Christians vs. Dracula: Mythology in the Modern Day

Dracula (1931) was directed by Tod Browning and starred Bela Lugosi as the titular character. The movie is based on the iconic novel Dracula written by Bram Stocker. It follows the actions of Dracula as he feeds on the blood of England’s people. Some people might believe that this movie deserves the label of classic because it is based on the famous literary novel, but there are other important reasons.

The movie does do an amazing job at staying very close to the original source material. The movie is in black and white and this adds even more to the suspense and atmosphere. And the performance of Bela Lugosi truly makes the character of Dracula come alive. These are the true factors that make Dracula a classic movie.

I have only read Dracula once in my life. It was a good read even though it was told in a journal entry style. After viewing the movie Dracula, I could help but be reminded of the book. Details for the book rushed back as I was seeing the story unfold before my eyes. The creepy way Dracula’s wives slowly approach an unconscious Renfield or how Dracula himself makes people do what he wants with just a look of his eyes. The story is fantastically represented in this movie. Nearly every important scene can be seen and people are able to understand the premise of the book as well. A classic book now as a classic movie.

Dracula is filmed in black and white, which is perfect for it. The black in scenes help to conceal parts from the audience makes the film creepier. When we see Dracula in bat form it’s harder to see. Viewers can’t tell how big it is or how far away it might be. This adds to the suspense as Dracula closes in on his prey.

There are also great moments where the white it makes the movie too. When there is a close up on Dracula’s face, for instance. We can see all the lines on his face and as he stares at his prey you cannot help but have a chill run up your spine. We watch as a predator plays and manipulates his prey, very creepy.

Finally, there is Bela Lugosi’s performance as Dracula. Lugosi does one of the creepiest portals of Dracula that still has the swagger and charm from the book. He talks with confidence and purpose always looking at who he speaking too. The way he looks in his scenes where he feeds on people is all the more fear-inducing when because he says nothing.

Instead of relying on dialogue, Lugosi shows is just how menacing Dracula can be. Lugosi shows how well an actor he can be in this film. He portrayal of this classic character makes a viewer look for or at him in every scene, trying to figure out he is doing. The performance adds so much to the movie and helps to cement the idea of a classic for this movie.

Christians do not put much stock into the supernatural world other than what God does. Yet we see throughout the movie and in the legend of vampires that crucifixes and Christian symbols are used as wards against vampires and their ilk. Even in fiction, the power of Christ is ever important. Christians were given the power to expel demons and heal people during the times of Peter and Paul. While that power is no longer seen to that degree today, we still see the power of God all around us in how Christians treat and help others. There may not be any vampire that we can vanquish, but there are still those that we can empower and help near and now.