Directed by: Sinead O’Brien
First aired: 2003
Contains spoilers
With a turn around of the title Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this is a nice scholarly walk into the life and influences of Bram Stoker that was narrated by John Hurt and which aired on Sky Arts 2. The documentary seeks to find the man behind the novel and in doing so discover, perhaps, where the inspiration for his seminal work came from.
At the head of the documentary the potential source of his childhood, much spent bed-ridden, and the tales told by his mother is offered. Then the documentary wonders if, perhaps, it was within Sir Henry Irving and the almost hypnotic thrall the actor held Bram, his business manager, in or perhaps some of the book was drawn from his passionless marriage…
The documentary certainly mentions the fact that the scene with Harker and the brides was almost identical to a dream Stoker himself had. It also makes it clear that the makers believe that Stoker had, possibly buried, homosexual leanings (or perhaps a bi-curiosity) and the Freudian analysis of Dracula reveals much. I agree, however, with one expressed thought that Stoker was well aware of exactly what he put within the novel on a sexual level.
There isn’t much in way of revelation within the documentary. It is very sympathetic to the man and makes the point that whilst his obituary made no mention of Dracula at the time of his death, if it was written now it would mention little else – the documentary itself was a point in case as it was very orientated towards that seminal work.
One thing that was interesting was a comment by Christopher Lee – film producers take note – when he declared that he would actually reprise the role of Dracula again, if offered, but with one stipulation – it would have to be a faithful make of the book, as one has never yet been produced. Now that would be worth seeing. As for the documentary, for those interested in the man behind the phenomena it was a worthwhile effort. 7 out of 10.
The imdb page is here.
First aired: 2003
Contains spoilers
With a turn around of the title Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this is a nice scholarly walk into the life and influences of Bram Stoker that was narrated by John Hurt and which aired on Sky Arts 2. The documentary seeks to find the man behind the novel and in doing so discover, perhaps, where the inspiration for his seminal work came from.
At the head of the documentary the potential source of his childhood, much spent bed-ridden, and the tales told by his mother is offered. Then the documentary wonders if, perhaps, it was within Sir Henry Irving and the almost hypnotic thrall the actor held Bram, his business manager, in or perhaps some of the book was drawn from his passionless marriage…
The documentary certainly mentions the fact that the scene with Harker and the brides was almost identical to a dream Stoker himself had. It also makes it clear that the makers believe that Stoker had, possibly buried, homosexual leanings (or perhaps a bi-curiosity) and the Freudian analysis of Dracula reveals much. I agree, however, with one expressed thought that Stoker was well aware of exactly what he put within the novel on a sexual level.There isn’t much in way of revelation within the documentary. It is very sympathetic to the man and makes the point that whilst his obituary made no mention of Dracula at the time of his death, if it was written now it would mention little else – the documentary itself was a point in case as it was very orientated towards that seminal work.
One thing that was interesting was a comment by Christopher Lee – film producers take note – when he declared that he would actually reprise the role of Dracula again, if offered, but with one stipulation – it would have to be a faithful make of the book, as one has never yet been produced. Now that would be worth seeing. As for the documentary, for those interested in the man behind the phenomena it was a worthwhile effort. 7 out of 10.The imdb page is here.
8 comments:
I keep looking for this. Sounds really good.
I love Christopher lee and Peter Cushing i have always admired them since 1958 and love all there films they are all my favourites and i also enjoy Christopher's singing voice, these 2 are the best actors in the TV/Cinema world nobody will ever be as good as them.I miss them dearly.
cheers for stopping by, Gail, and they certainly were iconic
Thank u Taliesin, i am pleased you agree with me.
I have been searching for this documentary since I first saw it. Does anyone know where I might find a copy?
Hi mc Mox, I caught it on TV for review. I'm not aware of it being released for commercial purchase I'm afraid and it doesn't appear to have sneaked onto YouTube
This is still the best documentary on Bram Stoker. It is beautifully produced, on site in Ireland. But my old VHS copy is worn out, and it still seems not to be available elsewhere. I have tried the video databases in academic libraries as well.
Hi Orange, thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately I caught the documentary on the Sky Arts 2 channel and am not aware of a commercial release either
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