Dracula Untold
DIRECTOR: Gary Shore, WRITTEN BY: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, BASED ON: 'Dracula' CREATED BY: Bram Stoker, STARRING: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper, RUN TIME: 92 minutes, RELEASE: 2014
At the turn of the century, the young lord Vlad (Luke Evans) and his family live a peaceful life ruling over their small kingdom, but when a Turk warlord demands from Vlad a thousand boys and his son to create an army Vlad seeks a terrible power that will allow him to protect his kingdom and family from the Turks at a terrible cost.
The whole Vampire/Dracula mythology has seen many interpretations over the years. We have seen it depicted through all kinds of different formats on the big and small screen: Horror, comedy, romance, action, science-fiction and pretty much any manner of style you could name. Now, I'm not really a big fan of the whole vampire thing to be honest, except for certain television programs and films. In fact, lately I'm pretty much sick to death of seeing these sulky, 90210, high school, teen adaptations. What I do like however, is the actual story of Dracula, himself. Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' is one of my favourite novels of all time and Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film, based on the book, has always remained at the top of the list for me. I've just lost count of how many times that I have seen it now. Sure, Keanu Reeves gives his typically appalling performance that I am used to seeing but, thankfully Gary Oldman absolutely nails the role of the Prince of Darkness. Now, that was 22 years ago (WTF?) and I have been waiting ever since for another great adaptation of my favourite horror legend. So, when 'Dracula Untold' reared its head, I was certainly looking forward to seeing it.
Now, 'Dracula Untold' has received its fair share of negative criticism as well as praise. One of its complaints have been that this interpretation is not the Dracula that the audience needs or deserves. To be honest, I don't really understand that or agree with it. It would be a simple thing just to follow the same old formula we have seen a thousand times over and just the update it for the modern age but, personally, I don't want to see something that I have already seen done before with character. I like that this film strips it back and doesn't conform to the obvious. It's a refreshing change to see something new. I love that the whole film is based on the story of what brought him from being the mortal Prince Vlad to the everlasting Dracula. As opposed to portraying Dracula as the blood-sucking monster surrounded by scantily-clad pasty brides of death, 'Dracula Untold' tells the story of a redeemed man that will go to any lengths to protect the safety of his family. This film actually has heart and meaning, which is a pleasant change.
Another criticism is that it is far too CGI heavy and action based. Well, in regard to the CGI complaint, I really don't get what the issue is. Yes, there is plenty of CGI but, it looks absolutely amazing. Let's not slag it off because of that. To bad-mouth this film because of it effects is just ridiculous when so many films are laden with this. To achieve what this film requires, CGI is the only way to do it and it pulls it off brilliantly. Is this an action film? Certainly it is a hybrid of both action and horror but, the battle scenes are absolutely amazing. They are crafted so well.
The casting is great too. Luke Evans is quickly becoming one of my favourite actors, of late. There is just something about him that commands the attention of the audience. His versatility as an actor is wonderful to watch, and he portrays the torment, desperation and determination of the character with such conviction. I really do look forward to seeing what he brings us in the future. Alongside Evans, we have the always fantastic Charles Dance in the role of the Master Vampire, who provides Vlad with his tempting and extraordinary powers. I've said this before but, I don't mind saying again that Charles Dance is just the master of his art in portraying intimidating and powerful characters. He never fails to give a spectacular performance. I must also give recognition and praise to to the wonderful young actor, Art Parkinson, as Vlad's son, Ingeras. He certainly does hold his own against the marvellous adult cast. I predict great things for him in the future. They are also supported by great performances from Sarah Gadon as Vlad's wife, Merina and Dominic Cooper as Mehmed.
To be honest, criticism is down to the individual and I'm sure that there are plenty of people out there that will disagree with me. That's fine but, personally I loved it. I thought it was a great story with fantastic performances from the main cast. The effects were brilliant and it still had a nice Gothic tone to it. The musical score was heavy, dark and dramatic and fit perfectly within the overall tone of the film. Were there plot-holes? Sure, a few but, I really didn't care about that. 'Dracula Untold' has wonderful set-pieces and locations (CGI or not) and the cinematography is beautifully done. This is a really great film and I hope that it garners enough money and a big enough following that sees it produce a sequel. I for one, will be looking forward to the continuation of the story.