Decadence and Decay in Paul Morrissey’s Blood for Dracula (1974)

  • Ian Murphy Manchester Metropolitan University
Keywords: Dracula, Paul Morrissey, Udo Kier, Blood for Dracula (1974), Andy Warhol, Vampire, Decadence

Abstract

Paul Morrissey’s Blood for Dracula aka Andy Warhol’s Dracula (1974) is awash with allusions to vampire lore and B-movie aesthetics. Yet, camouflaged beneath these aesthetics lies a perverse and melancholy message. In the disarmingly simple opening scene of Blood for Dracula, Morrissey employs a heightened artificiality and a depiction of decadence that foreshadows the downfall and the ultimate death of Dracula at the film’s conclusion. Through analysis of the mise-en-scène of this opening scene, in which Dracula applies cosmetics before a mirror, it will be discussed how Morrissey utilizes a heightened artificiality to signify Dracula’s decay, and to ambivalently symbolize the corruption and decline of the European aristocracy.

Published
2022-01-22