With Stoker’s name in the title, Francis Ford Coppola’s film is a supposed return to the original novel. Through allusions to earlier adaptations, however, the film is more of a compendium of the afterlife of Dracula than a faithful version of Stoker’s work. Gary Oldman’s mesmerising performance as the Count contains within it echoes of previous screen Draculas, from Max Schreck (Nosferatu) to Bela Lugosi (Dracula, 1931) and Frank Langella (Dracula, 1979). Stoker’s story has also been rewritten by clearly presenting Dracula as real-life Romanian Count Vlad Tepes and placing a romantic narrative at its heart. The results make for a lush and passionate re-imagining of Stoker’s work, with Dracula emerging as a tormented and tragic fallen hero. Yet this is not a betrayal of Stoker; it’s a loving homage to the book’s cinematic heritage and the evolution of vampire mythology on screen by one of Hollywood’s great cineastes.

Please note that this screening will be held in Meeting House Square. Admission is free.