GOTHIC INFLUENCES: FILM

Throughout the evolution of Goth subculture, classic Romantic, Gothic and Horror literature has played a huge role in the movement. The theme has continued into TV and Film. The most iconic Gothic image is that of Dracula from Bram Stoker. Many adaptations of the character have been featured in TV and Film. 

Nosferatu

Nosferatu is a classic German Expressionist horror film from 1922, starring Max Schreck and directed by FW Munrau. The film was an unauthorised adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, with the names and some of the details changed because the studio could not obtain the rights to the novel. The film is one of cinema's most iconic masterpieces. Schreck's animalistic portrayal of Dracula was one of the most chilling in the silent era. 


Dracula

Dracula is a horror film directed by Tod Browning in 1931. Bela Lugosi stars as the title character of the Vampire. The film was produced by Universal and is based on the 1924 stage play, Dracula by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston, which is based upon the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. The film was a key precursor to the goth image, with Dracula's iconic portrayal by Bela Lugosi appealing powerfully to early goths. Even influencing the band Bauhaus' first single "Bela Lugosi's Dead", released in August 1979.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a 1920 German silent horror film directed by Robert Wiene from a screenplay by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer. It is one of the most influential German Expressionist films and considered one of the greatest horror movies. The film used stylised sets, with jagged buildings and has said to have influenced the work of Tim Burton heavily. This movie had an obscure and bizarre mood, the painted scenario gave it a nightmarish feel and provides the sensation of claustrophobia, depression and madness. The actors used jerky and dancelike movements which added to the strange theme. 

The Crow

The Crow is a 1994 film directed by Alex Proyas, written by David J. Schow and John Shirley, and staring Brandon Lee. The film was based on the 1989 comic book 'The Crow' by James O'Barr. The film tells the story of Eric Draven, a rock musician who is revived from the dead to avenge his own murder, as well as the murder of his fiancée guided by a crow. The couple were to be married the day after they were murdered which coincidentally reflected the real life of Brandon Lee. This was Brandon Lee's final film as he was killed during filming by an accidental gunshot on set, he was engaged to be married just 2 weeks after the date of his death. 


Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice was directed by Burton in 1988, revolving around a recently deceased couple who haunt their former home and a devious bio-exorcist named Betelgeuse. Michael McDowell's original script was drastically changed by Warren Skaaren for the film. Initially the script was much more violent and a lot less comedic. The character of Betelgeuse was envisioned by McDowell as a winged demon who was intent on killing the Deetzes rather than scaring them, and wanted to rape Lydia instead of marry her. The script also featured a second younger Deetz child , nine-year-old Cathy, the only person able to see the Maitlands and the subject of Betelgeuse's homicidal wrath when in the film's climax he mutilates her while in the form of a rabid squirrel.


The Hunger

The Hunger is a romantic horror film directed by Tony Scott in 1983, based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Whitley Strieber. It tells the story of a love triangle between a doctor who specialises in sleep and ageing research and a vampire couple. The film starred David Bowie, Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon. The film even featured the gothic rock band Bauhaus performing 'Bela Lugosi's Dead' in a nightclub.

Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands is a romantic fantasy film directed by Tim Burton in 1990.The film tells the story of an artificial man named Edward, and unfinished creation who has scissors for hands. He is taken in by a suburban family and falls in love with their daughter Kim. The film stars Johnny Depp and Winona Rider as the leading roles. Tim Burton credits the film as his most personal work, coming up with the plot when he was only a teenager, he himself represented by Edward.