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:

Drama | Horror | Musical

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Symphony #2 (excerpts)
By Gustav Mahler

User Reviews

I can't believe I've been watching ballet!! ...And loved it!

Quite unique and very stylish interpretation of the legendary Bram Stoker-tale, shot by one of the most gifted (yet regretfully underrated) fantasy-directors of all time; Guy Maddin. There isn't much to say about storyline, as the film loyally tells the myth of Dracula as we all know it. The originality here is Mark Godden's ballet adaptation of Stoker's novel and the fact Maddin films it as a very stylish, neo-silent play with a very limited amount of sets and a Chinese actor in the role of Dracula. Of course, several sequences have been removed in this film (like Harker's journey through Transylvania) and others have been modified (it is in fact Lucy who's the main character, not Mina) but what Maddin adds truly makes up for this. This is a very beautiful film to look at, with a staggering use of color-shades and musical guidance. I never ever thought I would say this but the ballet performances are mesmerizing and – if ballet always looks like this – I urgently have to attend more recitals! With his third best film to date (after "Tales from the Gimli Hospital" and "The Saddest Music in the World"), Guy Maddin brings wonderful homage to classic and silent cinema. It's really encouraging to see that films like this are still being made in this day and age. Highly recommended!

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:

$1,600,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,784, 18 May 2003

Gross USA:

$55,365

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$55,365

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