The 1931 film “Dracula”, starring Bela Lugosi, has become an iconic horror piece in cinematic history. The film captured a true gothic and fearful aesthetic, as it can also be analyzed through a gender study perspective. The movie begins with the character Renfield who was traveling to Count Dracula’s castle for business purposes, although the villagers warned him to not go because of the vampire myths revolving the castle he insisted on going anyway. Renfield dismissed their concerns assuring them that there was nothing to be scared of, he is presented in a confident demeanor. His confidence represents the norms of masculinity, where men are generally shown in fearless, strong, and assertive matter. 

Later on, Renfield falls under Dracula’s spell and becomes his servant. He leads Dracula to Jonathan Harker, his fiancé Mina, Lucy, and Mina’s father. When Count Dracula meets both women they both show different emotions. Lucy quickly falls for Dracula’s “seductive” manners and becomes charmed by him. While Mina is swayed by her curiosity, regarding his accent and origin. Lucy’s attraction and flirtatious acts toward Dracula illustrates “typical” behavior in women at the time, along with her vulnerability. Once the monster was done with Lucy he claimed Mina as his next target. Mina’s initial resistance to Dracula’s hypnosis reflected the societal norm of women’s purity and loyalty to their fiancés. She was then haunted by her encounters with Dracula and often went to her fiancé, Jonathan, for consolation. Her immediate need for Jonathan can be depicted as the need for male protection.  

As Mina is being controlled, Professor Van Helsing uncovers that Count Dracula is a vampire. Van Helsing notices that Dracula’s reflection doesn’t appear in mirrors and comes to the conclusion that he is behind Mina’s distress. He immediately uses wolfsbane against Dracula and tries to come up with ways to save Mina. When Mina is captured the professor runs to her rescue and kills Dracula with a stake. The professors actions embodied traditional male authority, knowledge, and protectiveness over “helpless” women. The 1931 film captures the complexities of gender roles while simultaneously providing a true horrific theme.

To this day, horror remains a popular and favorite genre in the cinematic industry. Horror movies allow for a sense of adrenaline and empowerment. The films are enjoyable because they can be used a stress reliever, for example, one will choose to watch a horror movie knowing that they are in a safe environment. Whatever they witness on screen won’t reach them, ensuring them a sense of relief. Additionally, watching horror movies with friends or family always results in a happy experience. Being with company and sharing reactions can build connections within the group. I believe that horror films remain popular today because they can be interpreted in various ways, a horror film will always have its own twist to it which is what makes it attractive.