Bram Stoker’s Dracula is analogous to the 1958 movie Horror of Dracula. Dracula, a novel from 1897, is a story of a group of friends who come together, to not only fight for themselves, but also to fight for each other, and the curse of the vampire. They fight for peace and clarity, in order to resume their daily lives. The Horror of Dracula, A 1958 film, is a story of two men coming together to save their family from the curse of the vampire. Between both the film and the novel: the overall context, characters, and myths remain similar, however small differences develop each story, leading to each ending. The movie, based off of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, has a storyline that remains focused on the novel. Between both the movie and the novel, …show more content…
similarities and differences can be formed from the antagonist, plot, and myths. In both the film and the novel, the vampire has the name of Dracula.
These vampires both have the same characteristics: long, sharp, white canine teeth that produce a crooked, sly smile. A long, black coat, with combed back hair that gives the count a sophisticated identity. Pale skin that is cold to the touch with hard red eyes. However with these similarities, differences were also shown. In the Horror of Dracula, Count Dracula did not have a white mustache like Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel. He also looked younger than he was portrayed in the novel, as in the novel they describe Dracula as an “old man”. Unlike in Dracula, Count Dracula cannot talk in the Horror of Dracula. Throughout the entire film, Dracula communicates with the characters through body language, not speech. Just like the novel, Dracula lives in his Transylvania castle, however, Carfax is not apart of the film, as in the film, the story is more of a straight line, rather than broken down into separate parts. These similarities and differences can suggest that the director of the movie wanted to remain focused on Bram Stoker’s idea of the vampire. With Dracula not talking throughout the movie; Fisher, the director of The Horror of Dracula, could’ve wanted Dracula to have a more suspenseful feel to him. Using just music in the scenes with Dracula, allowed the audience to focus more on the scene, rather than the dialog. These differences between the vampires, contributed to each ending. These similarities …show more content…
and differences suggest that the director changed some parts to make the movie somewhat unique from the other Count Dracula stories.
Although not completely altered, many differences are shown between the plot in the film and in the novel. In the beginning, Harker does go to Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. However, he does not go to help Dracula purchase his castle in Carfax. Instead, in The Horror of Dracula, Jonathan goes to be Dracula’s library assistant. Harker does not go to help the count, as he already knows Dracula is a vampire, instead, his goal on the trip is to kill him. In his quest to kill Dracula, Harker kills one of Dracula’s vampire wives. As he does this, Dracula runs away before Jon can kill him, and eventually Dracula kills Jon instead. Unlike the novel, where Jon kills Dracula, in the film Dracula kills Jon. Van Helsing then goes to Transylvania to look for Jon, just to find him dead in Dracula’s castle. Van Helsing knows what happened and breaks the news to Lucy, Arthur, and Mina Holmwood. However, Van Helsing will not tell them how he died.(Unlike the novel, Lucy is Jonathan’s fiancee, and Mina and Arthur are brother/sister in law to Jon.) In
The Horror of Dracula, Dracula then goes missing. While he is gone, he comes and kills Lucy. Just then, Van Helsing tells Arthur and Mina the truth. He gives Arthur Jon’s diary and has him read it. As Arthur is reading it, an officer comes in and Lucy’s niece comes in with two bite marks on her neck. This scene somewhat resembles the “bloofer lady” scene in the novel. Van Helsing knows that this was Lucy’s victim. Because of this, Arthur and Van Helsing take a trip to Lucy’s tomb to drive a stake through her heart, just like the novel. Although resistant, Arthur decides it would be the best for both Lucy and the family, so he does it. While they are performing this, Mina is meanwhile being attacked by Dracula. After several attacks to Mina, Van Helsing and Arthur try to kill Dracula. They follow him to his castle in Transylvania by horse and buggy. Dracula has Mina held captive. When they arrive at his castle, they show up to Dracula attempting to bury Mina alive. While Arthur unburries her, Van Helsing chases Dracula into his room through the castle. After a short altercation, Van Helsing pushes Dracula to the ground. He then opens up the curtains of one of Dracula’s windows, holds up a crucifix, and kills him with both. Although both the characters and plot are relatively the same, there are also a wide array of differences. In the novel there are a expanded amount of characters including characters such as Dr. Seward, Renfield, and Quincey Morris. In the film, less characters are shown and the main protagonists include Arthur and Van Helsing. These