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Dracula (1931) - Todd Browning - Coggle Diagram
Dracula (1931) - Todd Browning
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It was the first serious American horror film ever produced and a big risk for Universal studios
Bela Lugosi's performance, along with many other scenes and images from the film have become iconic
The huge success of this film lead to a series of movies that featured what became known as the 'Universal Monsters' (Frankenstein, the mummy, etc.)
In 2000 the film was admitted to the US library of Congress as a film that is "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant
The film was released during the early years of the sound era in cinema which heavily influenced its production and reception.
Meant that the film was able to utilize atmospheric soundscapes, and chilling sound effects to enhance the horror experience, immersing audiences in it's world.
The creation of sound in cinema also meant that audiences expectations for films had changed, with viewers no expecting dialogue and synchronized sound to accompany the visual experience.
The introduction of this new technology was also a major selling point for films with many studios emphasizing the excitement and novelty of the new medium in their marketing campaign. Universal Studios promoted Dracula's immersive sound experience as a key selling point
The great depression may have also contributed to the films popularity as audiences sought escapism through entertainment.
Characters
Count Dracula
is portrayed as a mysterious and seductive figure, with Bela Lugosi's performance setting the standard for future depictions of the character
Count Dracula is the central antagonist of the film, a centuries old vampire from Transylvania who preys upon innocent victims, particularly women, by seducing and feeding on them.
Dracula embodies the allure of the supernatural and represents primal desires and fears. His character serves as a metaphor for forbidden sexuality and the consequence of giving in to sexuality.
During this period societal attitudes towards sexuality were often repressive and conservative, with topics related to desire and temptation considered taboo.
by presenting Dracula as a seductive and alluring figure who preys on innocent victims the film tapped into underlying fears and anxieties surrounding sexuality and desire
Dracula's actions drive the plot forward, as his arrival in England sets off a chain of events that leads to chaos and destruction. his pursuit of Mina other characters propels the conflict and ultimately leads to the climactic confrontation with Van Helsing
Renfield
Renfield is a real estate agent who becomes Dracula's servant after falling under his influence. He serves as a tragic figure whose descent into madness mirrors Dracula's corrupting influence.
Renfield represents the vulnerability of the human psyche to manipulation and temptation. His character highlights themes of madness, obsession and the loss of one's humanity
Renfield's actions, driven by his loyalty to Dracula, have far-reaching consequences for the other characters. His madness complicates the efforts of Van Helsing and his group to stop Dracula, leading to serval key plot developments, including Mina's abduction
Mina
Mina is one of Dracula's primary targets, a young women whose purity and innocence make her susceptible to his charms. she serves as a symbol of virtue and morality in contrast to Dracula's corruption.
Mina's character embodies the struggle between good and evil, as she becomes a battleground for the forces of darkness and light. Her victimization at the hands of Dracula highlights to the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the importance of resisting evil.
When Dracula begins to exert his influence over her she becomes a vessel for the forces of darkness.
she becomes a battleground in the sense that her inner struggle mirrors the larger conflict between Dracula and those who seek to stop him.
As Dracula's influence over Mina grows, she is torn between her innate goodness and the corrupting influence of the vampire. Her struggle represents the internal conflict faced by individuals when confronted with temptation and the choice between right or wrong.
Meena's abduction by Dracula and the subsequent transformation into a vampire drive the plot towards it's climax, as Van Helsing and his group race to save her and defeat Dracula. Her characters fate ultimately serves as the catalyst for the final confrontation between good and evil and the death of Dracula
Van Helsing
Van Helsing is a Dutch doctor and vampire hunter who leads the fight against Dracula. He serves as the voice of reason and morality, using his knowledge of science and the occult (hidden or unseen properties of things) to combat the forces of darkness.
Van Helsing represents the triumph of rationality and virtue over superstition and evil. His character embodies the heroic archetype of the vampire hunter, using his intellect and bravery to confront Dracula and protect the innocent.
Van Helsings leadership and expertise are crucial to the efforts to stop Dracula and save Mina. His characters unwavering determination and courage inspire the other characters (such as Jonathan) to join the fight against the vampire, ultimately leading to the film's climactic showdown
Key elements of film form
Cinematography
The cinematography of 'Dracula' relies heavily on shadow and light to create a sense of atmosphere and suspense.
WIDE SHOTS of Dracula's castle establish it as a place of importance and highlight it's grandeur and isolation
Example: EXTREME LONG SHOTS of castle Dracula's entrance hall enabled us to see the scale of the staircase and it's aged + decaying appearance
this shot conveys the castles gothic architecture and creepy atmosphere.
