“Dracula A.D. ’72” to “Dumbo”
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Dracula A.D. ’72 (1972) One of the most hilariously dated movies of any era by having a specific date as part of the film’s title, it is forever trapped within a time capsule. Yet, perhaps because of this, A.D. 1972 has aged so utterly terribly that it has transcended its humble origins to become little short of a comedy masterpiece. Exploitation cinema is always at its finest when polemic and dogma meet head-on and, instead of producing the expected gestalt of social-comment, ends up with a mélange of clashing and fractious statements. However, that said, a word of genuine praise: Dick Bush’s cinematography, particularly during the title sequence with zoom-lens shots of the concrete jungle that London had become, is just gorgeous. (KT)
Dracula Has Risen From the Grave (1968) From the epic blood-soaked titles, through some memorable set-pieces, to a gruesome climax, Freddie Francis brings change to Terence Fisher’s established Transylvannian world. Such sacrilege horrified many admirers of the earlier Dracula movies but Risen is a film for a different audience and a different age. Some of Francis’s experiments work better than others the incessant use of amber camera-filters distracts the viewers after a while. Nevertheless remains a handsomely assembled example of the company working close to their artistic peak. (KT)
Dracula, Prince of Darkness (1965) The films reputation has grown steadily over the years with Christopher Lees snarling, animalistic performance without so much as a single line of dialogue to humanize the character. It remains a great film experience with an outstanding supporting cast and a claustrophobic menace. (KT)
Duck Soup (1933) The four Marx Brothers at their side-splitting best. Eminently quotable, anarchic, and painfully funny; its a moment in film history that can never be repeated. Unquestionable genius. (GS)
Dumbo (1941) Charming film about friendship, being different and building self-confidence. Ive never cried so much in my entire life. (GS)
Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)