Dr Van Helsing was Introduced in Bram
Stoker's classic novel Dracula, and has Continued
to Evolve
Dr Van Helsing
was first concieved in 1897, making him the original and most enduring
horror movie hero. Over time the portrayals of the
vampire-basher have changed quite a bit, so here we take a look at "The
Many Faces of Dr Van Helsing".
Hero:
Dr. Van Helsing Villain:
Count Dracula Movies:
Dozens and Dozens Actor:
John Gottowt, Edward Van Sloan, Peter
Cushing, Laurence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins, Hugh Jackman and many others
John Gottowt as Dr. Van Helsing,
Nosferatu (1922)
Bram
Stoker’s 1897 novel titled Dracula is
credited by many as the source of modern vampire lore both in print and
on film. Through the years the story of Count Dracula has been told
many times and from many different points of view, but through it all
Dracula himself
is usually the star of the show. There
is another character from the classic story, however, that has also
captured the imaginations of moviegoers – Dr Van Helsing.
From
the beginnings of Stoker’s vampire tale, it is the good Dr
Van Helsing that knows the truth about the blood-sucking undead. He
knows how to recognize those victimized by a vampire and has specific
knowledge as to how a vampire can be laid to rest for good. Edward
Van Sloan, Dracula (1931)
The early renderings of Dr Van Helsing portray him as a somewhat
bookish scholar, using knowledge as his primary weapon. John
Gottowt’s Van Helsing in the 1922 classic
Nosferatu
spends his time teaching students about
carnivorous plants and their relation to vampires, and Edward Van Sloan
from the Universal version of Dracula (1931)
confronts The Count in a very Columbo-like fashion trying to uncover
the truth in a investigative yet civilized way.
In
later years Dr Van Helsing becomes much more direct in his
vampire-fighting ways. Peter Cushing envokes the power of God and uses
a cross and religious symbolism for protection and to attack vampires
in the Hammer Films series starting in 1958. Laurence Olivier as Dr Van
Helsing in Dracula (1979) can often be found
lurking through graveyards actively searching for the sleeping undead
with a wooden stake in his hand.
Peter Cushing, the Hammer Series 1958
Over time the film versions of Dr Van Helsing have become increasingly
daring and violent, and the doctor was transformed from an intellectual
to a bit of a vampire-slaying cowboy.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) portrays Van
Helsing as less of a scholar and more
of a vampire butt-kicker. Anthony Hopkins
plays Dr Van Helsing as an intellectual
man of God with a definite sadistic mean streak when it comes to the
undead.
A recent evolution of Dr Van
Helsing in the 2004 film Van Helsing is a drastic
departure from the previous versions of the famous vampire slayer. No
longer the intellectual, Hugh Jackman plays the doctor as an action
hero complete with high-tech weapons and sarcastic quips.
Dr Van Helsing has become as much of a legend as Count Dracula himself,
and is an important part of vampire lore. Who knows enough about
vampires to assist those being assaulted? Who can trick a vampire into
revealing his identity? Who can slice off the head or drive a stake
into the heart of an unsuspecting vampire without an ounce of remorse?
Dr Van Helsing, vampire-slayer extraordinaire, that’s who.
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himself
is usually the star of the show. There
is another character from the classic story, however, that has also
captured the imaginations of moviegoers – Dr Van Helsing.
more
of a vampire butt-kicker. Anthony Hopkins
plays Dr Van Helsing as an intellectual
man of God with a definite sadistic mean streak when it comes to the
undead.
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