LOW ANGLE SHOTS are used to emphasize Dracula's dominance over characters such as Renfield
CLOSE-UPS highlight the characters emotions and reactions in the film
particularly Dracula's hypnotic gaze - his face looms above us and focused lighting makes his eyes seem like pinpoints increasing his menace
HIGH ANGLE SHOTS convey the characters vulnerability and weakness in the face of the supernatural/Dracula
There is little camera movement in the film - the two exceptions are when we see Dracula react to Renfield cutting his hand and when Mina is about to bite Jonathan.
Mise-en-scene
The mise-en-scene of Dracula is characterized by it's Gothic aesthetic, with it's elaborate sets, costumes, and props contributing to the film's eerie atmosphere
Dracula's castle is depicted as a dark and foreboding fortress, with intricate details such as cobwebs, bats, and ancient artifacts adding to it's sense of decay and mystery.
Dracula's castle is depicted as both decrepit and imposing - it gives the impression of Dracula as a character with remarkable wealth due to its impressive size and architecture, but also of belonging to a bygone era with it's old fashioned appearance. the castle also looks to be decaying and unkempt contrasting the idea that Dracula is a man with remarkable wealth
Dracula's castle is contrasted with the modernness and comfortable middle-classness of Dr Seward's house. the use of props such as electrical lights and a microscope add to this.
this contrast may have been created to highlight the battle between good and evil in the film.
costumes, particularly Dracula's iconic cape and formal attire, reflect his aristocratic and otherworldly nature.
Props such as coffins and crucifixes symbolize themes of life and death, salvation and damination.
editing
The editing in 'Dracula' emphasizes pacing and suspense, with gradual build-ups to moments of terror and climax.
QUICK-CUTS and CROSS-CUTTING techniques are used during action sequences to create tension and excitement
while SLOW FADES and DISSOLVES are used to add a sense of unease to quieter moments
The film cuts away from any scenes of violence (such as the neck-biting scenes and Dracula's demise) which may have been to please censors and also out of fear that audiences at the time wouldn't be able to cope with a 'serious' horror film.
Sound
Sound effects such as creaking doors, howling wolves, and ominous footsteps add to the film's sense of dread and foreboding.
the use of silence is also used in the film to create moments of unease allowing the audience to linger on the eerie atmosphere of Dracula and his world.
Bela Lugosi's 'foreign' accent shows Dracula's otherness- and also became the stereotypical vampire accent referred to endlessly in popular culture
Themes/messages
The supernatural vs. Rationality
'Dracula' explores the clash between superstition and science, with Van Helsing representing rationality and Dracula embodying the supernatural.
The film suggests that while science may provide explanations for the unknown, there are forces beyond human comprehension that defy rational explanation (vampires)
Sexuality and desire
Dracula's seductive powers symbolize forbidden desires and the allure of the unknown (human nature to want to know more), while his victims represent the consequence of indulging in such desires.
The film explores themes of sexual repression and desire, with Dracula serving as a metaphor for sexuality and the dangers of giving in to temptation
Fear of the Other
Dracula's status as a foreigner from Transylvania reflects societal fears of the unknown and the perceived threat of outsiders
The film explores themes of xenophobia and cultural Othering, suggesting that fear and prejudice often arise from ignorance and misunderstanding
Genre conventions
Gothic setting
The use of Gothic architecture and settings, such as Dracula's castle, misty landscapes, and dark, decaying interiors
These settings evoke a sense of mystery, fear and foreboding. The gothic aesthetic emphasizes themes of decay and the supernatural, enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere and the situating the story within a long tradition of Gothic horror.
Supernatural elements
The inclusion of Vampires, undead creatures, and mystical powers
The supernatural elements are central to the horror genre, creating a world where normal rules do not apply and anything is possible. This contributes to a sense of unpredictability and fear, as the characters and audience confront the unknown.
use of sound
Use of eerie, atmospheric sounds to build tension
The sound design enhances the film's mood, with silence often used to create suspense and sudden sounds to provoke shock. The sound effects guide the audiences emotional responses amplifying fear and anticipation.
The monster
A central monstrous figure, in this case Count Dracula, who embodies fear and evil
Dracula as the monster represents the ultimate other, an externalized of human fears and anxieties about death, the unknown, and the loss of control. His character allows the audience to explore these fears.