scottish folktale of the Baobhan sith: Four men are out hunting and decide to spend the night in an old barn or shack. When one of them wishes they had some female companionship, four beautiful girls show up and the party begins. One of the men notices blood on the floor and runs in terror, taking refuge among the horses tethered outside. Because the horses formed a circle and had iron horseshoes (iron repels creatures of the night), the vampires are held off until sunrise. The lone hunter finds the ladies gone and his friends dead -completely drained of blood. Stoker (and later Coppola) livened this up a little byplacing the horses outside the circle and having Dracula's brides killing them.

[@fabiovalguarnera1212]

This is THE BEST'' Dracula'' movie .....period

[@banishedfromthedwarfplanet530]

It's easily the worst.

[@eatmedrinkme9628]

"Love at First Bite " is the best Dracula movie. lol

[@odysseus3285]

Nosferatu (1922) is better.

[@kedemberger8773]

I love this movie too. Some points: 1. Movie prologue clearly influenced by the famous silhouette movies of Lotte Reiniger, which also influenced Bakshi's LOTR prologue (the animated film). 2. The plot takes after the legend of the eternally damned man saved by the redemptive power of love - see Vanderdecken, Wagner's The Flying Dutchman opera (Coppola loves opera), and various other versions. 3. The final youthful transformation of Dracula is taken from the 1946 Beauty and the Beast movie by Jean Cocteau - look it up.

[@mandiferrer]

Best line from this movie : "Dracula : I have crossed oceans of time to find you... Do you believe in destiny?" btw, loved this review and subbed to your channel

[@artandcard]

I wonder if the inspiration for that line is one of the epistolary novel's letters from Lucy to Mina. It opens, "Oceans of love and millions of kisses, and may you soon be in your own home with your husband." (Chapter 9)

[@georgemarinescu4633]

The life of Vlad Tepes has no connection with vampirism, he was a great hero of my country that fought with a small army against the Turkish empire to free his country. He was cruel and merciless with the invading armies, that's why theTurks called him Seitan (Demon) and that is how the story begins.

[@praywithpio6028]

He was a great hero of the world!

[@jenniferparker7843]

I think stoker took liberties and extended the Romanian vampire mythos for a mashup taking a Romanian folk hero and ascribing his acts of heroism to supernatural powers

[@user-cy6wm4ts8j]

Vlad is a Russian name, not Romanian.

[@jameswalker6864]

@@user-cy6wm4ts8j You're wrong. Vlad is a Romanian male given name. It is more commonly a nativized hypocorism of Vladislav and can also be used as a surname.

[@crimsonhunter7598]

@@user-cy6wm4ts8j Vladimir is, yes

[@doctorsqueaks1683]

*Keanu stands on a cliff over looking Dracula’s castle with a breathtaking view* Keanu: no, you’re breathtaking

[@cha5]

Eli Veil Worst attempt at a British accent for Jonathan Harker ever. “I know where th’ basturd sleeps!” Right up there with David Manners.

[@doctorsqueaks1683]

cha5 cool, irrelevant but cool

[@cha5]

Eli Veil Not that cool, More miscasting than anything else, and the simple fact that Reeves couldn’t fake a British accent if you held a gun to his head.

[@doctorsqueaks1683]

cha5 had nothing to do with my original comment but hey whatever floats your boat

[@cha5]

Eli Veil Well just simply that he comes across as nothing like Bram Stoker’s Jonathan Harker and wasn’t particularly convincing in the role, Same as David Manner’s Jonathan Harker in the 1931 Bela Lugosi Dracula, Harker is personally involved in killing Dracula in the novel and neither actor seems like they could kill a fly let alone a vampire.

[@piemanmusic]

That suit of armour is absolutely awesome. The costumery of this film are incredible 30 years later.

[@ikhanic48]

I'm a serious Cine-phile. This version of the Bram Stoker novel closes the door on any other Dracula movie that was ever made, and any that will ever be made. Like John Carpenters "Thing", you'll never top this version. Thank you Man! this was great.

[@jillymo527]

This is absolutely the best Dracula film! The acting, the costumes, the sets, that exquisite soundtrack that I frequently listen to! The combination of all these in addition to a beautiful love story, make this film a classic and one of my all-time favorite films!

[@Dark-sy6pu]

True

[@odysseus3285]

Is this the best Dracula movie? You never watched Nosferatu (1922). The love story and more exaggerated moments that ruined the film.

