Radu Jude’s ‘Dracula’: A Revolutionary Take on the Vampire Legend Using AI and iPhone
Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude brings a bold new vision of Dracula to the big screen, premiering at the 78th Locarno Film Festival. Shot entirely on iPhone and incorporating AI technology, this unconventional adaptation deconstructs the vampire myth through multiple experimental narratives.
A New Vision of the Vampire Legend
The film follows a young filmmaker working with AI to create various interpretations of the Dracula story, including:
- A vampire hunt with modern twists
- Dracula interrupting political strikes
- Science fiction featuring Vlad the Impaler
- Adaptations of Romanian vampire folklore
- AI-generated experimental narratives
Pop Culture Meets Classic Horror
Jude’s Dracula weaves together references from across culture and history, including:
- Hollywood legends like Chaplin, Spielberg, and Coppola
- Classic horror icons including Bela Lugosi
- Contemporary figures like Trump, Putin, and Elon Musk
- Modern platforms such as OnlyFans and TikTok
Revolutionary Filmmaking Approach
Shot on a minimal budget using an iPhone, the film combines traditional filmmaking with AI-generated imagery, creating what Jude calls “a new form of poetry.” The director embraces both high art and pulp elements, challenging conventional vampire movie traditions while exploring cinema itself.
Production Details
Starring Adonis Tanța, Oana Maria Zaharia, and Gabriel Spahiu, Dracula was filmed in just 28 days in Transylvania. North American distribution rights have been secured by 1-2 Special.
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