Cast
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Ștefan Sileanu
as Vlad Tepes
Ernest Maftei
as Manzila
Emanoil Petruţ
as Armasul Stoica
Teofil Vâlcu
as Albu
Alexandru Repan
as Mahomed al II-lea
Constantin Codrescu
as Iunus Beg
George Constantin
as Mitropolit of Muntenia
Constantin Bărbulescu
as Traders' representative
Ion Marinescu
as Mahmud Pasha
Silviu Stănculescu
as Sava
Vasile Cosma
as Mogoș
Petre Simionescu
as
György Kovács
as Szilagyi
Mihai Pălădescu
as Pope Pius II
Paul Lavric
as
Crew
Director
- Doru Năstase
Writer
- Mircea Mohor
Producer
- Dumitru Fernoagă
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Vlad the Impaler: The True Life of Dracula examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Doru Năstase brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Vlad the Impaler: The True Life of Dracula took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 134 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 182 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 862 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Vlad the Impaler: The True Life of Dracula shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Bastards' Fig Tree, which focuses more on action than character development, Vlad the Impaler: The True Life of Dracula subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Accattone and Noc bez úsvitu explore similar territory, Vlad the Impaler: The True Life of Dracula stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 8, 1979
- Runtime: 2h 14m
