Review of Dracula (1958) by Nathan M — 28 Nov 2010

Sensual and viscerally engaging, Christopher Leeâ(TM)s (first) portrayal of the Count is the adaptation to beat for Bram Stokerâ(TM)s iconic story. Not only has the physical character of Dracula been activated, but also the story has been adeptly modified and modernized.

Very good 1950s acting replaces silly characters (Renfield) and singsong acting, with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing carrying the film. The element of immediate horror and the bright colors and blood of the era add additional dimension to a story long afflicted with a distant languor.

There are a few issues, notably a miss on a key effects moment and obviously cheap sets. However, this telling of the story is quite possibly definitive and overshadows its once and future counterparts, while being a great introduction to legacy (pre-Let Me In) Hammer horror films.