"I am Dra-cu-la"

    

    

      “The Spider spinning his web for the unwary fly...” One of the lines Bela Lugosi uses within mere scenes of his first appearance in Tod Browning's 1931 Screenplay, Dracula.
       This version of Dracula is very much different from the classic 1922 silent film, Nosferatu. Although both depictions of the vampire figure are chilling, Browning's Dracula seems much more human. The Count within this screenplay sticks to the conventional three piece black suit and cape, much like we would assume Dracula to wear.
     The screenplay offers no proof that Count Dracula is a vampire. Everything is merely implied. For example, with every scene where Dracula leans over his victim, the picture fades to black moments before he latches onto his victim's neck. Dracula within this movie does not talk as much, only when convention calls for it. For example, while he is normally cordial with Miss Mina and Dr Seward, he communicates telepathically with Renfield, later on in the film. Browning's Dracula certainly fills the profile of the tall and handsome individual very well. His constant unblinking and very intense stare, however, is a little unnerving to watch, especially during the close up shots. Since this screenplay is an adaptation of Stoker's famous novel, it sticks to the traditional vampiric traits (i.e. no reflection in mirrors, changing into bats, etc.).

    For anyone who has yet to read Bram Stoker's Dracula, I would advise reading the novel first before tackling this movie. Otherwise the screenplay would seem very confusing, leaving more questions than answers. I'll have to admit that it's not exactly my goblet of wine.