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Watching Dracula now. Very good. 👍
Yes, this is much better from BBC with the "scientific" heroine.
Notice science and God?
Recording
It’s not too bad nice to have a different take on things.
Notice science and God?
Just like the book.
Recording, too.
Is it really good, or just like "ok, whilst pissing about on the internet whilst watching it"?
Scream! Scream! Scream loud! 🧛♂️
Continue tomorrow at 9pm excellent!
I like!
At least a film that worth watching during the festive season. 😀
Is it really good, or just like “ok, whilst pissing about on the internet whilst watching it”?
It is very (IMO) good but some part slightly "illogical" but much much better than The War of the Worlds.
Dracula is much more intelligence this time and sneaky. 😄
P/s: slight budget saving on the gory graphic scenes as usual i.e. attack scene turned to blank at the critical moment 🙄
Notice science and God?
Just like the book.
It looks like our scientific knowledge is still limited as there must be some logic to why Dracula fear Sunlight etc.
p/s: oh ya the scene at the gate where they exchanged conversation that actually demonstrated the weakness of all beings including Dracula of greed, hatred and delusion/arrogance. Good exchange of conversation that trying to squeeze all those in one conversation.
It looks like our scientific knowledge is still limited as there must be some logic to why Dracula fear Sunlight etc.
Because he bursts into flames. Seems reasonable reason to avoid it.
It was good, very dark, reminded me a bit of the sherlock series but easier to follow. Can get away with surfing web a bit at same time.
'the weakness of all beings including Dracula of greed, hatred and delusion/arrogance. Well good exchange of conversation that'
This is why he fears the crucifix. Being predators, vampires can't understand why a being would sacrifice itself for another voluntarily- they have the opposite impulse. Hence the crucifix acts as a reminder that they may be on the wrong track.
Because he bursts into flames. Seems reasonable reason to avoid it.
Yes, that is the commonly known story but nobody knows why.
As for garlic because garlic "kills" bacteria gems ... some logic there.
Silver also "kills" or bacteria gems whatever ...
But bursting into flame does not make sense other than Dracula being the night crawler. There must be something the original author could have explained in the molecule/cell of shapeshifter like Dracula.
It was good, very dark, reminded me a bit of the sherlock series but easier to follow. Can get away with surfing web a bit at same time.
If it is good I rather sit down and relax to watch it even if it is a bit slow. I like to look at all the graphics ... 😀 Must pay credit to the set designers if they are good.
This is why he fears the crucifix.
Apparently Not in the film.
But he does fear sunlight for scientific reason I guess.
Being predators, vampires can’t understand why a being would sacrifice itself for another voluntarily- they have the opposite impulse. Hence the crucifix acts as a reminder that they may be on the wrong track.
Interesting take.
I see it as Dracula couldn't give a thought but rather like to toy with them. He does not want to reason or cannot comprehend reasoning.
Enjoyed that alot! Looking forward to tomorrow's episode
As ever with Moffat/Gatiss some great ideas buried in there but obscured by some issues (for me at least - YMMV).
Biggest bugbear is it's just the wrong lead actor for me. Looks like he was chosen more for his Lugosi-ness (some obvious visual nods to that at points too) than anything else. I'd prefer someone with a bit more menace and less camp delivery of the one-liners (which are a bit too arch and knowing for the tone of everything else, but then Sherlock...). Having said that I'm not the director...
Some touches I'm liking.
Just saying though, they've built it up enough already - if the final reveal (episode 3?) of why crosses work isn't really funny or really clever then it will be really annoying.
chewkw
It looks like our scientific knowledge is still limited as there must be some logic to why Dracula fear Sunlight etc.
Originally vampires had red hair. Might explain an aversion to too much sunlight... 🙂
Interestingly, we had to turn it off because our wolfhound got really agitated when the black dog was at the gate. Up and ready and teeth bared. She hasn't paid any attention to the TV before.
Biggest bugbear is it’s just the wrong lead actor for me. Looks like he was chosen more for his Lugosi-ness (some obvious visual nods to that at points too) than anything else.
I like the classic look and Not that "two balls" hair style from Dracula with Keanu Reeves. They cannot depart too much otherwise we might as well watch Kate Beckinsale in Underworld (that is completely piss take but funny).
