I chose to watch “Dracula” this week and the film follows the sinister Count Dracula as he arrives in London and preys upon unsuspecting victims, drawing the attention of the intrepid Professor Van Helsing. It established many of the vampire tropes we know today and remains a landmark in the horror genre. The movie highlighlights the postcolonial theory in multiple ways.

The film “Dracula” portrays Count Dracula as the embodiment of the “Other.” As a foreign nobleman from Transylvania, Dracula is depicted as both seductive and menacing, much like the exotic and unknown entities that colonizers often encountered in the colonial context. The English characters’ responses to Dracula’s presence reflect the Eurocentric perspective of superiority and the stigmatization of the “Other.”

Dracula’s journey from Transylvania to England mirrors the colonial expansion undertaken by European powers, with his intent being to conquer and impose his influence on a foreign land. This mirrors the historical colonization of various parts of the world, drawing a parallel between Dracula’s intentions and those of colonial rulers.

Part 2:

The horror genre’s enduring popularity for nearly a century can be attributed to its ability to tap into fundamental and universal human emotions. Horror films, literature, and other media allow us to confront fears and dive deeper into them. They offer an emotional experience that elicits a range of reactions, from suspense and anxiety to excitement and relief. Our culture’s preoccupation with horror can be seen as a reflection of our innate curiosity about the unknown and our desire to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the world around us. The fusion of fear and entertainment can be attributed to the thrill of confronting the unknown, testing our own limits, and the psychological satisfaction of overcoming fears through a fictional medium.