Dracula vs Blade
Essay – The Consequence Of Modernity The context of a point of time in history greatly influences an author’s idea to create a story, and for someone else to evolve them. Events occurring within society and the way people perceive other’s at a time also contributes majorly to the development of modernity. Bram Stoker’s novel ‘Dracula’ and David Goyer’s film ‘Blade Trinity’ contrast significantly as a result of difference in context. Weaponry had developed immensely over the two stories to cater for the advancements from one classic vampire to a fresh, modern, powerful one.
The story of ‘Dracula’, set in Victorian times, consists of the simple, almost primitive weaponry, particularly ones of a superstitious and religious value. For example, Holy Water, Church Wafers, garlic and crucifixes were used mostly to ward off Dracula, but the one weapon to defeat him was a Bowie Knife, driven through the heart, causing his body to crumble into a pile of dust. These weapons used were suited to the times the novel was set in, and were designed to be a match for the current Dracula’s capabilities.
An incredible contrast was cast between the weaponry in both texts, as ‘Blade Trinity’ evidently expressed the advancements of technology through the use of several variations of machine guns, assault rifles and pistols. Not only gun machinery was used, but also weapon ideas created for the movie under the category of ‘Nightstalker armoury’ such as laser bows and arrows, electronic pistols, and most famously known for destroying the modern-day vampire race, the Daystar Serum. This use of developed technology from Stocker’s novel to Goyer’s film created the effect of updated aspects to suit the change of attitudes in society.
The intention behind these noticeable advancements of weaponry was to assist the technology to fit appropriately with the increasingly powerful capabilities of ‘Blade Trinity’s’ Drake. The acceptance and tolerance of violence within society would have also created a factor contributing to weaponry advancements, as weapons became incredibly lethal through the movie ‘Blade Trinity’. Due to the concept of society sharing a greater acceptance of violence in media, weaponry was the very opposite to ‘sugar-coated’, and was portrayed as destructive as possible, only serving the purpose to kill.
This could have been a possible reason as to why the weaponry to fight off a vampire had developed so differently into such deadly technology. The above points help support the idea of context, and habits of society greatly contributing to the newer weaponry designed to suit and adapt to the ‘villains’ they are used to fight with against. The change in times can almost ‘transform’ characteristics of a character, as evident through the two comparing texts. Stoker’s Dracula and ‘Blade Trinity’s’ Drake display a great physical difference between them, which became obvious through comparison.
Dracula’s dark appearance was firstly portrayed through Stoker’s novel as “…clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere. ” He was also described as sporting a heavy moustache, massive eyebrows, and bushy hair. He was of age, and wore distinctive and unmistakeable features upon his face. Appearance is an immediately noticeable difference between the two versions of head vampire, as Drake is portrayed visually as a modernised, young, handsome and clean-cut variation. He wore as clothes; a chest-bare, white buttoned up shirt and pants, as well as several necklaces.
Already, the colour difference of garments is clear, as the fully-black clothed Dracula portrays a dark, classic look, whereas Drake sports a westernised uniform, almost perfectly fitting into the rest of society. As exposed through the scene of Drake marching almost fiercely through the busy streets of an American city, his appearance assists him to virtually blend in with the rest of the commonly dressed, city-goers. Unlike Drake, Dracula unquestionably stood out from any person commonly dressed, even in the Victorian Era.
This gave the effect of an obvious modernisation, and again, was an aspect created to suit the current audience and social habits. Differing context can prove to not only impact how a character is portrayed visually, but also how society perceives them, particularly with the uncertain concept of vampires possibly still being a myth or legend within both texts. Stoker’s Dracula was generally feared by his surrounding community, and believers of vampires tended to be over-superstitious of the danger he may bring to people.
The myth of vampires was a topic infrequently found in an average conversation, as it was dreaded that even discussion would transport cursed luck and risks. Superstition is conveyed through the scene of the innkeeper’s wife delivering the ominous warning to Harker by cautioning him that “All the evil things in the world will have full sway”, before placing the Crucifix around his neck as a religious offering to hopefully serve the purpose of protection. This gives the effect that Dracula has a power above others, simply because they are fearful of him.
Also, the way Dracula is written about expresses a sense that he may or may not intentionally give off an unwelcoming presence that tends to linger and produce a discomfort or fear among people within his surroundings, mostly in the earlier chapters of the novel. The contrast in comparison to society’s perception of Drake is tremendous, as the myth or legend of vampires is far from a secret in the 21st century world of ‘Blade Trinity’. It is seen through the opening scene that vampires are discussed commonly on news events, designed to assert and inform the public of any danger emerging within the city.
This shows immediately that the public is obviously used to hearing about the possible risks that arise with the company of vampires, which can again support the idea of rates of modernity and development does in fact depend of how and how often changes in attitudes and culture occurs within society. A scene example of the general whole of society’s views and perception in Blade Trinity was the tattoo parlour of which Drake had entered, and to his disgust, was mocked by several dozens of comedic merchandising, Dracula-themed products.
Drake became visibly outraged, taking out his frustration on the shopkeeper’s, as he was clearly insulted with the modernisation progress vampires were experiencing, having some aspects of their lives portrayed a little too light-heartedly and humorously. This scene is an example of the great contrast of which seriousness seemed to begin to be lacking from the vampire myth concept, whereas such merchandise products supplied in the Victorian times would have been less than humorous.
These examples again support any reason for change and modernisation occurring simply to adapt to the forever-changing social interests of the public. The average women of Victorian times were nothing other than lady-like, pure, and honourable without question. That is why there is such a severe distinction when compared to some particular hard-hitting, courageous and heroic females of the 21st century, such as ‘Blade Trinity’s’ character Abigail.
Firstly, ‘Dracula’s’ leading female characters Mina and Lucy are great examples of typical, virtuous Victorian women, and are both also men-focused. Lucy portrays an obvious sexual magnetism, and cannot help but be drawn to several men. Evidently she is offered three proposals in one day, and proudly expresses, “Why can’t they let a girl marry three men, or as many want her, and save all this trouble? ” Mina is a different kind of man-focused Victorian woman, as she is far from sexually driven unlike Lucy, and cares only for further ways to be useful and valuable to her husband.
The two girls possess common womanhood values, and act only as socially accepted as woman, which is to behave in a feminine and respectable manner, with the exception of acting as a sexual tease when desired. Whereas in Blade Trinity, it is seen that Abigail (a strong-headed, determined tomboy), is the complete opposite of the original characteristics possessed by Mina and Lucy. Abigail competes with the equivalent strength and determination of her male team partner Hannibal King, and is often the one rescuing Hannibal from danger.
She possesses a fearless personality, and demonstrates brute-strength in scenes such as the train station, of which teenage-vamps’ attempt to devour her decoy baby and herself, but are stopped immediately once she whips out her lethal weapons, specifically designed for destroying vampires. She proves to be close to physically unstoppable, and has the willpower to take over the world. This swapping of gender roles is a reflection of what is currently recognised by society as a positive concept, as the 21st century’s restrictions on what woman are capable of in a man’s world are decreasing.
Therefore a consequence of modernity would be that gender roles may have become less specific in society, which is reflected in the personality changes of characters of ‘Dracula’ compared to ‘Blade Trinity’. In conclusion, acceptable practices and cultures within society are what influence the advancements and modernisation of one story to another. Cultures are constantly changing, therefore ideas such as gender roles and technology within stories for example, will forever be adapting to the demands of society at that present time.
