Luc Besson's "Dracula" Review

Contents:

• How Dracula Came to Paris for an Exhibition
• How Besson Decided to Make His Own "Dracula"
• What the New Version of the Vampire Novel Turned Out to Be

On September 11, 2025, Luc Besson's new film "Dracula" will be released in Russia. The director, known for such films as "Léon" and "The Fifth Element," presents his interpretation of Bram Stoker's gothic novel. The film is full of Besson's signature elements, creating a unique style that combines both the strengths and weaknesses of his work. In this article, we will take a closer look at what exactly this new version of "Dracula" offers viewers.

How Dracula Got to Paris for an Exhibition

At the end of the 15th century, the Romanian prince Vlad Dracula, played by Caleb Landry Jones, enjoys a carefree time with his beloved wife Elisabeta, played by Zoe Blue. They amuse themselves with arquebus shooting, playful pillow fights, and playful food throws. However, the joy is interrupted when the prince's vassals abruptly intervene, brutally seize Vlad, dress him in armor, and take him off to war against the Turkish invaders who are already threatening the walls of their castle. This scene highlights the contrast between the peaceful life and the harsh realities of war in which Vlad Dracula finds himself. "I can't live without you!"—that's all the lovers manage to say as they part. Elizabeta is ambushed, and the prince rushes to her rescue, but accidentally kills her. Vlad experiences deep pain: he defended the Christian faith, and fate has taken his beloved from him. Disillusioned, Dracula rejects God and attains unholy immortality. For the next several centuries, the prince wanders the world, hunting people and pining for his wife. This tragic story of love and betrayal shows how one mistake can change a person's destiny forever.

400 years later, at the end of the 19th century, Dracula discovers that attorney Jonathan Harker's wife, Mina, is the spitting image of his late lover, Elisabeth. Seeking to possess Mina, he heads to Paris. The only one who can stop him is the Vatican exorcist Van Helsing.

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The Dacian language, boyar mustache and 5,000 rats: features of the creation of the film "Nosferatu"

The film "Nosferatu" has become a cult work in the world cinema, combining unique elements such as the Dacian language and characteristic details such as the boyar moustache. This film not only inspired many subsequent works in the horror genre but also became a model for the study of cinematic art.

The Dacian language used in Nosferatu adds authenticity and depth to the film, allowing it to better convey the atmosphere of the time and place. Using historical languages ​​in cinema helps create more believable characters and scenic situations.

The boyar moustache, which has become a symbol of the era, gives the characters a special flavor and emphasizes their personality. These details make the film's visuals more memorable and atmospheric.

Furthermore, attention to details, such as the number of rats - 5,000, adds elements of shocking realism and enhances the atmosphere of fear. These tiny yet crucial moments make Nosferatu more than just a film, but a true work of art that continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.

Thus, Nosferatu remains a significant example of the influence of details on the overall perception of a film, combining elements of language, costumes, and visual effects to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

How Besson Decided to Make His Own Dracula

Luc Besson frankly admits that he is not a fan of horror films and is not fond of the image of Dracula. His work began not with creating characteristic images, but with choosing actors who can embody unique stories on screen.

The director first collaborated with Caleb Landry Jones during the filming of his previous project, Dogman, which tells the story of a strange criminal who prefers dogs to people. At that time, the young actor was already known thanks to a Teen Choice Award nomination for his role as the mutant Banshee in X-Men: First Class, as well as significant roles in such acclaimed films as Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Get Out, Breaking Bad, and Twin Peaks. For his performance as a mass murderer in Nitram, Jones won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, further cementing his reputation in the film industry. Despite negative reviews from critics, Dogman marked a milestone for director Luc Besson. He discovered his new acting muse in Caleb. Besson noted that working with him on Dogman was so successful that he began dreaming of creating a new project focused on Caleb's talent. The director compared his abilities to those of Gary Oldman, his longtime favorite who rose to fame thanks to films such as Leon and The Fifth Element. Besson is confident that Caleb has an amazing talent that will be able to attract the attention of viewers and critics in future works.

Association with Gary Oldman's portrayal of Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola's iconic 1992 film likely inspired Luc Besson to create his new film. The film became a landmark in the world of cinema, and its influence on contemporary art remains palpable. Besson, known for his unique approaches to filmmaking, may draw inspiration from classic images to infuse fresh ideas and original concepts into his work.