Some touches I’m liking. Harker’s appearance winking back to Nosferatu is a cool nod to other cinematic versions of the vampire myth.
That is good too but at first I thought the two were going to jokey for leadership position as the best blood sucker but it seems like one is the master while the other slave.
Despite the obvious Moffatism of ‘let’s make it a woman’ this version of Van Helsing is pretty compelling so far.
Good that. I like the calm manner of that character but not sure if she will survive unless she has more tricks up her sleeves ...
if the final reveal (episode 3?) of why crosses work isn’t really funny or really clever then it will be really annoying.
No, there will be some compromise as they cannot alienate some audience. I think it will be a cop out somewhere ...
Originally vampires had red hair. Might explain an aversion to too much sunlight… 🙂
No, no, no ... there is only one King of vampire and that is Christopher Lee 😆
Whichever mod spoilered me, Chekkie's quote needs doing too?
Whichever mod spoilered me, Chekkie’s quote needs doing too?
I did not give away too much details if you have not seen it.
p/s: I missed Dr Who but not sure I want to watch it ...
That is good too but at first I thought the two were going to jokey for leadership position as the best blood sucker but it seems like one is the master while the other slave.
Yeah, I was hoping for a still-struggling-with-his-undeadness Harker joining the good guys in London to hunt Drac down (in a nod to The Lost Boys and Near Dark maybe).
Near Dark is still the best vampire film/TV adaptation by a long way IMO (although the TV Ultraviolet had potential but never got past series 1)...
I did not give away too much details if you have not seen it.
Nope, you just quoted the comment of mine that got spoilered - so folks can still read it.
p/s: I missed Dr Who but not sure I want to watch it …
In a similar vein (ha!) it suggests a few good ideas for the Whoniverse but was presented a bit weakly, and has IMO one HUGE flaw revealed at the end of this first episode.
Near Dark is still the best vampire film/TV adaptation by a long way IMO (although the TV Ultraviolet had potential but never got past series 1)…
🤔 not sure about that coz I think the costume is a bit cheap ... I like "period" drama.
Oh ya ... does ultraviolet kills bacterial gems? 🤔
Nice little Inside No. 9 reference on this one
Just watched the first episode, I thought it was really well done! Only thing I didn’t like were the one-liners/quips, feel a bit forced (like they’re put in purely for the trailers!) and actually a bit old-fashioned now.
In a similar vein (ha!) it suggests a few good ideas for the Whoniverse but was presented a bit weakly, and has IMO one HUGE flaw revealed at the end of this first episode.
Which is?
WTF?
Yeah, that!
WTF?
What the hell ...
Hhmmmm ... there we go again ... 😒
All good until the arrival of the helicopter and the police ... 🙄
What's wrong with BBC?
That was fun! I have a theory, but I’m normally pretty bad at twists.
I have always loved the Dracula story, and vampire myths in general, but a good friend of mine who also happens to be a film critic, said of Bram Stoker's writing that "he couldn't even write a coherent shopping list".
I'll try to tune into the show, but I can't stop laughing about the comment.
That was excellent. So he got himself into a box of his dirt to regenerate, this took about 200 years, and he came ashore in our time- and Agatha is now an immortal policewoman?
It looks like our scientific knowledge is still limited as there must be some logic to why Dracula fear Sunlight etc.
Porphyria, I thought? Haven't seen the show yet, mind
All going well there until Moffat dragged it into the 21st century. Hasn't he got any other tricks?
(hoping there is a twist to this too, but not holding my breath)
And, as it happens, I thought the explanation about crosses and bibles working was pretty well handled in the end.
CountZero
In a similar vein (ha!) it suggests a few good ideas for the Whoniverse but was presented a bit weakly, and has IMO one HUGE flaw revealed at the end of this first episode.
Which is?
And, as it happens, I thought the explanation about crosses and bibles working was pretty well handled in the end.
That explanation is fine but the 21st century ... could someone send the script writer to write for Country file please, coz over there s/he does not need to think too much about plots etc.
I am giving it until tomorrow but saw the night club scene just now that is not going to be good. 😑
Does leave the door open for further series/episodes though - more sustainable to have him in the present day I guess.
Assuming Van Helsing doesn't defeat him tomorrow...
What's the betting on there being a 'he's finally gone... or has he?' type ending?
What’s the betting on there being a ‘he’s finally gone… or has he?’ type ending?
