Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Cary Elwes, Richard E. Grant, Sadie Frost
Question: Is there a reason Dracula was able to walk in daylight, or did the filmmakers just ignore the whole "vampires can't walk in daylight" bit?
Answer: To add to the other answers, the "sunlight kills vampires" lore started with the 1922 German silent film, Nosferatu. The screenwriter wanted to add an unexpected twist to the story that differed from Bram Stoker's 1897 novel. It became the accepted vampire mythology in most films and books for many years after.
Revealing mistake: When Jonathan closes the transactions in Dracula's castle, as Dracula's shadow is shown trying to strangle him, you can see Gary Oldman's real shadow on the right-hand side of the screen, standing in front of the shadow of Keanu Reeves. Also, in the final shot of the scene, as Dracula turns around and walks away, Dracula's shadow appears directly behind Jonathan, but Gary Oldman's own shadow can be seen on the right-hand side of the screen, moving in accord with the actor as he leaves the room. (00:17:26)
Trivia: When Mina meets Dracula on the street, after she first rebuffs him, she walks past a sandwich board advertising a play with Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre. For many years, Bram Stoker worked as the business manager of the Lyceum Theatre, which was run by Irving. The famous stage actor is widely believed to be one of Stoker's inspirations for Count Dracula. (00:46:30)
Answer: In Bram Stoker's novel on which the film is based, Dracula can be exposed to daylight, and while it diminishes his powers, it doesn't kill him.
Sierra1 ★
And the narrator specifically said that in the film.