Francis Ford Coppola

The Reputation: While he got his start with the schlocky likes of Roger Corman’s Dementia 13, Coppola had forged ahead with a career that included Finian’s Rainbow, The Conversation and the Godfather movies.

He was largely seen more as a dramatic director, though his mob pics and Apocalypse Now had their own share of horrors.

The Horror Flick: Dracula (1992)

Coppola takes the plunge fully back into horror with this adaptation of Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale.

Gary Oldman is the immortal fang club member with a wooden Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker, Winona Ryder pouting away as Mina and Anthony Hopkins chewing scenery as Van Helsing.

The Signature Move: It’s mostly in the style and look of the film – Coppola likes warm colours in his period films and Dracula is no different.

And it also continues his love for more practical effects – albeit blended with hi-tec work.

The Critical Response: It differs – while Oldman’s turn as Dracula was largely praised, the movie was slated for some of its cheesier moments.

“After a while, the movie collapses into the usual hugger-mugger about garlic, fang marks, and, of course, a fellow named Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins), who knows everything about killing bloodsuckers,” said Entertainment Weekly.

Still, it made enough money to help Coppola save his vineyard.

Next: Friedkin