I just watched TFVK again last night on TCM and was reminded what a fabulous movie it is and I'm glad to see so many others who appreciate it for its marvelous atmosphere, sets, and characterizations. Jack MacGowran can not be over-praised for his work, he is truly something out of a fairy tale: his voice, his makeup & costuming, his movements and slapstick antics work perfectly together. The scenes where he is prancing across the snowy, slippery rooftops and turrets are so enchanting, and as someone else commented, Polanski ably keeps up with MacGowran in his characterization. The casting is all perfectly realized, all the actors fit their parts seamlessly. I don't care what others, or the critics say, I consider this movie Polanski's masterpiece. It is a small jewel, perfect in every aspect.
The whole movie is like a scene in a snow-globe - one is captivated and completely engulfed in the atmosphere. The scenes in the castle library are so wonderful - the look of the richly-bound books made me want to move in there, even with all the vampires, it would be worth it to handle those gorgeous books! LOL!
But, the OP's question is quite an interesting one, as it made me realize that it is very hard to think of other movies that are equal to this one in its totality.
I immediately thought of other vampire movies, and you may laugh at me, but one of the few with an atmosphere which in any way approaches that of TFVK is the Frank Langella version of "Dracula" from 1979. It is shot in sepia tones and while not faithful to the source story, does have a dreamy, Victorian atmosphere, and the incomparable Sir Laurence Olivier as the grieving Dr. Van Helsing. The section where he confronts his rotting, vampiric daughter in the mine tunnels is truly frightening, yet pathetic in its ending. The scenes in the mental hospital are much superior to Coppola's overheated version (except for Coppola's casting of Tom Waits as Renfield).
The next movie I thought of is my second-favorite horror movie, "The Changeling" with George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, and the great Melvyn Douglas.
Another film which captures a past place, time and milieu perfectly, in my opinion, is "Sense and Sensibility" with Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson (who won an Oscar for writing the screenplay).
OK, to get off the chick-flick genre, I agree with those who suggested "Blade Runner". Definitely a film that creates a world, and has many scenes of a dream-like quality. Especially in the toy-maker's apartment, the street (and sky) scenes, and the final confrontation between Ford and Hauer.
These may all be more mainstream than you wanted, but they are just ones that came to my mind easily.
Thanks for an interesting topic, even if I am several years late in addressing it!
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sagaylo
8 years ago
I also came late to the topic, after catching this great Polanski film on TCM recently. I first saw it about 40 years ago in B&W on a late night movie channel and was fascinated by the brilliant use of atmosphere and scenery. Seeing it now in the full expression of its cinematography has me agreeing with the OP that it is at least one of my all-time favorites. And, I too was amazed by MacGowran's agility in the castle rooftop scenes. I had to slowmo one of them to see if a stunt double was used, but it appeared that he actually performed what looked like death defying moves over the snow and ice covered battlements at great heights. Speaking of that, the filming of the two vampire hunters in that dangerous sequence was entirely unnecessary within the plot, since Count Krolock's crypt, of course, was located in the castle basement, and Abronsius and Alfred illogically enter it through a window on top of the castle. Also considerate of TCM to air the director's cut.
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