Visceral Dark Fantasy Reimagining of Vlad the Impaler as Dracula!
Fearsome style with grim drama and brutal combat for a refreshing take on Dracula.
Gary Shore’s horror dark fantasy film Dracula Untold (2014) is a very cool take on the historical Vlad the Impaler of Romania mixed with Bram Stoker’s dark fantasy vampire elements. Dracula Untold is Gothic with Shore’s stylish direction. Everything is so fast and exciting that I actually wanted even more historical context and recreation from writers Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, but Dracula Untold remains a striking piece of creepy horror and riveting action for the warfare. It’s not terribly frightening or shocking, but Dracula Untold is constantly cool in atmosphere, performances, and direction. Gary Shore has a serious flair for Gothic grimdark fantasy with a penchant for horror. Dracula Untold is quite impressive for a directorial debut.
Richard Pearson’s editing is erratic and functions to disorient you with strange cuts and unnerving montages. I think his fast cuts keep Dracula Untold to a pleasantly brisk 92 minutes. I must commend John Schwartzman’s stunning cinematography. His dark silhouettes and lighting make Dracula Untold creepy, yet charming. Schwartzman’s wide shots of Romania, shot in Ireland, gorgeously capture a haunting natural tone. The ultra wide shot of Vlad walking up down the mountainside towards the Turkish soldiers is striking as well as the profile shots framed so beautifully. I think the close-ups shots are intimate and pretty, but the wide shots of Dracula in full armor regalia marching towards The Ottoman legions are unforgettable. All the crazy camerawork for the sword fights and bat swarming are phenomenally engaging. The special effects on all the bat transformations look perfectly seamless.
Luke Evans is fantastic as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Tepes. The Romanian folk hero that we now refer to as Dracula. Evans is handsome as a leading man, endearing as a romantic figure, devastating as a dramatic actor, and visceral as a cool sword swinging royal. Luke Evans’ charismatic performance elevates Dracula Untold into a biting blend of vampire horror myth and tragic historical legend.
Luke Evans is cool and charming as Vlad, enough so that you want him to succeed and Evans clearly had the time of his life portraying Dracula as a more complex and sympathetic figure in Vlad. He’s imposing as Vlad the Impaler, yet sincere as the husband and father Vlad Tepes. I honestly want a sequel to Dracula Untold after that cliffhanger end that could easily make a new film premise from this one’s ending. Evans lends Vlad a heartfelt authenticity that empathizes with Vlad’s struggle to protect his kingdom and family from invaders. Luke Evans gives his most compelling lead acting of his career in Dracula Untold.
Canadian actress Sarah Gadon is lovely as Vlad’s beloved wife Mirena. She’s an ethereal beauty Mirena with a warm personality and passionate performance. You completely believe her and Luke Evans are madly in love with their natural chemistry and affectionate performance. Gadon also plays Mirena’s modern counterpart Mina Murray in a cute cameo at the end.
Dominic Cooper is a talented actor and convincingly evil as Sultan Mehmed II. My only main issue is that he’s in brownface during Dracula Untold and it’s horribly distracting and insensitive. I wish Gary Shore or Universal’s casting director could have hired a Turkish actor or something that looks the part. Cooper gives a fine acting performance as you immediately hate him, but not for all the right reasons.
Charles Dance has a memorable and flashy supporting role as the Master Vampire that bestows Satanic power to Vlad the Impaler, cursing him into a vampire forevermore. Dance clearly likes to chew the scenery in his dismal cave as he delivers a devilishly playful performance as a creepy, near Nosferatu, vampire role. All the other supporting actors and actresses do nice work, but are not quite as mesmerizing as the leads in Dracula Untold.
Ramin Djawadi’s score is epic in scope and grand in style. His contemporary pulse pounding music adds an urgency for the impending Ottoman invasion and ensuing combat spectacle. Ngila Dickson and Rachael Webb-Crozier’s costumes for Luke Evans are phenomenal and cool. They made him all black suits and blood red armor that leave a real impression on you. Dracula has never been so fashionable. Daniel Phillips, Beverley Binda, Joe Hopker, Tapio Salmi, and Sandra O'Brien did a magnificent job with the hair and make-up. Luke Evans’ mane is flowing and sleek with a grit to his make-up. Meanwhile, Sarah Gadon looks extra pale and radiant as Merina.
In all, it’s a shame Dracula Untold got panned by critics, performed mildly at the box office, and was followed by terrible Universal horror remakes, as it’s a well made film that’s thoroughly entertaining. I wish we could see Luke Evans portray Dracula or Vlad the Impaler once more.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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