characters both produce a role between the movie and the novel. In the novel, Quincy Morris and Jonathan Harker were the killers, yet in the film, Arthur Holmwood and Van Helsing were the killers. In the movie, Dracula’s fifty boxes went unmentioned, as that part of the story wasn't involved. Dracula does not travel between houses, for the story in the film seems as if the kill did not take as long. Changing the plot of the movie, but not as much the characters, can suggest that the director wanted to make this movie somewhat different from the original novel. The director put a different twist on the ending, maybe so it could be a surprise on how Dracula eventually dies, instead of already knowing what was going to happen. Both the similarities and differences in the plot leave the same feeling of suspense, but a different idea of the characters and the roles that they play. While many of the vampire myths remain the same between the novel and the movie, there are a few differences that play a significant role in the storyline. According to the novel, the vampire has as much power as twenty men. He can direct the elements: wind, snow, rain. He can become one that is different from himself: bat, owl, wolf. The vampire also has to sleep on his native soil. He can not eat or drink, except blood, and must bite his victim three times for them to become one of his own. Dracula also can die, only with a wooden stake driven through his heart. He is repelled by both the holy cross, which is known to put “god over evil” and by garlic. In the movie, a few other myths are added in, that change the story line completely. Dracula parishes from light in the film. This is extremely significant, as in the film this is how Van Helsing kills Dracula. Dracula can not talk in the film, ultimately adding more suspense in the film. These myths explained in both the film and the movie, suggest that these myths needed to be introduced in order for the story to come together. Without these myths, the concept of the vampire could not be understood. Many similarities and differences are shown between Bram Stoker’s Dracula and The Horror of Dracula. Each of these similarities and differences are pivotal in the plot, character development, and ending throughout each story. Dracula’s character differentiates between the novel and the movie each leaving a different effect on the audience. In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the Count is portrayed as more powerful and demanding. In the contrary, The Horror of Dracula, displays the Count as suspenseful and somewhat weaker than Stoker’s Dracula. This may be ultimately related to each ending as in Stoker’s Dracula, the Count faced a more brutal death, whereas in The Horror of Dracula, his death was done just by the shining of light. The differences in plot also contribute to each ending. The character development throughout produces who ultimately kills Dracula in the end. Throughout the novel, the characters are not only trying to save Mina, but they are also trying to find Dracula’s boxes of earth in order to kill him. Not until this is accomplished, can they complete their quest to kill Dracula. In the film, they go straight after Dracula, as the boxes are not mentioned in the film, which leads to a smoother, anticlimactic, ending. The differences in the myths prove to have the greatest impact on the film, as they ultimately decide the ending. The ending between the film and the movie are drastically different because of the myths displayed throughout the film. The similarities and differences between The Horror of Dracula and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, not only allows each story to be manipulated in way that makes them unique, but also allows them to remain closely related.
In the novel Dracula, by Bram Stoker, there is much evidence of foreshadowing and parallels to other myths. Dracula was not the first story featuring a vampire myth, nor was it the last. Some would even argue that it was not the best. However, it was the most original, using foreshadowing and mood to create horrific imagery, mythical parallels to draw upon a source of superstition, and original narrative elements that make this story unique.
To date, the closest adaptation of the original novel is Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The basic overview of the story has the departure of Jonathan Harker from his fiancée Mina Murray in London, visiting Transylvania where he has an encounter with the evil Dracula. In England we are introduced to the characters of Lucy, a socialite, and her three suitors. Through terror Jonathan escapes back home, while Dracula arrives in London where he attacks Lucy, Mina’s friend, and Mina herself. Dr. Van Helsing arrives as help with the unknown, and in the end a climatic battle in the Transylvanian Castle Dracula takes place. Dracula is an epistolary novel that consists of journal entries, letters, telegram, phonographic recordings of Dr. Seward, and excerpts from newspaper articles, meaning it was written from a number of perspectives. The film has done its best to this and is witnessed through a variety of viewpoints.
