While Visions of Vampires Danced in His Head

JEFFERSON PARKER’S JOURNAL(kept in shorthand):

3 November. Costa Mesa.

Saw preview of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” in theater tonight. The fake blood looked great and alive, and I wondered if movie would have parallels with AIDS epidemic. Was terribly happy to see that Francis Coppola is directing this movie, as have long considered “The Godfather” the best movie ever made. Tonight’s feature, “Unforgiven,” disturbed me somewhat; found myself cheering for a psychopathic killer over an only slightly crazed lawman who was building his own house and didn’t like police work. Do I have in myself the capacity for madness?

9 November. Orange.--Saw the preview for “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” again, and must say I can’t wait to see this film. As child, the scariest movie I ever saw was “The Curse of Dracula,” which featured ketchup-thick blood gushing generously around wooden stake-through-heart, and gave me nightmares for weeks. Always thought the Bela Lugosi classic was spooky too, especially as I entered puberty and comprehended the romantic tensions and erotic sub-tones, though believe I saw string holding up vampire bat. But this Coppola thing, with its insistence on “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” seems all the more promising for its literary nod. Must get copy of book--have never read it. Reason for theater run tonight was “A River Runs Through It,” which paled in comparison to “Dracula” preview.

12 November. Irvine.--For the third time now, have seen preview for “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” but this one had a tag line on the end proclaiming “Love Never Dies.” I don’t know why that concept thrilled me so much, but it did. I think Coppola has a masterpiece on his hands and haven’t even seen the movie yet. Excuse for blowing five dollars tonight was “entertainment” in the form of “Under Siege.” Think Steven Seagal is totally cool--handsome, knock-kneed, ultra-violent. Movie was awful, though, one of the worst ever made. Should have walked out after “Dracula” preview.

15 November. Newport Beach.--Saw “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” tonight and couldn’t believe it. Movie surpassed all my expectations, which were high to begin with. Was glad to see Coppola use the horror movie conventions but also manage to make a spiritual passion play of convincing depth and feeling. On top of that, it’s sensuous and a good love story, I think. Best of all, its just a slugfest of images and sounds--definitely the work of a man who loves movies as much as the Prince loved Mina Harker. What richness! Am not sure what critics will make of it, though quit reading them years ago because most are lame.

16 November. Laguna Beach.--Woke early after uneasy sleep. Kept wondering about blood being transferred, the promise of everlasting life in death, the power of love, and the horrifying hairdo that the Count wore in the movie last night. Got book to read, but want to see movie again, because I can’t believe Bram Stoker had a Texan kill Dracula! Saw in my dreams--or was I awake?--a huge flesh-colored bat disembark from ceiling and fly out of my room. Realized house dog with big ears was sitting on my chest looking at me. Dog licked my face, and I thought of poor Lucy on the bench in the garden. Is it a Christian idea that sex is evil? This superstition must be older than that, though Christians take rap for it. Muslims probably worse. Continue on this note and will get death sentence from remote religious leader with one continuous eyebrow and towel around head, though it would boost my book sales. Feel weak and tired today--drained. Will start reading “Dracula” tonight.

17 November. Laguna Beach.--Did not read any of “Dracula,” but went to movie again. Twice as good the second time. Best part is Prince Vlad, whom Coppola seems to have gotten by crossing Count Dracula with Jerry Garcia, then miking his vocal cords in such a way that he sounds like Darth Vader having just eaten a dry peanut butter sandwich. Yes, the Texan does “kill” Dracula, although not quite. The final scene took my breath away, even though I knew what was going to happen. Must find an excuse to see movie again. Feel especially tired tonight. Fear I shall not sleep.

19 November. Laguna Beach.--Last few days all I can do is lie about and read “Dracula.” Stoker was an Irishman, as are so many good writers, and had an undistinguished career aside from this book. Have ordered from bookstore a history of vampire lore, illustrated, I hope. Noted that bookstore clerk had short, pointed teeth. Have been ordered by all female friends to read Anne Rice, and intend to. Keep seeing these scenes from the movie: old Dracula running the sword across his hand; old Dracula licking blood from Jonathan’s razor; three vampire trainees seducing Jonathan. Maybe this is what scares/attracts me most about vampirism: Its victims are never completely innocent of desire to participate. Scene in movie when Mina and Vlad seduce, withdraw, counter-seduce and finally consummate is best scene ever filmed. Cannot get the word Carpathian out of my mind. Consulted atlas to see exactly where Carpathians are, and want to travel there someday. Transylvania, at this point in my life, sounds like the ultimate holiday destination. Want to hear Dracula say this word Carpathian one more time. Am awfully tired, but still seek reason to see movie again. Should I be worried?

26 November. Eaton, Colo.--Although this is Thanksgiving, I keep thinking about “Dracula.” Am visiting kindest, most generous and humorous people in the world here, and the snow is lovely. Had Rocky Mountain oysters for first time--two platefuls. Keep seeing scene in movie where Mina passes Prince Vlad on a London street and how Vlad thinks “See me now!” and she turns and meets his eyes. Are Carpathians like Rockies? Read “Dracula” for two hours in bed, though didn’t get to bed until 2 a.m. Am totally exhausted. Feel as if I must see movie again or will die of . . . malnutrition?

3 December. Laguna Beach.--Am feeling great tonight after seeing “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” for third time. Am taking time reading book now, because I fear for my very existence when it is over. What shall I have for sustenance? It is time to get into true holiday spirit now. Will divert myself from Dracula fixation by celebration and shopping . . . then head for the cinema? Came across great line by Stoker just before retiring: “The ravings of the sick are the secrets of God.”

Have a merry Christmas!