The film starts off with a real estate agent, Reinfield who travels to Transylvania to negotiate with Count Dracula. The people in the village warned him about Dracula, but despite the warnings he still wanted to go. Later on, Reinfield unwillingly agrees to serve him. The two set out on a journey to England, but by the time they arrive at their destination, Renfield has lost his mind and is the only one still alive.
During the film, we see how Dracula’s wives are portrayed. They’re shown as seductive. They take control in seeking out their victims and actively take part in their vampire cravings. Though technically under his control, Dracula’s wives resist his control. They may be rebelling or showing their independence as a means of resisting the dominance and power of men. Also, his wives are seen as objects for his satisfaction. This can be interpreted as an example of a male character objectifying and controlling a woman. It can be applied to the feminist theory,, during this era, women weren’t able to make their own decisions.
In the film, Mina Harker she is drawn into the seduction of Count Dracula. Mina becomes one of his victims and her character reflects the repression of women’s desires. These groups of men try to save Mina Harker and combat Dracula. The men in the film are shown to protect and defend the girl’s life. It could contribute to feminist theory and gender theory as this falls into gender stereotypes.
The film Dracula, has endured in 100 years because it’s a known horror movie that demonstrates the concerns and fears at different times through reimaginations. I think people are fascinated by horror because they cope with their fears and anxieties in a calm environment. People might find horror movies enjoyable because they come with fear and suspense and can be entertaining for others because they don’t know what’s going to happen next. Though, I personally don’t like horror movies but I can understand that it could bring people together for entertainment.
I like how you said people are fascinated by horror due to their own personal fears and anxieties. I never thought of it like that. I always believed people watched it for pure entertainment not cause of personal things.
I can agree with your analysis of the Dracula film. In the movie it does display the categories of literacy and that being the feminism theory.
Like you said this feeling of suspense allows the viewers to continue to watch these horror movies that I personally think allow us to overcome our fears we hold within. Over time I think we’ve also seen these horror films as funny rather than scary because they aren’t fully developed the extent that horror movies are to this day.
You literally listed all the reason I watch horror movies.
I think the reasons you listed on why people watch horror movies is true and makes a lot of sense.
I like how detailed your analysis about the film is. I didn’t think the feminist/gender theory would be so prevalent in this film.
Your detailed analysis showed me that feminist theory is very much prevalent throughout the entire film.
It’s interesting to see how feminism is displayed throughout Dracula and different films.
It’s interesting how they tried to show the women wanting to be independent yet while still being controlled by Dracula. It really shows how gender rolls were very specific during the time period.