[@maforo85]

This movie is a masterpiece and is the greatest vampire/dracula movie ever made. A work of art !

[@PF_ROB]

Best Dracula documentary of all time. Visually, it's beautiful.

[@willtinarey3674]

Part of making art is contributing your vision while incorporating the awesome history. This movie will always remain in my top 10. For the way it was told to the beautiful costumes.😍

[@annakemeridis7807]

Gary Oldman was brilliant in this movie. It was an Oscar vibe for me. Absolutely love the score to this film.

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

The typical vibe of Oscars is to give it to something far less enchanting.

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

Sir Henry Irving was the owner of the Lyceum Theatre. Bram Stoker was the manager. The three brides seem also inspired by the three Fates, the three Norns, the three daughters of King Lear, the three Gorgons, etc. Just as Lucy's three suitors might have been the male parallel--the three Muskateers, three Wise Men, the Triumvirates, etc. One of the actresses who played the Brides was actually Romanian, and she coached others on how to speak it. Thus they all, like her, ended up with Transylvanian accents. Overall, vampires in the novel resemble Austrian vampires--which is not odd since originallly it was to have taken place in Styria, a province in Austria (where the previous vampire classic CARMILLA took place, written by fellow Irishman Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu). Romanian Strigoi for example sleep standing up in the earth and eat massive amounts of food, including human flesh. They also smell bad. A lot (but not all) of the film's special effects were done "practically" i.e. without digital enhancement. Coppola wanted to make the film without sets originally, but the studio balked big time. This was I think the first time the Brides seemed explicitly to be Dracula's harem. Keep in mind he was raised among the Ottomans as a hostage.

[@StoryDive]

Thanks for the great details. According to Wikipedia, Irving was General Manager of the Lyceum and Stoker was Business Manager. Possibly he owned it as well.

[@monsterofmud]

Also regarding the three Brides is the goddess Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, represented as a trinity.

[@GraupeLie]

@@monsterofmud True! I also thought of Shakespeare's three witches in Macbeth or the Morrígan. There are so many trinities...

[@maggieraynor7134]

GraupeLie Everyone’s comments are great! I add to the trinity idea, there is the holy trinity, but demons will also mock the HT by mirroring in threes.

[@Reichthoff]

I think it was one of the brides was Austrian - the blonde. The novel mentions the Count as especially favouring this one. The other dark haired two are mentioned as looking similar to Dracula, as if related to him. The real Vlad Tepes was rumoured to have been enamoured by a young blonde Saxon woman named Katharina Siegel. I don't know if the connection was intended though.

[@phoebe7314]

Great video! This is definitely one of my all-time favourite vampire films. I'd like to add that Francis Ford Coppola also took heavy inspiration from Jean Cocteau's film 'Beauty and the Beast' (1946) when creating several scenes for Dracula, such as when Vlad transforms Mina's tears into diamonds.

[@magicknight13]

Wow that makes a lot of sense! Two of my all time favorite movies

[@coachgoltzbizpro23]

Despite the creative liberty Coppola took on this adaptation, I'm impressed with how close he managed to stay to the novel.

[@Jumpoable]

Wow. I was so young when this came out & I remember thinking that the aesthetics were "weird" because it wasn't just your stereotypical Count Dracula in a tux. Definitely have to rewatch after seeing your breakdown of all the cultural folklore & stylistic details. Thank you for your sublime nerdistry.

[@ladyredl3210]

That is a fantastic compliment I hope I can have it someday

[@MetamorphosisRox]

This is my favorite horror movie of all time. It was one of those things I watched that stayed with me and probably the reason for my lifelong obsession with Gary Oldman, but I digress. Great work and thanks for the history lesson. There were many things that I did not know about the legends in Romania.

[@Thedesertguy75]

This movie is one of the best vampire films since nosferatu. Its fantastic. The music is perfect. The different approach to the condition of being a vampire was fascinating. The cast....legendary. The great Gary Oldman and of course...Sir Anthony Hopkins.

[@hoyden1960]

Should NEVER have been titled "Bram Stoker's Dracula"......it SHOULD have been "Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula". Still a great flick!!

[@jsrgev]

Aside from the love story, it was more faithful to the book than just about any other film. It maintained much of the epistolary style of storytelling. Included all three suitors, Lucy and Mina, Renfield, Jonathan and Van Helsing. Lucy's mother is missing, but that's about it, right? It also had the full journey from Transylvania to England and back again, including scenes of Dracula's sea voyage. It even incorporated the theme of societal change on the cusp of modernity. Really it left very little out, though it did add. And although the book is great, IMHO the Mina/Dracula love story improves upon it. It adds nuance and depth; more conflict. I love this movie. Only major fault is Keanu's acting and accent.

