Before Nosferatu, These Were the Best Dracula Performances

As a connoisseur of all things cinematic, particularly those involving the undead, I must say that each portrayal of Dracula and Count Orlok listed here is nothing short of a masterclass in acting. From Klaus Kinski’s terrifying unpredictability to Gary Oldman’s deep and romantic take on the character, these performances have left an indelible mark on horror cinema.

In terms of contemporary historical horror, there’s nobody more skilled than Robert Eggers at the moment. His works, such as “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse,” are masterfully crafted to create an eerie atmosphere and tension. And based on initial reactions from critics, his upcoming project, “Nosferatu,” seems to follow suit. What’s more, it appears that his latest work not only meets the high standards set by those modern classics but may even surpass them.

His movie isn’t the first interpretation of Dracula; it’s not even the second version of “Nosferatu,” since F. W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film was itself an unauthorized adaptation, following a Hungarian silent film from 1921 that was also based on Bram Stoker’s novel. The title character in Murnau’s “Nosferatu” is not Dracula as the story clearly draws from Stoker’s work. However, the vampire portrayed in the movie differs significantly from the sophisticated, white-haired character described in the book. Interestingly, both versions have found success, with numerous actors demonstrating this over time.

Max Schreck in Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)

Max Schreck, a German thespian, played numerous roles after the film “Nosferatu,” but he will forever be synonymous with Count Orlok in this movie. His emaciated frame and intense gaze as Orlok established an exceptionally high standard for cinematic vampires, setting the stage early on. It’s no surprise that his portrayal of a vampire left such a lasting impact, influencing not just people’s fears but also the genre as a whole.

It’s been over a century since Murnau’s film, and Schreck’s version of the title character is still influencing horror cinema auteurs like Eggers. It also inspired the look of Kurt Barlow in Tobe Hooper’s TV miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot (as well as the 2024 remake). Furthermore, The Master from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Orlox in Castlevania, and Baron Afanas from What We Do in the Shadows all found inspiration in Schreck’s monster. Not to mention, the name of Christopher Walken’s cruel business tycoon in Batman Returns was far from a coincidence.

Bela Lugosi in Dracula (1931)

Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of Dracula stands out as exceptional, despite Universal Studios initially being reluctant to cast him. This is quite ironic, given that Lugosi had already been praised for his role in the stage play, but it was only when he accepted a very small salary that they finally chose him for the film.

He nails everything about what an on-screen Dracula should be. But there’s one element he had that no other actor, not even Schreck, has been able to match, and that’s the power of his stare. Lugosi’s eyes were haunting. Toss in the fact that he was a somewhat haunted person and, ironically, that the role he wanted so badly was effectively what got him typecast so often that his career prospects plummeted, and you have a tragic actor portraying a tragic character.

Christopher Lee in Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966)

Christopher Lee played Dracula an impressive ten times during his acting career, seven of which were for Hammer Film Productions. His portrayal of the character began in 1958 with Hammer’s film titled “Dracula,” but reached its highest point with Hammer’s second Dracula movie, “Dracula: Master of the Dark.

In his role as Lee, he consistently strived to embody the characteristics Stoker wrote, but at the same time, he effectively delivered what was expected from Hammer. This predominantly involved portraying a moody demeanor, callous indiscriminate cruelty, and prominent, blood-stained fangs.

Klaus Kinski in Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

Klaus Kinski was a pretty scary guy in general. Any number of behind-the-scenes accounts of his erratic behavior can confirm this. The best of these accounts come from his most frequent collaborator, Werner Herzog, with whom he worked five times.

Nosferatu the Vampyre was the second film directed by Werner Herzog, following Aguirre, the Wrath of God and preceding Fitzcarraldo. It’s worth noting that casting Klaus Kinski as Count Orlok was one of Herzog’s most brilliant choices among many in his illustrious career. Kinski imbued the character with a chilling, unnerving presence that continues to haunt viewers long after the credits have finished rolling.

Gary Oldman in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

In a different rendition, we could say: Francis Ford Coppola and Gary Oldman appear to have taken more cues from John Carradine in the film “House of Frankenstein” rather than Schreck or Lugosi, and this suits perfectly with what Coppola aims to accomplish in his movie. Compared to other adaptations, “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” might move at a leisurely pace, but it is the most faithful interpretation of the story so far, with 1958’s “Horror of Dracula,” featuring Christopher Lee, coming in as a very close second.

In a way you’d anticipate, Oldman delivers an exceptional performance as the Count. He can be terrifying when required by the script, but it’s his ability to convey romance that truly stands out. This aspect is often overlooked in other adaptations, replaced with fear or eeriness instead. However, it’s this touch that makes Oldman’s portrayal one of the most profound Dracula performances ever, although it may not be the most instantly recognizable.

Nicolas Cage in Renfield (2023)

In a span of twelve years, Nicolas Cage’s comeback movie, “Renfield,” was his first major studio release. He delivers an impressive triple play in this film, seamlessly blending humor with a chilling portrayal of Dracula as a cold-blooded emotional manipulator.

The film occasionally becomes overly silly, yet remains enjoyable enough for multiple viewings. Notably, Nicholas Hoult (as in Nosferatu) and Awkwafina provide delightful performances as leads, but what truly makes it worth watching again is John Cage. He’s clearly enjoying himself, and that enjoyment transfers to the audience as well.

2024-12-23 00:10