Throughout many types of literature, violence exists to enhance the reader’s interest in order to add a sense of excitement or conflict to a novel. This statement withholds much truthfulness due to the fact that without violence in a piece of literature such as Dracula by Bram Stoker, the plot would not have the same impact if it were lacking violence. So to holds true to that of the movie. The movie bares different characteristics then that of the book. First off, the whole ordeal with the wolf escaping and jumping into Lucy’s, room and Lucy’s mom having a heart attacked is never even mention in the movie. Second, The night when the four men go to Lucy’s grave and find it empty is stated both in the book and in the movie however what unfolds after this is different. Finally, the end of the book differs severely from what Francis Ford Copolas rendition and that of the Bram Stoker see it to be. The differences are as follows…
Batman beats the Joker. Spiderman banishes the Green Goblin. For centuries story tellers have used the basic idea of good beats bad to guide their tales. Stories of blood sucking, human possessions and other tales have been passed down generations and vary between cultures. Among the creators of the famous protagonists is, Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula. This fictional character was soon to be famous, and modified for years to come into movie characters or even into cereal commercials. But the original will never be forgotten; a story of a group of friends all with the same mission, to destroy Dracula. The Count has scared many people, from critics to mere children, but if one reads betweens the line, Stoker’s true message can be revealed. His personal experiences and the time period in which he lived, influenced him to write Dracula in which he communicated the universal truth that good always prevails over evil.
Dracula begins with a diary entry from Jonathan Harker, a real estate agent from England. Mr. Harker is traveling to Transylvania, where he is to confirm a business deal between Count Dracula and his mentor Peter Hawkins. En route to Transylvania, Jonathan comes across many people who caution him about his trip and his host. They cower at the thought of him going into the land, and give him gifts of garlic and a crucifix. At the time, Mr. Harker is unaware of the severity of his troubles. Although these people are friendly and reach out to help Jonathan, it is not considered homosociality, since they do not form the tight, same-sex friendship that is required of the term. For Jonathan, these early helpers are simply companions on a train.
Loosely based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, the film is the story of a
Comparing the 1931 version of Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, with Frances Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula 1993 version yields some similarities. Both films are of the same genre: Horror. Both films are set around the same time period. Also, both deal with a vampire coming to England and causing disruptions in people's lives. Beyond these few similarities are numerous contrasts.
The late nineteenth century Irish novelist, Bram Stoker is most famous for creating Dracula, one of the most popular and well-known vampire stories ever written. Dracula is a gothic, “horror novel about a vampire named Count Dracula who is looking to move from his native country of Transylvania to England” (Shmoop Editorial Team). Unbeknownst of Dracula’s plans, Jonathan Harker, a young English lawyer, traveled to Castle Dracula to help the count with his plans and talk to him about all his options. At first Jonathan was surprised by the Count’s knowledge, politeness, and overall hospitality. However, the longer Jonathan remained in the castle the more uneasy and suspicious he became as he began to realize just how strange and different Dracula was. As the story unfolded, Jonathan realized he is not just a guest, but a prisoner as well. The horror in the novel not only focuses on the “vampiric nature” (Soyokaze), but also on the fear and threat of female sexual expression and aggression in such a conservative Victorian society.