Caleb and I were discussing potential roles and I remarked, "You'd be perfect for Dracula." That's when the idea to write a script for the character came to me.

Luc Besson: A Look at Cinema and the Industry

Luc Besson, a renowned French director and producer, has had a significant influence on modern cinema. His works, such as "Léon," "The Fifth Element," and "Taxi," have become iconic and continue to inspire a new generation of filmmakers. Besson has a unique style that combines elements of fantasy, drama, and action.

In recent years, Besson has focused on creating his own projects through EuropaCorp, which has allowed him to expand his creative horizons and realize ambitious ideas. His films often explore themes of freedom, love, and the fight for justice, making them relevant in today's world.

Besson also actively supports young directors and screenwriters, providing them with a platform to realize their creative visions. His work in the film industry serves as an example of how passion for art can transform and inspire.

Thus, Luc Besson's contribution to the film industry cannot be overstated. His films continue to be an important part of world cinema, and his vision and approach to filmmaking shape the future of cinema.

Lately, audiences have not experienced a shortage of Dracula films. Less than a year ago, Robert Eggers presented his interpretation of the Gothic Nosferatu. Previously, in Renfield, director Chris McKay showed Nicolas Cage as the Count as a typical abuser. Also worth noting is the film The Last Voyage of the Demeter by André Øvredal, which tells the story of Dracula sailing to London. These works demonstrate a variety of approaches to the classic character and his story, bringing Dracula back to the screen in new interpretations.

Director Luc Besson decided to bring a fresh twist to the classic vampire story. He noted that despite the many successful film adaptations, he always felt the original book was missing one crucial element. Besson emphasizes that the fifth and most important element is love. He believes it is the greatest romantic story of all time, about a man who waits 400 years to be reunited with his wife. Although the plot includes blood and monsters, the love story remains the focus.

The director drew inspiration from the songs of Billie Eilish, especially from Her latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, he noted that he listens to it on repeat because it's exactly the mood his film requires. However, Eilish's compositions were not included on the soundtrack. The film's composer was Danny Elfman, known for his work on Tim Burton's Gothic films. Director Besson seemed a bit lost in the new genre and decided to emulate his more experienced colleagues. His interpretation of Dracula's castle is reminiscent of Tim Burton's style—a combination of a Gothic cathedral and Disneyland elements. The castle was originally planned for the Jura Mountains, but due to a lack of snow required for the plot, a 4,000-square-meter polystyrene citadel was built in Finland, near the town of Kuhmo.

The director proudly gave journalists tours of the castle, showing off the chapel, bedroom with a four-poster bed, dining room, and torture chamber, jokingly calling it "an interview chamber." For fans of the genre, a fun Easter egg was added: a portrait gallery of the Count's ancestors, actually images of previous screen Draculas, such as Gary Oldman, Christopher Lee, and Max Schreck. These details not only enrich the plot but also create a unique atmosphere, attracting the attention of horror film buffs and fans of iconic images.

The castle was created by production designer Hugues Tissandier, who has collaborated with Luc Besson on more than 20 films. The armor for the medieval scenes was designed by British armorer Terry English, who previously worked on the film "Joan of Arc" a quarter of a century ago. These professionals made a significant contribution to creating the historical authenticity and visual appeal of the project.

The action of the "modern" scenes was moved from London, as Stoker did, to Paris. However, here too, the weather played its part: during a mass shoot at the Palais Royal, it started raining, and a scene with 350 extras had to be rushed through in 15 minutes between downpours. Besson recalled: "We had just finished—and then the rain started again, absolutely terrifying."

Creating a large-scale project undoubtedly requires significant financial investment, although the film's exact budget remains unknown. What is known is that "Dracula" turned out to be less expensive than Luc Besson's failed project "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets," which cost $233 million. Nevertheless, "Dracula" became the most expensive French film of 2025.

Working with Caleb Landry Jones turned out to be one of the most difficult tasks during the filming process after creating the castle. The actor had to lose significant weight, master a Romanian accent, and get used to wearing platform shoes to appear taller. He also spent four hours in makeup. To convey Dracula's centuries-old nature, a variety of costumes, hairstyles, and wigs were developed for the character, allowing Jones to portray nearly twenty different interpretations of Dracula on screen. Director Luc Besson notes that Caleb is truly a chameleon, able to adapt to any role.

