Character: Dracula

'Dracula' by Francis Ford Coppela back in 1992

Red blood travels across a stone structure, slithering to some wistful pale female slipping open her white nightgown, letting the night overtake her and there are gothic luscious structures all around. There’s probably some sensual but scary music in the background. And then the cloak of darkness turns into a handsome man with devilish red eyes and pointed teeth that tear through skin (most likely through a beautiful English rose's throat). Everyone knows about vampires and especially Dracula (Dracul means Dragon, Dracula means son of dragon). The concept of vampires wasn’t originally Bram Stoker’s, for the idea had been out for a while, but he was the one who created Count Dracula. 

You’ve probably heard that he based his character on the real historical figure nicknamed Vlad the impaler (according to the Saxon Germans that was) who was apparently quite bloody and violent, though, then again most people were back in the day constantly raging wars. Dracula was an interesting figure, whose legend has stretched throughout time due to Stoker’s writing. The author never thought it would amount to much, as he died before his book reached true fame and became recognized due to the film in 1922 - Nosferatu. That version was loosely based on the novel, but Stoker’s widow fought for the rights, and soon enough countless of other films appeared. From Dracula in 1931 with Bela Lugosi that lay the foundation for the most recognized and parodied Count or Christopher Lee in Horror of Dracula (1958) or Frank Langella in Dracula (1979) – or my personal favourite – Gary Oldman in Bram Stoker’s Dracula back in 1992. 

Dracula in 1931

Unlike my mother I never feared the Count for some peculiar reason, I found I pitied him, even wanted him, but I was a peculiar child who enjoyed watching terrifying things with a sort of strange distance. No one these days is unfamiliar with the man being unable to stay in the sun, though that’s actually wrong. Dracula could be in the sun, though he was most powerful during the night, able to shift into creatures of the dark (wolves, bats). 

I suspect being the original vampire certainly helps and he certainly doesn’t glitter or crumble into dust, despite some poorly adapted versions. These days most vampires burst underneath sunlight, and it’s perhaps to underline that immortality has its certain disadvantages, though not being able to see ones reflection, enjoy food or be truly warm sounds like properly dull things to be without. 

I was envious of Winona Ryder

Despite all of the peculiar defects, the character has lived on with constant adaptations appearing, some memorable and others bordering on cringe-worthy idiocy. I’ve found that the ones who’ve been most faithful to the novel have won over people the most, withstanding time much better than those who try to be original. Originality isn’t a problem as long as it is done well, for taking liberties and making the story much more romantic isn’t a terrible thing, since it only gives the vampiric figure more depth. He is both sexy and scary, a concept not many actors have managed. I do hope a more modern adaptation appears for it’s a tale worthy to be retold, as I’ve gotten sick of these modernized versions where everyone’s a vampyric sex-God that either sparkles or accidentally kills your aunt. 

The Count would disapprove.

It's quite obvious why Dracula withstands time, sometimes even retold as the hero like in the Japanese anime Hellsing (originally a manga). We'll most likely keep on seeing films about him, whether they are deep or shallow, they will appear. Let's hope there'll be some to add to a list.