Dracula (1931)

I love classic horror films. The Phantom of the Opera (1925). Frankenstein (1931). The Wolf-Man (1941). The Mummy (1932). These were the films which spawned legends: Lon Chaney, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr. When Universal began to look into fusing the horror genre into their studio, they looked far and wide for a leading man. They found one in an ex-Hungarian patriot. Add in a veteran of silent films, and you have the greatest horror film of all-time.

Dracula (1931) is the beginning of the talking horror films, launching Universal into the horror business and defining the genre for decades.

Direction: Tod Browning knew exactly what he was doing when he cast and set-up the legendary film. Browning's lengthy use of silent film techniques may have the viewer thinking that he wasn't comfortable using sound. Don't make that mistake. The use of silence and long shots are exactly what makes the film so great and distinctive. There is no better director from the 1930's. Score: 10.

Production: Carl Laemmle, Jr. was a very patient man in waiting for the project to develop. He could have easily axed the project after the death of Lon Chaney (the studio's original choice to don the cape). Some of the decisions are questionable, such as the abrupt changes of technology from Transylvania to London. Yet, the film is so obsessive-compulsive that it is of little consequence. Score: 9.

Cinematography: Karl Freund. The genius of the frame is a flawless mesh with Browning's vision. It was so much so that Browning took a "hands-off" approach. The result? Long shots, as if the viewer were drawn and forced to watch the uncomfortable and compelling seduction of Dracula. Freund also shot Metropolis (1927). The long shots do tend to slow down the film in certain scenes, though. Score: 9.

Script: If you're expecting something like Bram Stoker's book, forget it. Why? Budget costs. Originally, Universal intended to produce a carbon copy of the book (along the lines of the BBC's Count Dracula, 1977.) This film is from the play from Hamilton Deane. As such, more emphasis on the scenes with Jonathan, Mina, and Dr. Seward. And it works! The dialogue itself is layered with humor, disgust, and genuine fright. Let us not forget, Lugosi was a legend after his very first line. Score: 9.

Editing: Though the technology was limited at best, one must understand that the long cuts were the story of the day. Long edits are inappropriate at some points, but this is a result from the Browning/Freund influence. Because today's audiences have such a short attention span, it may be boring. However, from a filmmaking and creative standpoint, it is genius. Score: 9.

Costumes/Art Direction: Everyone knows what Dracula is supposed to look like. Not only do the costumes and design mesh from the era, but they give a definitive look for each and every character. The sets? Spectacular. Yet I'm going to bring up the question. What the hell is up with the armadillos? Score: 9.

Special Effects: This movie doesn't need too much of it. What effects are used is primarily composed of the ship, which is a bit short. If you are a special effects junkie, try The Invisible Man (1933). Dracula is not about special effects, and that's a good thing. Score: 9.

Score/Soundtrack: There are two versions of this film musically. The first is the original, which uses silence to its advantage. The second score was composed by Philip Glass with the film's re-release in 1999. Both are magnificient. Try the first one first though. Score: 10.

Primary Cast: Bela Lugosi showed us forever exactly what Dracula should look like, how he should speak, how he should walk, and how he should act. Unfortunately, this is the role which typecasted him for centuries to come. In his own words, "Dracula is both a blessing and a curse." This is because he is so good at it. The accented English is exactly what the role needed. Few roles are so deeply and ultimately defined. Score: 10.

Supporting Cast: Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan, and David Manners all got their jump in careers from this film. They are not fodder for Lugosi, but well-rounded pieces of the story. They each have their niche and perform it well. Some of the females did a bit of overacting, but again... note the times. Score: 9.

Total Score: 93. Final Score: 10.

There is no better horror movie. Not only does it stand the test of time, but it is still scary. Am I Dracula bias? Of course. But much like a looking glass, the more you look... the more you see. Bela Lugosi is a legend, and this film is the reason.

DVD. I have not seen the 75th Anniversary Collection. However, the features from the Legacy Collection are outrageous. Both the original and Philip Glass soundtracks are available. Furthermore, the Spanish version of Dracula, is also present in the DVD collection. Dracula's Daughter, House of Dracula (1945) are also included. Buy it today. Seriously.

-Stephen Sommers on Universal's Classic Monster: Dracula

-The Road to Dracula, an original Documentary

-Dracula: Poster and Photo Montage

-Dracula Theatrical Trailer

-Feature Commentary with Film Historian David J. Skal