Dario Argento is one of the most important and innovative horror directors of all time. Suspiria is a classic, and defined Giallo films. His movies have captivated generations with his use of color, dreamlike atmosphere, and haunting music.
This is not one of those films.
Dario Argento’s Dracula has, on paper, all the things that should have made it a new instant classic. A titan of horror directors at the helm, a story that had proven itself time and time over again to stand on its own no matter the interpretation, and a cast of actors that, while not A-listers, are both competent and captivating to watch.
What we got was, however, something that looked like it might be more at home on the SyFy channel after a Sharknado marathon.
Gone is Argento’s usual directorial style. The stark use of color that made his films so different from anything else of the time is completely absent here. The camera work is more fitting of a stage-play than an actual film and the shots are static and uncompelling. The lighting looks like something you would find in a gas station bathroom in a really dicey part of town. Thomas Kretschmann gives it his best, and in a better movie he would make a phenomenal Dracula, but he’s the only one who seems to be taking the movie seriously. Rutger Hauer looks drunk off his ass in most of his scenes, but maybe he realized exactly what kind of movie he was in and matched its energy.
So why am I recommending this movie?
Because it is a hoot and a half if you need something to riff while you and your friends get drunk. If you don’t mind nudity and hilarious CGI blood effects, you will get a lot out of this flick during a bad movie marathon with friends. Just don’t forget to bring your alcoholic beverage of choice.