From an ugly, bold blood sucking creature to an attractive superhero, the common perception of vampire has changed dramatically during the past centuries as evident in the literature and its adaptation. The difference between Bram Stoker’s Dracula in the Victorian age and the movie Dracula is a case in point.
The most significant changes associated with Coppola’s adaptation is the incorporation of various elements of romance in the movie. In the original novel, Mina is in love with Jonathan Harker and has no romantic tie to Dracula at all. In the movie, Mina is portrayed as a reincarnation of Dracula’s lover Elizabetha, and she has the full memory of her previous life with Dracula. Mina also willingly drinks Dracula’s blood instead of being forced to do so as depicts in the novel. In addition, Dracula is largely considered a villain and associated with negative animalistic characteristics of a blood sucking monster. In Coppola’s movie, the mutual affection between Dracula and Mina has accounted for some of the violence that Dracula commits, making them unavoidable on the grounds for love. As a result, the callous and primal vampire figure is associated with many qualities such as loyalty, affection and determination.
It is clear that the 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula has significant difference from the original novel in that the movie has altered the plotline to include a more humanized vampire and many typical Hollywood romance scenes.
Thank you for an interesting reflection. I think the romance triangle was actually a great addition to the film, and created a scenario in which Mina was torn between love and lust; reason and emotion.
The love triangle is especially interesting considers vampires are a metaphor for sexual lust, primordial sex, etc. Jonathan, on the other hand, represents reason; he is wise, a lawyer and has a bright future. He is certainly the right choice for Mina.
The love triangle is therefore representative of a very basic human conundrum; does one go with the heart or the mind? In the framework of the film, those who choose lust (like Mina’s sister) are punished.