Review of Count Dracula (1970) by Rob M — 15 Sep 2009

It lacks the trash factor of the Hammer Dracula movies, which is probably why it wasn't much fun. Wooden performances and endless zooms (not to mention the bizarre taxidermy scene) made for a few laughs, but as for the scare factor, there wasn't so much as an uncomfortable tension.

This film has a reputation for being one of the much faithful adaptations of Bram Stoker's novel, but that only works to its detriment, never allowing for surprises. Other horror films with stiff performances are occassionally saved by achieving a sufficiently creepy atmosphere, but here the sets are far too clean and brightly lit for that.

On the up side, Christopher Lee, as always, makes a bad-ass Dracula, and through the sheer power of his voice kicks the film off to a promising start. However, as his dialogue dries up, so does the audience's interest.

The outstanding performance of the film, however, belongs to Klaus Kinski, who utters only one word of dialogue. As the tormented Renfield, he wordlessly steals every scene he's in. This is to say, of course, that his performance feels like it belongs in a much better movie.