I haven't read all of the book (i've never owned it), but I've seen the more recent movie AND the beautiful anime that was made in Japan 2 years ago (It's still coming out on DVD in English).

Check out the anime, it's called 'Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo'. It really takes a different and futuristic spin on the story (compared to the movie at least) and focuses a lot on Albert and his relationship with the Count, who appears vampiric.