Dracula is an iconic character in popular culture, with his origins tracing back to the Romanian ruler, Vlad the Impaler, from Wallachia. This research aims to analyze the evolution of Vlad the Impaler's image in popular culture, specifically in the film Dracula Untold (2014), identifying the associated themes, and exploring how Vlad the Impaler's figure has evolved. Hermeneutics, a research method focusing on the interpretation and understanding of texts or cultural meanings, is the primary method employed. It allows for the examination and analysis of texts to interpret the meanings and messages in Dracula Untold and understand how the character is presented. Dracula Untold, directed by Gary Shore, reinterprets the Dracula legend, blending historical and mythological elements with fiction to create the myth's origin story. The film portrays Vlad the Impaler, ruler of Wallachia, who wishes to live in peace with his family and protect his people. However, peace is threatened when Sultan Mehmed II demands 1000 boys, including Vlad's son, as tribute to train as soldiers. Vlad, with no other solution, makes a pact with a vampire devil. This pact grants him vampire powers for three days, during which he must resist the thirst for human blood; drinking blood within these three days would make him a vampire forever. This research exemplifies interdisciplinary analysis, highlighting the complexity of the Dracula character and demonstrating the subject's relevance.

Authors:
Claudia Horeanu, University of Bucharest, Romania

About the Presenter(s)
Claudia-Nicoleta Horeanu is currently a PhD student at Doctoral School of Communication Sciences (University of Bucharest)

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiahoreanu/

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