[@jsrgev]

@@sudanemamimikiki1527 Saw this a while ago - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2qnaGeja5drnbM. This guy did a systematic comparison of a number of Dracula movies and found the BBC one a bit closer to the book. But it's also dull and forgettable. I watched it but can hardly remember it.

[@AcidGlow]

*I really liked this movie. Great job covering it* ✅🙂

[@conniemcmurry9589]

Gary Oldham should have gotten an Academy Award for his portrayal of Dracula....he really creeped me out.

[@thelwulfeoforlic6482]

@@conniemcmurry9589 - Though I agree it’s a pity the film was let down by the acting of Keanu Reeves, even the stakes employed were less wooden

[@Karmel30]

Very very good movie. I love Oldman! Cinematography was awesome.

[@StoryDive]

For me, it's one of the most beautiful movies ever.

[@milowagon]

Terrific movie on many levels. The costume throughout is stunning, the staging, lighting and music, superb. The whole cast is great, especially Mr Oldman. After the redemption of Dracula, as the credits roll, Love Song for a Vampire by Annie Lennox makes a perfect end to a wonderful piece of cinema.

[@dreadfullradu4726]

Thank you for doing such a good job of describing the details of this movie. By far, this is one of my favorite movies of all time. I am a huge Dracula fan and this movie depicts him in such a way that other movies fail to do. One of my favorite aspects of the movie is the love story between Elizabetha aka Mina Murray and Vlad aka Dracula. Their love story is so powerful that it even transcends time, distance, and geography to where they meet each other again and fall in love. I love Dracula's saying that even time and destiny can be altered for a single event...… he is talking about love. Its a very powerful element in the story and I can feel it in my heart for them. ….. The movie was truly a work of art and Ive watched it many times and will continue to do so. Thank you the video.Also, my alias of dreadfullradu comes from Vlad's brother's name..... Radu

[@StoryDive]

Yes, I mention Radu in this video. Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXunf2BjZ92VepY

[@monsterofmud]

The Mist form: remember that in the novel much was made over how the Brides can travel as dust motes on beams of moonlight.

[@mohdnaushad7817]

The Best Dracula Movie Ever Made.. Love the Soundtrack, watching it at 2 AM and feeling the love inside dracul king... Just an amazing imaginative true story

[@radarlovedr]

Pro tip: when googling Gary Oldman, do not forget the “r” .

[@elephant_888]

radarlovedr - there’s something wrong with you!!! lol 😂😂😂😂😂

[@nariko47]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dude_8434]

Now I have too... #SoupKitchen

[@katj3443]

Hahahahaah

[@xBINARYGODx]

you mistyped, you meant to state "always forget". That's ok, you are forgiven.

[@Charlotte66666]

I saw this film on its opening night in London, brilliant memory 😍😍😍

[@janethayes5941]

My favorite adaptation as well. Beautiful, romantic, and so finely executed.

[@crozraven]

Albeit not 100% accurate to the source material, this movie IS still the best Dracula movie imo. Everything are just excellent & really comes together from the story, the props, the drama, the characters, & of course the musics. I mean Gary Oldman is Dracula & Anthony Hopkins is Van Helsing!! That alone is an already one of a kind rarest thing ever.

[@josephkeeter9648]

This is still, hands down, my favorite Dracula movie.

[@ginamari]

From IMDb: "There were 38 different cuts of the film prior to its release. There are at least eight shots missing from the theatrical, video, and DVD versions. The criterion laserdisc version and the 2-Disc Collector's Edition DVD released in 2007 both contain over 30 minutes of deleted footage".

[@amynurss1375]

That is a beautiful movie. I love it. "Take me away from all this death."

[@Evilfish82]

Christ, Reeves hasn't changed a bit since that movie. He is the vampire!

[@frodo322]

Winona looks pretty good still too. Maybe the bite worked

[@dwoodard5717]

He did have the freaky three and a halfsome with those vampire chicks.

[@BarbaraMerryGeng]

Thank you for an excellent review of “ Bram Stokers’ Dracula “. This is undoubtably one of my favorite films, due to the complex layers of stories within the story. I was completely engaged for the entire film.. And then, the set designs, costumes, soundtrack, cinematography .. incredible cast of actors, all intertwined with the story of a love that ended in tragedy..

