MovieChat Forums > Dracula (1931) Discussion > The (de)evolution of the Hero.

The (de)evolution of the Hero.

posted 10 years ago by the_match_maker
4 replies | jump to latest

One of the things that I have found interesting is how society's view of what makes for leading man/hero material has changed over the decades, and 'Dracula' is a good example of that. Or more to the point, the role of Van Helsing.

In 1931 it was perfectly acceptable to have the lead protagonist in a movie be an old man who doesn't actually do much in way of physical activity. Contrast that with the version of the role in the movie named after the character in 2004. He becomes a young action star kicking keysters and taking names.

When did our society change in regards to what makes a good hero? Not only that, but why the change?

'Dracula', 'King Solomon's Mines', 'Fu Manchu', all these and more were products of the Victorian/Edwardian era, and all had main heroes who were, shall we say, 'long in the tooth'. When did ageism set in for Western Civilization?

[–] Skye_Reynolds 10 years ago

I think it was sometime around the late 90s or early 2000s when Hollywood decided that absolutely everyone must be young and sexy. Even characters written to be older are re-imagined as young and attractive.

[–] cybopath 9 years ago

Missed the Expendables then lol.

[–] ChristianeK 9 years ago

Sadly, I think modern Hollywood is very teen-oriented. They try to sell the films to young boys, even if it means completely rewriting the character.

[–] Strannger (2007) 7 years ago

I feel in a way we lost an art form. So many want the fake and superficial side of Hollywood. No more real heroes like van helsing or rich cultural experiences you got in shows like the twilight zone or outer limits. Its bland, playing it safe and robbing the crew of crafting a piece of art.