Bet he is a bit late coz the world has already gone all vampire and they tend make fun of him.
I liked the twist at the end. It distracted me from the glaring fcat that he wasn't landing in Whitby, but North Landing
I'm hoping the last instalment will hold up like the other two episodes
I avoided this after their poor attempt at War of The Worlds and the **** up of A Christmas Carol. Not sure to risk it?
Seen Episode 1 and that was really good.
Well, I’m hooked, think it’s brilliant so far, and have to say I really enjoyed war of the worlds and Christmas Carol too!
I have always loved the Dracula story, and vampire myths in general, but a good friend of mine who also happens to be a film critic, said of Bram Stoker’s writing that “he couldn’t even write a coherent shopping list”.
I largely agree with your friend. It’s been many years since I read the book but I do remember thinking it was very poorly written. Great character very bad book.
Really enjoyed episode 2. Chest episode started well but seemed to go downhill a little at the end for me...all nuns screaming.... It was just a bit too Saturday afternoon Dr who drama.
I'm not being dismissive, lazy or ignorant; I just know that STW threads can have landmine spoilers so I haven't read previous posts.
I've watched the first ep and thoroughly enjoyed it. Me and Mrs. S normally avoid "period drama" type stuff but we both loved this.
Count D is a tad camp but I thought it brought balance as there were many deep and dark elements. Sister Agatha is brilliant.
The castle set is very good. Despite its vastness, I felt imprisoned and closed in.
Very much looking forward to 2 & 3.
Like it so far. Hope the last one doesn’t get too stupid. It’s a fine line and for me they got it just right in ep 1 and 2. As a reimagining it works. Count is menacing in a manipulative charming psychopathic way. Van Helsing just rocks.
Count D is a tad camp but I thought it brought balance as there were many deep and dark elements. Sister Agatha is brilliant.
Both characters are well played.
Yes, a bit camp and I bet he is "pansexual" whatever (bloody sucking wise) 😆
I like the way both of them (Agatha & Count Dracula) wind up each other. 😆
Count is menacing in a manipulative charming psychopathic way. Van Helsing just rocks.
Count is showing off his power while Van Helsing just is just being intrigued by his persona 🤔
So, page two and nobody has remarked that Dracula is all about sex? Remember when it was written. Have an eye to the calendar, the moon etc, and what happens on the night mina and harker should have married. And you know, all the nuns and undead women in the basement. PS I have only watched part one so working from knowledge of the book here. Great book, btw.
Sex, and fear of women, meant to add. Those two often run together.
The link's quite explicit in pretty much all versions of the vampire myth as far as I can see (Moffat's Count has made the connection himself a fair few times in the two episodes so far). I guess this thread's focusing on what's different about this one rather than the same?
But don't worry chaps, you have to invite him in, and he only likes wirgins...
Wallpaper pattern is from The Outlook Hotel carpet. 😬
1st half of tonight's was a bit weak I thought, but the ending panned out well enough.
Overall, a decent adaptation. Succeeded on its own terms.
that was erm... different
Pish
Well my final verdict is 3/5. 🤨
Watchable but nothing to blow someone away considering he came on shore 123 years later and we could have read all the rumours about him by then. 😒
Started well but the ending is a bit short especially the last 10 mins. Should at least allocate 30 mins to the last moment. 🙄
I mean there is no way a being who has lived for more than 500 years could be convinced in few years leading to that last moment.
His fear of death has led him so far to live for centuries and such strong attachment (the worst root of all evil) cannot usually be let go easily. Being a coward to die is merely a form of attachment as the fear stems from all that all that he cannot let go. Such pain to let go of all attachments it makes no logical sense that he could let it go based on mere mortal rationality. Remember Count Dracula learned fast and learned well. An intelligent being full of vanity due to strong attachment of self.
I mean why not live as a day walker for another 1000 years or longer or as long as for the sake of being able to and see the world doom?
Oh well at least BBC has tried ... good effort but nothing to rave about after watching all 3 episodes.
Oh ya ... there are more powerful antichrists about and the portrayal of Dracula does not even make it to anyway near the top 10. Even satan only ranks 3rd or 5th (cannot remember the actual ranking now) in certain religious scripture.
I mean why not live as a day walker for another 1000 years or longer or as long as for the sake of being able to and see the world doom?
