Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

AS MOVIE FANS KNOW MOST OF THE TIME THE "PROFESSIONAL CRITICS" DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT.THIS VERSION OF THE CLASSIC IS THE BEST AND MOST ENTERTAINING YET.

*** This comment may contain spoilers *** I didn't appreciate this film until the second viewing, when I saw it on widescreen. Three viewings later, I have nothing but the highest regard for this Frankenstein rendition which is still, as other reviewers have pointed out, the most underrated of movies. Only on widescreen DVD (and hopefully Blu-Ray some day) can one fully appreciate the incredible visuals of this movie. But this film is a lot more than eye candy. Supposedly, it was very close to Mary Shelley's book, which is the best compliment you can give it. I liked the fact that the "monster" could talk and comprehend and, frankly, I liked the revenge factor and fact the monster decided his fate, not hysterical townsfolk as in the original Boris Karloff film (which has a sadder ending.) This version, in my humble opinion, also had a more appropriate ending: the monster and his creator both dying together. All the main characters acted the way you would think they would... Read more

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 u... Read more

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 th... Read more

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.