"i never drink.. wine."reviewing after seeing browning’s one too!
long story short i’ve downloaded this version instead of english one and i got so confused why they keep speaking spanish. but not gonna lie it took me time to realize it’s not the version i wanted to see so i ended up watching both :))
melford’s greatest strength is camera— it tried to be much more dynamic which really worked for me (i like that effect when dracula rising from coffin a cloud of smoke. such a simple but effective). it has extra half-hour but it surely benefited the plot, what was great before remained here and some parts were improved. in terms of editing it's more cohesive and smoother. visually both are amazing since they both we’re filmed in same studio at the same time. but i liked the
atmosphere in browning’s version more— it captured the whole vibe so much better!
basically, my main problem is the male part of the cast. carlos villarias is the biggest disadvantage of the whole film. his facial expressions felt like parody.. i’m sorry but i genuinely laugh few times. in other hand bela logusi in english version ruled! he was amazing and definitely most memorable part of movie! i like both renfield portrayals, they both tried they best. but others we’re just there i guess.
on contrast women were good in both versions! i LOVE lupita tovar as eva/mina— she made the whole movie for me she was lovely! she was far more expressive in the role than helen chandler(she was nice too!) otherwise, lucia deserved more scenes in both versions.
i really understand why each one of them are classics— and even so it has no soundtrack and special effects, theatrical acting for the most part and no biting or even blood (kinda weird for dracula??) i surprisingly
enjoyed it so much i laugh a lot but it didn’t take away from its charm and vibe!