First a major difference is sunlight does not affect the vampires in Twilight. The only thing the sun does to them is making them glow like glitter is on them. In Dracula the vampires are very weak when they get into the sun. Next big difference that you usually do not see in vampires is in Twilight they show up in pictures and mirrors. In Dracula it is shown when Jonathan was shaving that Dracula could not be seen in the mirror (29-30). The final difference between Dracula and Twilight is Holy items do not harm the vampires in Twilight. In Dracula however the items either burn the vampires, they just do not go near them. They usually just try to find an alternate solution around the object. This is shown when Draula used the wolf from the zoo to break the window open to get inside to suck on Lucy’s blood
While Cullen chose the path of compassion and became a doctor (Meyers, 2005; pp. 339), the Count planned to invade the British empire (Stoker, 1897/2001; pp. 328). Healing or invading, both can get lonely with time. Cullen, as a physician had decided to turn a human into vampires only if he could save them from death. All the humans that Cullen changed, he called them as his family. They were part of his coven and moved with him wherever he went (Meyer, 2005). On the other hand, count Dracula took by force and against the will of his victims. He possessed the power to hypnotize and control his victims, as he controlled Mina when he forced her to drink his blood (Stoker, 1897/2001). He lives with three beautiful female vampires in his castle, but their relationship to the Count is not clarified in the book. In chapter 3, when they are scolded by the Count for attacking Harker, they taunt him that he does not love, Dracula responds that “Yes, I too can love; you yourselves can tell it from the past” (Stoker 1897/2001; pp. 39). Although they exist in the castle and are fed by the count as noted in Jonathan’s diary entry, Dracula has no apparent interest in them. Similarly, after he changes Lucy Westenra to a vampire he stops visiting her. He feels no need to connect or form relationships with the humans he changes. As immortals, both Cullen and Count Dracula are destined to
to Bram Stokers story as myself to a chimp. If it was named 'Parody Of
Through the gothic writing of Stoker, there was a huge intimidation of Dracula coming forth from it. “Stoker spared no effort to present his demonic vampire as dramatically as possible” (Leatherdale 105-17). With this sinister presence of death, people start to panic. As a vampire hunter, it was Helsing’s job to help notify people on how to rid themselves of this demon. Stoker portrays survival in the form of teamwork between the men and women of the novel. These characters soon take survival into their own hands. “‘We must trace each of those boxes; and when we are ready, we must either capture or kill this monster in his lair; or we must, so to speak, sterilize the earth, so that no more he can seek safety in it’” (Stoker 373). At this point in the novel, the characters know about the existence of vampires. The consequences are also put on top priority. The men know of the consequences, yet still want to go after this demon. “By chasing Dracula, the men risk being sentenced to an immortal life as a vampire. This immortality is endless time lived in physical form” (Poquette 35). Knowing the risks of hunting a vampire, the characters ignore them to protect their loved ones. A vampire hunter is an important factor in the novel because without one, the other characters wouldn’t know what to do. Stoker chose right in including
‘Dracula’ is a novel that probes deeply into people’s superstitions, fears and beliefs of the supernatural. The creature Dracula is an evil being with no concern for others, he kills for his own ends and cannot be stopped, and this is what makes ‘Dracula’ truly frightening.
The biggest difference is the fact that unlike in the earlier vampire tales, modern vampires are perceived as inhumanly attractive. Afterall, Dracula is described as a “tall old man, clean shaven save for a long white mustache, and clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of color about him anywhere.” (Dracula, 42). Whereas in Twilight, “Everyone of them was chalky pale… They all had very dark eyes despite the range in their hair...were all, devastatingly, inhumanly beautiful.” (Twilight, 18-19). Another dissimilarity is that Dracula does not have a reflection. While Jonathan Harker may be unable to see the Count in his mirror, in Twilight, Edward shows up in pictures and has a reflection. Lastly, another major difference between the two kinds of vampires lies in their sleeping habits. Twilight vampires do not sleep in coffins, in fact, they do not sleep at all. But in Dracula, Jonathan discovers the count sleeping in a
Dracula, by Bram Stoker, is a classic tale of Gothicism. Traditionally, gothic tales only carried single theme of horror. Through Dracula, Stoker breaks this single theme barrier. The theme throughout Dracula is clearly displayed through the characters as they step from ignorance to realization in this tale of horror.