[@michaeljaymarshall]

I've seen this movie many times. It was also my introduction to the great Anthony Hopkins and the brilliant Gary Oldman. One interesting detail is in one scene Dracula calls out to a scared and vicious white wolf who got loose from the London Zoo, saying "Strigoi, moroi!". The white wolf then calms down and walks over to Dracula and Mina, who both gently pet the wolf.

[@justkatebake]

My favorite movie too... Gary Oldman is epic!

[@stefanfilipovits21]

Thanks for making this! Bram Stoker’s Dracula is also my favorite adaptation of the book. I love all the winks, nods, and allusions to history in the movie and it’s cool to see them broken down and listed.

[@jcmillzmusic8768]

The most chilling moment in the novel for me, was when Jonathan found out he was trapped and just sat in silence.

[@susanstorm7910]

Omg! This movie is my favorite iteration of Bram Stoker’s Dracula adaptations!

[@maureentuohy8672]

This is a fabulous story. Well told, chilling, romantic and well acted. It brings you in to Dracula’s life before his undead life begins.

[@CNNBlackmailSupport]

That red musculature armor was an awesome and unique choice.

[@yvonnewarner7737]

I think bram stokers Dracula is one of the best films I have watched and I was so disappointed that Netflix has taken it off come on Netflix please put it back on again everyone loves it 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@r.a.w.talentart]

Also my favourite vampire film. We all know they changed alot for the film but it has a wonderful effect. It's such a dark and distorting film, very creepy, love it.

[@petercarlson811]

I saw this movie 32 times in the first six months after the premiere.

[@lunar_light]

You, sir, are a kindred spirit. A fellow devotee salutes you!

[@petercarlson811]

@@lunar_light Let's enjoy kindred company over a mug of good ale some day.

[@lunar_light]

@@petercarlson811 You must forgive me, but I never drink..... ale...

[@petercarlson811]

@@lunar_light Impeccable! Lol

[@bashsibda6289]

I envy you.

[@darthweezy]

A couple of thoughts- Dracula chuckling “I never drink wine” was a nod to Bela Lugosi; Dracula introduced himself as Prince of Sagite (which is from the script, not sure what name you were referencing- Sekola?)- Sagite is a principality in Romania where Targoviste is the main city. I love videos like this that cover deep dives in history and movies, great job!

[@darthweezy]

Anarcha Media no, the official script says Sagite.

[@AdrianD011]

In the video, the name of the people he was referring to was the Szekely people, from which Dracula apparently draws his ancestral lineage to Atilla from. Although it seems that some divergences from this name happened, (probably because of the odd spelling and pronunciations for English readers of the script and viewers of the movie) that's likely why Dracula introduces himself as Prince of Sagite (although again, this is not historically accurate for either the Szekely Hungarians, nor Romanians)

[@darthweezy]

Adrian Dragoiescu I concur. The official script from the movie still says Sagite. Bram Stoker mentions Szekely when Dracula is conversing with Harker. It’s been a while, but I don’t think the romantic Mina/Dracula scene was even in the book.

[@seiza2010]

"Sagite" is just a made-up name (or the wrong pronunciation of a Romanian province). There has never existed a principality with this name in Romania (at least, not in Wallachia).

[@frenchiemomma1879]

Excellent film! Probably one of the best cast of characters in any horror film. Sir Anthony Hopkins brought a serious but slight comedic aspect to VanHelsing. One of my favorite movies of all time.

[@nghandihede5928]

Although I love Bela Lugosi and Frank Langella as the Prince of The Order of The Dragon, Gary Oldman nailed it!!! Sexy boi he is💛♑

[@MegaFafnir]

The "I never drink... wine" line is of course another playful nod to an earlier Dracula film :D

[@daniellemusella1594]

+MegaFafnir They changed "wine" to coffee" for the movie "Dracula 2000". There's an interesting take on the story there, saying that Dracula was actually Judas Iscariot. It was meant to explain his hatred for anything made of silver, or anything to do with Christianity.

[@sandymiao]

Feels like Coppola unified all of the legends and folklore into one iconic character, and how we depict vampires now! I love this movie and the love story between Dracula and Mina!

[@kreion]

I'm Romanian, your translations were correct although the pronunciations were a bit off :) but really good job! Țepeș is pronounced "Tsepesh"