Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

I frankly don't understand the bad reviews that the "Times" and others have given this riveting remake of the Mary Shelley classic. This is the first movie rendition of the story that comes anywhere close to the Shelley novel. True to form, the story begins and ends at the polar ice cap...as in the novel. The well-intentioned, albeit obssessed, Dr. F. is engaged to the beautiful Elizabeth. I won't give away the plot by expousing on their relationship, but where past grade-B efforts have had no female counterpart to Dr. F., this film version does; indeed, she is a prime motivator, residing at the very heart of what drives much of the story-line. There is some artistic license taken here of course, as with any great work of art. But actor/producer Kenneth Branagh (who plays the good doctor) has certainly earned the latitude. The creature, played by the forever-versatile Robert DeNiro, is such a convincing characterization that one doesn't even realize it's the "You Talkin' To Me" actor until well into the story (when that unmistakable voice comes through). For the literary-minded, this treatment comes close to the Prometheus Rising theme that Mary Shelley had intended, but which has been all but ignored in other film efforts. The old story of Man attempting to scale to the heights of God -- like the Icarus myth or even the Biblical Tower of Babel story -- is given due regard by producer Branagh. Actor Tom Hulce ("Amadeus") who befriends the young Dr. F. in medical school brings a certain innocense and a common-man's presence to the story that serve as an effective counterpoint to the madness of his friend and would-be God-man. (Indeed, Hulce's very inclusion in this fine cast transports one back to the time of Mozart, solidly grounding the story in a 18th-century setting.) Overall, a fine cast, coupled with a film treatment that's about as close to the classic novel as any celluloid production has yet come, make this effort the best of the genre. You won't be disappointed...as long as you don't write for the New York Times!

Although this movie was critically and publically panned, I honestly think that it is the BEST film adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel. Critics complained about the film, saying that it was too grotesque, too melodramatic, too epic. What critics failed to realize is that THAT is exactly what a Gothic Romance story is: melodramatic, epic, exaggerated, but still wildly poignant. I am not a huge Branagh fan, but I love this film. The cast is excellent, the period setting is done beautifully, and the exaggerated sets and bright colors (especially the wide use of the color red)perfectly capture the scope of Shelley's novel. Yes, there are changes, but many of them I liked: Henry Clerval (the wonderfully quirky Tom Hucle) is not murdered by the Creature (played wonderfully by DeNiro) as he is in the novel, and Victor reanimates his dead wife after she is murdered by the Creature, but she ultimately sets herself and the Frankenstein mansion on fire. Purists of the novel hated this sequence, but I loved it - it brings the mega-loss of Victor full circle, and it fits perfectly into the spirit of the novel - I think Shelley herself would approve. Also, because Branagh himself also has a huge ego, he plays Frankenstein perfectly: as a prideful man-child who wants to play God because he thinks he is that good. Watch this version! The Hallmark version, although true to the text is NOT a better adaptation - weaker cast and lacking a powerful visual style - it definately doesn't ressonate with the Gothic feel of Branagh's version. However, I must warn you that this is one of those films that you eiether love or hate, but you'll never know unless you give it a try!

There is a grand mad excess that triumphs in this film, overriding any of its faults. I go back to it again and again to revel in the brilliant acting, the dazzling photography, and the deliberate and bold intensity. It is very true to Mary Shelley's masterpiece, very true, indeed. And it is also cinematically magical and very simply beautiful. Highly recommended. The great moral of the tale comes through, of course. Artistically, this particular film will probably live as long as films are made and viewed. ---- Things you might have laughed at the first time around, you soon forget. It's the kind of film that haunts you. It's rich and intoxicating. Branagh really is a great genius and this is one of his finest accomplishments.

If we were to improve on this beast, first we would have to remove the incessant score which permeates every minute of this film. Can we the viewer be left to trust our own emotions without having the score "tell" us how to feel? Secondly, De Niro as the creature is visually good, but we need him to talk less. When he's asking "Do I have a soul, too?" with a slight Jersey accent, it kind of blows it for us. Thirdly, Ken, Cut back on all the camera trickery. I bet you spent good money for all the camera tracks, but we're getting motion sickness with all the circling.
I am a big Ken B. fan, but lost a lot of credibility with my friends when this dreck came out. He really hasn't regained his directing abilities since this, and to take a roll in Wild, Wild West hints at desparation.

Do not be taken in by the statement on the cover - "true to the original." This is a poor action film with none of the sentiment of the book.