Watch Argento's Dracula 3D

Argento's Dracula 3D is a loose adaptation of the classic Bram Stoker novel that tells the story of the famed vampire in a new and visually stunning way. Directed by the Italian horror maestro Dario Argento, the film stars Thomas Kretschmann as Count Dracula, Marta Gastini as Mina Harker, and Asia Argento as Lucy. The film opens with Jonathan Harker (Unax Ugalde) arriving at Dracula's castle to assist him with his real estate transactions in England. However, he quickly discovers that the Count is not what he seems and becomes trapped in the castle, unable to leave. Meanwhile, Mina is concerned about her fiancé's disappearance and sets out to find him. She joins forces with her friend Lucy, who is being courted by three suitors: the doctor Jack Seward (Giuseppe Lo Console), the Texas cowboy Quincey Morris (Christian Burruano), and the mysterious Prince Vlad (Franco Ravera).

As the two women search for Jonathan, they are drawn into Dracula's web, and their lives become intertwined with that of the immortal vampire. Dracula becomes enamored with Mina and begins to pursue her relentlessly, turning other women into his undead brides along the way. The film moves between the various characters and storylines, building up the tension and creating a sense of foreboding.

One of the key aspects of Argento's Dracula 3D is its use of 3D technology. The film is shot in a way that makes the most of the format, with the camera often moving around and through the set, creating a sense of depth and immersion for the viewer. The use of practical effects also gives the film a tactile quality, with blood, gore, and creatures all rendered in a way that feels physical and real.

Another unique aspect of the film is its emphasis on the eroticism of the vampire mythos. The film features numerous scenes of nudity and sexual tension, with Dracula's allure depicted as being as much of a sexual one as a supernatural one. This approach is in keeping with Argento's reputation for pushing boundaries and exploring controversial themes in his films.

The performances in Argento's Dracula 3D are generally strong, with Kretschmann bringing a sense of menace and charisma to the role of Dracula. Gastini also impresses as Mina, imbuing the character with a sense of agency and strength that is often lacking in adaptations of the novel. Argento herself is somewhat less convincing as Lucy, with her performance bordering on campy at times.

The film's visual style is perhaps its strongest asset, with Argento creating a world that is both beautiful and horrific. The castle is shot in a way that emphasizes its grandeur and Gothic beauty, while the scenes of horror are shot in a way that is disorienting and unsettling. The use of color is also noteworthy, with the film featuring vibrant reds and blues that create a hypnotic effect.

Overall, Argento's Dracula 3D is a visually stunning and sometimes controversial take on the vampire mythos. While its approach may not be to everyone's taste, it is undeniably a unique and memorable film that pushes the boundaries of what is expected from a horror movie.

Argento's Dracula 3D is a 2013 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.6 and a MetaScore of 25.