Jan 03 2009
“Dracula: Bram Stoker meets Francis Ford Coppola”, Pt. 2: Production
The translation from paper to celluloid was successfully executed, and with great flair. The book is told entirely through journal or newspaper entries, which gives the piece a sense being grounded in reality. Coppola rejected the emerging capabilities of computer effects and instead opted to have all the effects done in-camera. He wanted the film to have an old-school look, using mirrors and “naïve” tricks, as if someone in the nineteenth century had actually filmed on location (Schumacher 448). Also, to tie into the book’s narration formula, Hart incorporates sections of the original text into the film. Anthony Hopkins, playing Abraham Van Helsing, becomes the main narrator of the film. We are also given short journal entries read by Mina and Jonathan that guide us through expository scenes early in the film (Dracula).
The production of the film is exceptional. Hart described the prose of the novel as a “wet” and “feverish” dream, and the film reflects this visually with the editing of the film, as well as its visual style (qtd. in Clarke 212). Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a sumptuous visual feast. The film was shot entirely on sound stages, giving it a highly theatrical look. This deliberate artificiality gave Coppola extreme control to manipulate the film’s operatic scope and a magical spirit. Michael Ballhaus’ cinematography is luscious, highlighting vibrant reds among pools of dark shadows. Eiko Ishioka’s exotically beautiful costumes graphically portray their characters and fill each shot with a sense of mythical grandeur.
Thomas Sander’s production design gives a stage-like sense of emptiness, isolating the characters, and filling the screen with impending doom. Wojciech Kilar’s pounding and lyrical orchestral score reaches from the epic to the intimate (Clarke 214). As a director, Coppola made brilliant choices when it came to hiring his crew. The inspired work gives a sense of seriousness and urgency to the film and elevates it above the typical Hollywood blockbuster. It is truly spectacular to see Stoker’s world unfold before your eyes under the hands of a cinematic genius.
