When it comes to classic horror tales, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” is near the top of the list. Written in 1897, this novel has inspired countless movies, TV series and book adaptations, thrilling audiences for more than a century.
So when it came time to create a modern interpretation of this timeless tale, filmmakers had a daunting task on their hands. As a result, they decided to shift the focus to the Demeter, the ship that was used to transport the Transylvanian count from England to the Titanic in the novel. This approach gave them the opportunity to reconceptualize not only the story of Dracula, but also the titular character himself.
When it comes to creating a modern version of Stoker’s iconic villain, the filmmakers had to put their own twist on the classic character. For instance, instead of giving Count Dracula a driving fear of the crucifix, they instead focused on his preternatural intellect and his ability to manipulate those around him. This was something that had been mostly ignored in previous iterations of the character.
Another major decision that the filmmakers made was to reframe the character of Dracula as a much more physical presence. To do this, they enlisted actor Steven Berkoff to portray the menacing vampire lord. With his imposing figure and piercing gaze, Berkoff was able to portray a character that was both charismatic and sinister. As a result, viewers were left with a version of Dracula that seemed both modern and contemporary, while still paying homage to the original novel.
To further emphasize the physicality of the character, the filmmakers also employed special make-up effects to make Dracula look as menacing as possible. This included pale skin, white hair and blood-red eyes, all of which were used to convey a sense of danger and otherworldliness.
The end result was a chilling and captivating version of the classic character. By focusing on Dracula’s power and influence over those around him, the filmmakers were able to create a terrifying figure that stood out among more conventional interpretations of the character. As a result, audiences were left with a modern version of Count Dracula that was as engrossing as anything that Bram Stoker could have imagined.
