Review of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) by Steve D — 18 Oct 2009
I rarely rate movies I enjoy.
This is one of those.
This is, by far, the best Frankenstein movie ever made. Hands down. All arguments to the contrary are frivolous and all objections are inane and pig-headed. Any future attempt to film the story of Victor Frankenstein's misguided ego-trip must first measure up to, then surpass, this version. And seeing as how that cannot be done while remaining in the context of the original story, something this movie does exceptionally well, this is the best Frankenstein movie ever made.
Sure, Jerry Bruckheimer will make one some day and it'll be all explosions and car chases and one-liners and volumptious women and explosions.
But this one will still be better.
The scenery is fantastic. The acting is believable and professional. The effects are believable. The story retains the capacity to make one speculate on the principles of creating life, the same as the book. All in all, such as BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA, this is a notable and worthy film adaptation of a classic horror novel.
De Niro's rendition of the creature is exceptional. His voice, his movements, his posturing. I remember when I first heard of this movie and his casting back in 1994 I was skeptical, but now I do not think anyone has ever done a better job.
Now, is this film perfect? No. It's as close as it's ever going to be. But, you'll have to forgive the almost-hammy performance by director and fellow egomaniac, Kenneth Branagh. He is a professional man, who sets out to achieve extraordinary goals and nine times out of ten delivers spectacularly.
But, there's something to be said about the director who loves to cast himself in the lead.
And the camera of Branagh loves the face of Branagh.
His almost whispered, fur-faced musings tend to wax on longer, and closer, than they need to. But, it's really such a good movie that you can forgive baring witness to the ego that created it.
After all, what else is Frankenstein but a story about the dangers of fulfilling one's ego?
This review of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) was written by Steve D on 18 Oct 2009.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has generally received mixed reviews.
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