<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Dreary and Ineffective
Review: I only ventured to review this was because it seemed like those who did so found this movie to be effective as a Dracula movie. I feel compelled to say the opposite is true, and only wish that someone would have given a less-than-wonderful review before I purchased it about a year ago. The beginning of the movie is kind of creepy, and it seems to have a sense of mystery and intrigue about about it, but once this movie gets going its flaws become apparent. Disappointing aspects were plentiful. First, they changed the whole Dracula story (perhaps my fault for expecting something close to the novel). They added several characters who weren't in the novel into the movie. Some of the characters in the movie weren't dressed appropriately for the setting of Translvania; they looked more aptly dressed for a Beatles concert in the 60s. The acting was slow and methodical and, generally, dreary. The general approach of the movie is slow. It seems like main characters-- Johnathan Harker, Dracula, Mina-- are moving in slow motion and trying hopelessly to save the film. Usually the problem in a movie is overacting; in this movie it's the exact opposite that is problematic. It's very hard to take this movie seriously. It borders on B movie quality. Recommended instead of this: the original Dracula (1931) with Bela Lugosi.
Rating: 
Summary: Dracula
Review: I saw this some years ago on the television and I really taught Jack Palance captured the role very well. His features alone were very realistic. He plays the count very well the atmosphere and the whole Gothic thing came together for this one very well indeed. One very noticable thing in Palance role is the love with Mina and Lucy. I don't think any other version captured the love interest as well as this one. Palance vunerability came accross very much. The locations and the scenes were perfect and the encounter with Van Heilsen played by Sir Laurence Olivier in the graveyard was very scary indeed.
Rating:
Summary: Palance is Dracula!!
Review: Jack Palance gives us his rendition of the famous count and it is an excellent meoldrama. Along with Mr. Palance,s terrific acting skills he seems to move well with the cape and with no ridiculous special effects. This is more of a sympathetic Dracula , seemingly, through little fault of his own is doomed for eternity. Splendid sets and terrific editing make this film a standout. The only other abstract "Dracula" that one might find is the PBS version with Louis Jordan as the count. Atmospheric/
Rating: 
Summary: The consummate Dracula in Jack Palance
Review: Jack Palance's portrayal of the eternally eerie Count makes the depiction of Dracula as a tragic figure incredibly believable. His combination of horror and pathos is brilliant in its execution - and the highly sexual attributes of the vampire legend are clear without being overdone or offensive. The excellence of this production is in its combination of intensity and restraint. Sets, for example, are not exagerrated in order to be macabre - Castle Dracula could pass for a stately home were it not for the odd inhabitants. The "completely human" characters are intelligent, refined, and normal in their actions and words - the horror of being the victims of vampires providing sufficient Gothic elements. Interestingly, this version has the rare quality of referring, however obliquely, to the real Prince Vlad, and manages to give credibility to Dracula's plight (without exploring how his vampirism came to be.) With apologies to fans of Bela Lugosi, et al, I believe Jack Palance captured the Count most perfectly.
Rating:
Summary: A portrait of Count Dracula as a tragic figure
Review: On the one hand there was a bit more of an attempt to stick to Bram Stoker's original novel than you usually find in Dracula films, but the idea of making the count a tragic figure who is trapped in a life he never wanted is a bit much. It is a legitimate twist on the tale, but not with Jack Palance, who might be right for the character but not for the role as it is written in this film. Recast the movie and this idea might work. Still an above-average film compared to most of the schlock out there.
Rating:
Summary: Jack Palance alone makes this worth watching.
Review: This movie is great! The sets are good, the cast fine, and there are actual scenes of suspense. Great ending as well. Buy it.
<< 1 >>
| 