He'd been feeding a lot on Lucy, who had no fear of death? At least I guess that's the inference we were meant to take.
He’d been feeding a lot on Lucy, who had no fear of death? At least I guess that’s the inference we were meant to take.
No mortal being should be able to sway such being with the kind of attachment Dracula has.
Lucy might be naive about death but she certainly fear death (she fear death in the sense of being old or losing her beauty), especially when visited by the child zombie coz that is fear (ugly and undead which is prolong suffering). Fear usually relate to death. Fear is a form of attachment which is practically impossible to let go off by mere mortal. Wanting to look forever beautiful is the fear of death with the attachment of wanting to stay young forever, hence she was willing to try all methods to preserve life even if that means the undead.
Enjoyed it, some clever twists etc. Best general 'vampire' series though was the US True Blood. That was awesome.
Enjoyed it, some clever twists etc. Best general ‘vampire’ series though was the US True Blood. That was awesome.
The characters are well played even when I don't agree with Dracula losing his composure at the end coz Christopher Lee did not ...
First two episodes were great, last one was shite. Basically Sherlock.
Well that seemed very rushed towards the end. Enjoyed it though but still think it could it have been something more.
Basically Sherlock.
Hmmm.
Good writers, struggle to end anything
Watchable but I thought it tailed off to the end. Episode 2 was the best by far for me
I don’t understand how he didn’t revert to old man mode whilst in the sea. Would’ve been better in four parts and staying in the same time period in my opinion. An episode to establish him in England and then a closing episode. The new cast additions in the third episode were weak and the episode had a very different tone.
"Democracy is the tyranny of the uninformed"
Dracula showing his remainer tendencies.
“Democracy is the tyranny of the uninformed”
Dracula showing his remainer tendencies.
😂
Like pretty much everyone else...episodes 1 and 2 great, last one left me outraged my TV licence fee contributed to it.
I liked it but agree the final episode felt rushed. Hints about the Harker institute being a bit shady but no elaboration and of course the final showdown. Seems to be the BBC way, high production values and a quality script but no money or inclination to go beyond a handful of episodes.
1st 2 episodes were really good, but the last one was pretty poor. Felt like it was trying to be a bit too clever and for me just didn’t work. Dracula needed to go out with more of a bang IMO. Still, overall it was decent.
ep 3 was good until the last 5 minutes
It was just a bit too Saturday afternoon Dr who drama.
There are a couple of Easter eggs in Dracula, referencing Doctor Who and Inside No9, plus The Master, or at least the actor playing him, is in Dracula...
https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a30384485/dracula-inside-no-9-easter-egg/
All went a bit Torchwood. Shame cos Ep 1 & 2 showed great promise.
Hmm.
This series should have been the story up until the sinking of the Demeter, but longer and spread over 4 or 5 hourly episodes.
Series 2 could have been the modern day bits.
I liked the story arc and the ending, but it was spoiled by the rush to cram too much in and the lack of character development in episode 3.
It sorely missed the chase/hunt/teamwork element of the book, but I enjoyed the fact that Drac's iPad was featured as a plot device.
... but I enjoyed the fact that Drac’s iPad was featured as a plot device.
I like that too as he can learn fast.
but I enjoyed the fact that Drac’s iPad was featured as a plot device.
👍🏻😂
I enjoyed it. 1&2 much better than 3 but 3 did pick up once is got used to the time shift.
Dolly Well was superb though- best female performance since Jodey Comer’s Vilanelle
I Was enjoying it until the last one, why didn't he age despite over 120 years without drinking blood and why didn't the girl or dr van helsing start dying or turning after being bitten.
Then cancerous blood is the only thing to kill the immortal bloodsucker, utter bollocks.
Episode 1 was alright, I didn't get into episode 2 at all because it was ~2100 and I was cream crackered so went to bed part way through while better half carried on watching I think, might try and catch up before contemplating episode 3.
why didn’t he age despite over 120 years without drinking blood
I assume because he was lying in a coffin full of his own soil.
I assume because he was lying in a coffin full of his own soil.
Why was he an old man when harker first met him then? Surely he's been in same box in his castle?
Difference between ‘living’ and sleeping? I.e. in the coffin he’s on ‘pause’.
Then cancerous blood is the only thing to kill the immortal bloodsucker
Pointy sticks work, too