TRANSFORMATION OF TEXTS
The transformation of a text involves the appropriation of one text into another, providing a reflection of the different views, attitudes and perspectives of an evolving time and context. The transformation of texts such as Francis Ford Coppola’s “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” and Neil Jordan’s motion picture “Interview with the vampire”, sustain the same genre and concepts of its original literary predecessor, “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, however, incorporates altered ideas and language expression to suit the modern day audience.
The submissive and inferior nature of women is presented in the final scene of the novel, as Mina bends to the will of Van Helsing by staying in the ring of crumbled Holy Communion wafers. In particular, it is important to note that the chase and death of Dracula is executed by all male figures further accentuating the idea of a predominantly patriarchal society. Through the employment of Mina’s journal in the final scenes, it is evident that the obedient Mina needs the strength and courage of men to protect her. While the chase is in action, Mina standing on the sideline says: “The Professor and I crouched down behind our rock,” hence providing a reflection of the weak and submissive position of women.
However, in the 1992 film, the change in roles of women is clearly manifested through the complete transformation of the novel into a modern day love story, appealing to a modern day audience. In this text, while the epic chase is occurring, there is the utilisation of a high shot depicting the helpless Van Helsing at the bottom of a cliff and Mina at the top with her arms raised, while chanting. This exemplifies the rise of power in women, as it is Mina’s own will and love for Dracula that attempts to save him, despite his treacherous acts of murder.
In this production the men battle to kill Dracula, however, it is in fact Mina who eventually finishes him off in an act of love. This also defies the original...