Review of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) by Paul B — 27 Oct 2007
With Kenneth Branagh you know you will get the most sumptious production of any project and that respect it never disappoints. However, horror and gothic atmosphere is clearly not one of Branagh's strong points, highlighted by his decision to begin with embelishing the love story between the misguided doctor and Elizabeth, not quite in keeping with the overall themes of the story.
Nonetheless, when the sentiment is not stickily overwhelming the performances hold everything together and De Niro is particularly superb as The Creature. The third act where the real horror elements are brought in and the film actually creates a few shocks and unsettlingly moments.
Overall, it seems Branagh was torn between an emotional drama and shocking horror. However, a balance, if at times an uneasy, is created giving some quality dramatic moments and the film also stays incredibly close to Shelley's original novel.
This review of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) was written by Paul B on 27 Oct 2007.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has generally received mixed reviews.
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