Halloween Special Subject: Dracula (1931) and Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Our first Halloween special looks at a monster for whom familiarity has bred unjustified contempt. Looking at Tod Browning's 1931 DRACULA and Francis Ford Coppola's misleadingly-titled BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA from 1992, we discuss the Cursed Count as a romantic and a sympathetic figure; the two films' departures from Bram Stoker's novel; xenophobia and monstrousness; their very different takes on Van Helsing; their problematic fascination with female sexuality; and Dwight Frye's unforgettable Renfield. And as a Bonus: our brief takes on two Halloween art movies we saw at rep theatres this season, James Whale's THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and Charles Laughton's NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. We conclude that the universe posited in all four films is godless at best, or, at worst, illustrates Calvin's thesis that God hates us, every one. Spoilers! Time Codes: 0h 01m 00s:          Dracula (dir. Tod Browning) 0h 36m 32s:          Bram Stoker's Dracula (dir. Francis Ford Coppola)                      1h 07m 23s:          Fall Cinemagoing Update – Night of the Hunter at The Royal & Bride                                of Frankenstein at The Revue +++ * Find Elise's latest published film piece – "Elaine May's Male Gaze" – in the Elaine May issue of Bright Wall/Dark Room* *And Read Elise's Writing at Bright Wall/Dark Room, Cléo, and Bright Lights.* Follow us on Twitter at @therebuggy Write to us at [email protected] Theme Music: "What's Yr Take on Cassavetes?" – Le Tigre