Bram Stoker's Dracula

Bram Stoker's Dracula is a 1992 horror/romance film based upon the 1897 classic novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. The film was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and is often credited as one his most successful productions.

Story and Background

The film opens with a prologue, showing Vlad the Impaler as he originally was in the 15th century: a brutal warrior fighting off the Turkish army. He eagerly returns home to his love Elisabeta (Winona Ryder), only to discover she has committed suicide. Vlad denounces God, stabs a holy cross at the alter and drinks blood, vowing to rise from the dead and reclaim Elisabeta. The film then picks up in the late 19th century in London, with Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) and Mina Murray (Winona Ryder), who are in love. Harker, a young real estate agent, is sent by his employer to Transylvania to help secure the sale of some English property to Count Dracula, the buyer. When Count Dracula notices a picture of Harker's fiance Mina, he sees a striking similarity to his past love Elisabeta. The count leaves Harker trapped in the castle, prisoner to his seducing “bride” vampires, and flees to England to pursue Mina. Through the Count's pursuits of Mina, and murder of family friend Lucy Westernra (Sadie Frost), a band of men close to Mina form a team of resistance: Professor Abraham Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins), Dr. Jack Seward (Richard E. Grant), Quincy Morris (Bill Campbell) and Lord Arthur Holmwood (Cary Elwes) together learn of Dracula's intentions, and pursue him through London and eventually back to his castle in Transylvania. Fast Facts:

1. Starring: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, and Cary Elwes
2. Writers: Bram Stoker, James V. Hart
3. Director: Francis Ford Coppola
4. Released: November 13, 1992

Academy Awards (1993)

1. Best Costume Design – Academy Awards
2. Best Effects, Sound Effect Editing – Academy Awards
3. Best Makeup – Academy Awards

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