Quote:
Originally posted by Zero
the first American horror film, Dracula (1931) is, for all effect and purposes, crap - stagy, bad sets, all the action takes place off screen, etc.
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Ok man, that's my cue.
Dracula, 1931 version, is an anazing film. Lets start with these "bad sets", shall we? From the opening shot of the Transylvanian mountains, to the final shot, John and Mina walking up the stairs of Carfax Abbey, they sets are beautiful. Dracula's castle was filled to the turrets with atmosphere, the cobwebs were a great touch. The shots of London, or anywhere for that matter, in the fog are breathtaking. Carfax Abbey's beautiful staircase, and it's sprawling subteranean lair is equally so. Sure, the interiors of the houses might be a tad boring....but aren't most houses?
All the action takes place off screen. All that much better as far as Im concerned. My major beef with most modern day horror movies is they have to show us everything; typical filmmgoers are too dumb to imagine anything for themselves. Not saying that I dont enjoy a nice shot a violence and gore, but Id much rather have something happen offscreen where my imagination can reun wild. Personally, I think this is why audiences were more easily scared back in the day of Universal classics. Movies hadnt dumbed down the population yet, most people still read, still stimulated their minds. Imagination still thrived!
Back to Dracula. The scene in the parlour between Von Helsing and the Count. Without question the pinnacle in the career of two very talented actors, one of which had a long and ilustrious careerin the horror industry. The performances from all were great, but Lugosi's Dracula will forever be the greatest interpretation of the role. There will never be a better Renfield either, Frye as his greatest lunatic. Van Sloan gave an incredible performance as Von Helsing, that should without question be known as one of the best of all time.
Basically, your decision of using Dracula as an example exposes many of the flaws of the modern day horror "fan". The Need to be shown everything, the utter lack of imagination. And, in my own personal opinion, lack of taste [Ok, maybe thats a bit too far;)]
Ok, Im tired...long enough rant for now. Dracula's defender must rest.