Universal's 1931 production of DRACULA was not the first vampire film, nor even the first Dracula film, but it has become the standard by which all subsequent versions (and there have been many) are judged.
DRACULA was directed by Tod Browning, a successful stage director whose theater experience had a great influence on the film. Watching DRACULA is very much like watching a stage play. There are no camera zooms or pans. The camera is static. This gives the viewer (especially the modern viewer, so used to flashy camera work) an uneasy feeling. It's one of those situations where something just doesn't feel right, but is subtle enough that you can't quite put your finger on it. Another technique that has a similar result is the use of no musical score. Other than a brief scene at the opera where the music from the stage can be heard in the background, there is no music. This is especially effective in creating an eerie, creepy atmosphere.
Bela Lugosi is obviously the star of the film, though he was given the role only after first choice Lon Chaney died prior to filming. Lugosi gives the title character a cruel elegance, lots of style and sophistication. Despite this, his eyes really can project evil.
The remainder of the cast is made up of what would become part of Universal's "A" team for horror films. Edward Van Sloan and Dwight Frye, as Van Helsing and Renfield, respectively, are both excellent, as always. David Manners is his usual, bland self, and Helen Chandler plays a nice damsel in distress.
DRACULA is one of the true classics of the horror genre and, despite its age, remains an enjoyable film to watch, over and over again.
DRACULA was directed by Tod Browning, a successful stage director whose theater experience had a great influence on the film. Watching DRACULA is very much like watching a stage play. There are no camera zooms or pans. The camera is static. This gives the viewer (especially the modern viewer, so used to flashy camera work) an uneasy feeling. It's one of those situations where something just doesn't feel right, but is subtle enough that you can't quite put your finger on it. Another technique that has a similar result is the use of no musical score. Other than a brief scene at the opera where the music from the stage can be heard in the background, there is no music. This is especially effective in creating an eerie, creepy atmosphere.
Bela Lugosi is obviously the star of the film, though he was given the role only after first choice Lon Chaney died prior to filming. Lugosi gives the title character a cruel elegance, lots of style and sophistication. Despite this, his eyes really can project evil.
The remainder of the cast is made up of what would become part of Universal's "A" team for horror films. Edward Van Sloan and Dwight Frye, as Van Helsing and Renfield, respectively, are both excellent, as always. David Manners is his usual, bland self, and Helen Chandler plays a nice damsel in distress.
DRACULA is one of the true classics of the horror genre and, despite its age, remains an enjoyable film to watch, over and over again.