Luc Besson invited not only the famous actor Jones, but also a number of lesser-known talents to his ambitious project. The lead role of Mina-Elizabeth is played by newcomer Zoe Blue, daughter of renowned actress Rosanna Arquette, who previously worked with Besson on The Big Blue. The role of her friend, who falls victim to Dracula, is entrusted to Italian actress Matilda De Angelis, known for her work on the HBO series The Undoing, in which she starred alongside Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. This project promises to be an interesting mix of new faces and experienced performers, which gives it particular potential.

The only exception is Tarantino's star Christoph Waltz, who plays Dracula's main adversary, Van Helsing. Probably due to the actor's German origin, his character was made Bavarian, although the surname given to Bram Stoker's hero quite logically indicates Dutch origin.

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The Best Horror Films: From Hitchcock to the New Zealand Underground

Horror films occupy a special place in cinema, combining elements of fear, tension, and unexpected plot twists. The works of masters like Alfred Hitchcock laid the foundations of the genre, bringing psychological thrillers and horror elements to popular culture. His films, such as "Psycho" and "The Birds", have become classics, demonstrating how masterful directing and screenwriting can evoke powerful emotions in audiences.

While Hitchcock defined traditional approaches to the genre, the New Zealand underground introduced fresh ideas and bold visual solutions. Films like "Up the Hill!" and "Something Wicked" explore the extremes of horror, combining dark humor and social criticism. These films draw attention to unusual aspects of life and sometimes shock viewers with their frankness.

The key features of a successful horror film are a tense plot, well-developed characters, and an atmosphere that leaves viewers breathless. From classic masterpieces to modern indie projects, the genre continues to evolve, introducing new ideas and approaches. Stories about the supernatural, psychopaths, and delving into human fears remain relevant and in demand.

In the end, the best horror films are not only a way to entertain but also an opportunity to peer into the depths of the human psyche and understand what exactly causes fear. The genre continues to inspire new directors and screenwriters, opening up new horizons for creativity and self-expression.

What is the new version of the vampire novel like?

It is difficult to say for sure whether Luc Besson read Stoker's novel, since his interpretation is quite far from the original. However, it is obvious that he is familiar with Francis Ford Coppola's version, since some scenes are clearly borrowed from the 1992 film. For example, in one of the scenes at the reception in the castle, where Mina's husband arrives, Jones's Caleb is dressed almost identically to Gary Oldman's character.

The pretentious attire, pale, hairless face, and white hair whipped into an awkward hairstyle create a feeling of awkwardness due to the obvious borrowing. This can be attributed to Besson's style, who perhaps considers such elements as Easter eggs for his fans. However, the main intrigue that is worth paying attention to was borrowed from Coppola.

Dracula as a fatal lover has been reimagined over the years. However, it was the 1992 film that introduced the concept that the Count once lost his beloved and, overcome with grief, became a vampire. He later finds her reincarnation in the form of Mina. Director Besson developed this idea, deepening the emotional component. In Bram Stoker's original work, the Count embodies violence and vice, symbolizing the fears of Puritan society. He dominates both women and men without love or emotion. A hundred years later, Francis Ford Coppola added layers to the vampire in his film: he became not only a monster and tyrant, but also a being suffering from true passion. This new interpretation created a more complex and humane image of Dracula, which continues to attract the attention of audiences and researchers. Besson's interpretation of Dracula seems less than captivating. The Count uses virtually no elements of black magic, and he doesn't transform into bats or wolves. Instead of hypnotic power, he relies on magnificent perfumes that inspire admiration in women, as in Patrick Süskind's novel "Perfume." However, Dracula remains faithful to his beloved, and if he does bite girls, he does so only out of necessity, without much pleasure. This approach to the character emphasizes his inner struggle and attachment, which adds depth to his portrayal.

The Count's castle does not feature three vampire brides, which is a noticeable difference from the original novel. Instead, he is surrounded by a group of cute animated stone gargoyles, reminiscent of the characters from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Mostly, the Count indulges in sadness and utters banal phrases such as, "Life without love is the worst disease, my friend." This atmosphere of sadness and loneliness emphasizes his inner struggle and search for true emotions, which adds depth and layering to the story.

