Dracula

Tod Browning's Dracula (1931) is probably the most famous film adaptation of Bram Stoker's influential novel of the same name. It has affected our views on vampire mythology for a century and the film adaptation's power is still palpable. Even though it made a lot of silly vampire tropes into cliches, the film still manages to make the most out of them (such as the crucifix).

The storytelling moves the film forward at a calm but menacing pace - relying on the its atmosphere. Above all, Dracula is a visual feast. Mise-en-scene is simply stunning in this film. As a great example, I would like to mention Dracula's old castle that serves as the milieu for the beginning. Those glorious, beautiful shots of the wide open space in the filthy, rat-infested castle left me in awe (and made me very tense). The other locations and sets are marvellous as well and the costume design adds a nice, quirky touch to the film.

Bela Lugosi's performance dominates the film and he is able to carry the film's momentum graciously on his own. His intimidating yet intriguing body language and intricate line delivery make his performance truly masterful.

Dracula is a film that relies on a calm buildup and atmosphere instead of shocks. If I had a problem with the film, it would be with the occassionally weird editing, but luckily that wasn't too off-putting for me.

Score: 9 out of 10