Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary (2002)

A ballet rendition of Bram Stoker's "Dracula", stylized as an Expressionistic silent film.

Director:

Guy Maddin

Writers:

Bram Stoker (novel), Mark Godden (ballet Dracula)

Stars:

Wei-Qiang Zhang, Tara Birtwhistle, David Moroni

4 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Wei-Qiang Zhang	...	Dracula (as Zhang Wei-Qiang)
Tara Birtwhistle	...	Lucy Westernra
David Moroni	...	Dr. Van Helsing
CindyMarie Small	...	Mina
Johnny A. Wright	...	Jonathon Harker (as Johnny Wright)
Stephane Leonard	...	Arthur Holmwood
Matthew Johnson	...	Jack Seward
Keir Knight	...	Quincy Morris
Brent Neale	...	Renfield
Stephanie Ballard	...	Mrs. Westernra
Sarah Murphy-Dyson	...	Vampiress / Nun / Maid
Carrie Broda	...	Maid / Nun
Gail Stefanek	...	Maid / Vampiress
Janet Sartore	...	Maid / Nun
Jennifer Welsman	...	Gargoyle / Nun

Storyline

A ballet rendition of Bram Stoker's gothic novel DRACULA, presented in a style reminiscent of the silent expressionistic cinema of the early 20th Century. This work employs the subtle and sometimes bold use of color to emphasize its themes, but mainly is presented in black-and-white, or tinted in monochrome. No spoken dialogue can be heard, and the story of a sinister but intriguing immigrant who preys upon young English women unfolds through dance, pantomime and subtitles.

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Plot Keywords:

canadian horror | canadian gothic | gothic | dance | dracula | 

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Genres:

Horror | Musical

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Zeitgeist Films

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 December 2003 (UK)

Also Known As:

Dracula, pages tirées du journal d'une vierge

Filming Locations:

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 1,600,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,784, 18 May 2003, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$55,365

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$97,077

Company Credits

Production Co:

Vonnie Von Helmolt Film,Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC),Dracula Productions Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

73 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Symphony #2 (excerpts)
By Gustav Mahler

User Reviews

"Only from the mind of Maddin"

What an absolute thrill, from start to finish, just experiencing the `artistic conception' of this reverent homage to silent film, featuring Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, a stunning performance by Zhang Wei-Qiang as Dracula, and the brilliant production design of Deanne Rohde. Once again, Guy Maddin has created a unique, conceptualized universe all his own; there's nothing else in cinema quite like his eerie, dreamlike imagery. This film is immersed in the thundering power of Mahler's `Resurrection' 2nd Symphony, a work which itself features an ascension from all things human and earthly, and rises into the glorious heavens, a transcendent experience which, musically, grounds this film. From this theme, we add vampires, whose lust for blood promises life everlasting. The performance of Zhang Wei-Qiang dominates throughout, as he is easily the most fascinating stage personality, filled with a mesmerizing ability to seduce and ultimately possess his willing screen sirens, and while I can't speak for anyone else, I always root for him against his puritanesque nemesis, Dr Van Helsing, the leader of the repressed gang of vampire slayers. Ballet director Mark Godden choreographed the ballet adapted by Maddin for this film, so there is constant motion on screen. All this is done in image and in dance, with exaggerated gestures and with an extreme grace in movements, magnificently sensuous and macabre, shrouded in fog and black and white shadows, with only the tiniest color tints. Each frame, by itself, is a still masterpiece; the imagery is that overpowering. But when put in motion by such gifted hands as Maddin's, the film experience is indescribable, but unforgettable.