Besson occasionally descends into comedic chaos, reminiscent of Mel Brooks’ The film "Dracula: Dead and Loving It." The Count, trying to commit suicide, jumps out of a window five times, but each time fails. At his command, the entire city of Versailles begins to dance. Geography is also ironic in this context: according to a road sign, France borders Romania.

The atmosphere of the work is bright and cheerful. It's no surprise that the director moved the action from gloomy Victorian London to the festive Paris of the Belle Époque and the World's Fairs. This contrast highlights the joy and gaiety that permeate the story, creating a unique backdrop for the development of events. In "Dracula," featuring Mina and Maria, much of the plot centers on their strolls through the exhibition pavilions, where they enjoy their time together. Mina actively flirts with the charming Count and shows little sign of longing for her lawyer husband, who has disappeared. Her energetic vampire friend, Maria, with her playful smile, attracts the attention of those around her and laughs easily. Meanwhile, away from them, gloomy doctors and dull husbands try to devise plans to bring back their wives, who have immersed themselves in the world of entertainment. The film emphasizes the contrast between freedom and obligation, creating an interesting tension in the plot.

Christoph Waltz's performance in this film somewhat softens the one-sided picture of goodness. The actor creates a character that can be described as a mixture of the good-natured Schultz from Django and the cunning Hans Landa from Inglourious Basterds. His interpretation of Van Helsing, who enjoys sacramental wine and argues that heightened female sexuality is a sign of health, not obsession, adds an interesting nuance. The Count seems much more inclined to a fun and relaxed lifestyle than the strict moral principles of the Lenten English. Thus, if we follow Besson's logic, vampires appear before us as the most cheerful creatures on the planet.

The problem is that there is not enough content for the film. The intriguing background behind the film's creation is more intriguing than the result itself. Luc Besson's idea to make a film about Dracula while openly admitting his dislike of the character and the genre is quite original. This approach may attract audiences and spark discussion in the film community.

Director Caleb Jones's admiration is entirely justified. When the actor, with his unusually pale face and graceful, almost snaky movements, moves across the screen, it's impossible not to linger. However, it might have been better to simply show Jones for two hours in a frame with the caption "Once upon a time there was an eagle-man" to avoid awkwardness.

Besson, apparently infatuated with Jones's image, missed an important point: the romantic aspect of Dracula has long since become a hackneyed cliché in cinema. His assertions about forgotten elements of Stoker's story seem somewhat superficial. Besson often resorts to simplification, which in some cases proves quite successful, as in "The Fifth Element." This film, a vibrant comic book film, successfully combines aesthetic appeal with the dynamic of a relationship with Milla Jovovich, making it so memorable.

In "Dracula," the approach to character development proved unsuccessful. Besson attempts to combine elements of comedy and horror, at times resorting to melodrama. However, in the end, everything comes down to a simple and straightforward image: an older man pursues young women because they remind him of his first love. This creates an awkward impression and does not evoke the desired response from the audience.

Reading is an important part of our lives. It not only develops thinking but also helps to broaden our horizons. In the modern world, access to information has become easier thanks to the Internet. We can read books, articles and blogs on any topic, which helps us stay up to date with the latest trends and news.

To get the most out of reading, choose quality sources. These can be both classic works and modern publications. Don't forget that regular reading improves concentration, expands vocabulary, and develops analytical thinking.

Don't miss the opportunity to improve your skills and knowledge through reading. Choose interesting topics, explore new genres, and share your opinions with others. Reading enriches our inner world and helps us find answers to important questions.

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The Best Vampire Movies: 21 Outstanding Works in the Horror and Fantasy Genres

Vampire movies have always been popular thanks to their gripping plots, dark atmosphere, and charismatic characters. This list presents the 21 best vampire movies that will appeal to both horror and fantasy fans. These films range from classics to modern interpretations, each unique and interesting in its own way.

Classic films like Bram Stoker's Dracula sparked the vampire myth and set the standard for future works. Modern films like Twilight and The Others brought fresh ideas to the genre, combining romance and dramatic elements with traditional vampire themes.

Don't forget about films that mix genres, such as Something Like That and The Girl Next Door, where vampires serve as a backdrop for comedic plots.

Each of these films offers a unique take on vampire mythology and boasts memorable characters and gripping plots.

After exploring this list, you'll find plenty of reasons to dive into the world of vampires and discover stories that will leave you in suspense and admiration.