Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Review

This lines comes from a conversation between Victor and the Creature where he describes the intense mix of love and rage swirling inside of him. "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" was somewhat maligned by critics which is a surprise to me given that it is the best, most beautifully acted, written, and produced version of the classic horror stoty. It's also the only version true to Mary Shelley's vision. Despite the criticisms, I watch the movie in awe, as ot captures very element to such superb and emotionally devastating levels, it ranks as one of my favorites of all time. Want a cast? Kenneth Branagh, Helena Bonhan Carter, John Cleese (unrecognizable), Tom Hulce, Iam Holm, among others and of course, a stunning performance by Robert DeNiro as the creature. The Creature, as in Shelley's version, is articulate, sympathetic, and terrifying. An abandoned, deformed child in a world that reacts with cruelty and rejection, leading him to lay siege to his maker and all he holds dear. Everything is spot on. The cinematography is no short of exhilarating, both in its panoramic shots of the swiss alps to it's candle lit interiors. The score by Patrick Doyle is robust, sweeping, and romantic. Branagh the director does not shy away from brutality and gore and the visual and make-up effects are superior and visceral. This is the definitive version in my mind. It looks stunning on Blu-ray as this is a Sony catalogue title, it has been given a painstaking remaster and its a revelation and will send your standard copies to the trash can. Superb and will remain a favorite of mine for years to come.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Overview

Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Aidan Quinn, Ian Holm and John Cleese star in Branagh's acclaimed adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. True to the original, here is the story of a young doctor whose obsession with death leads him to create a life. But his "creature" crafted from the bodies of convicts and the brain of a brilliant scientist, is a hideous mockery of humanity. And when the creature realizes he will never be accepted by men, he seeks revenge on Dr. Frankenstein and his family. An inspired adaptation that's emotionally complex and truly terrifying.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Specifications

Let's be honest: this should be titled Wretched Excess' Frankenstein. Swooping, wild, bloody, and energetic, this is bad moviemaking from the best, which makes it all the more lovable. Kenneth Branagh plays Victor Frankenstein, a man so obsessed with conquering death that he decides to create life. What he gets, after a protoplasmic mud wrestle, is a Mean Streets monster (Robert De Niro) that isn't particularly happy to be back from the dead or thrilled about all the stitches. Helena Bonham Carter may, at several points in this film, actually be channeling Ramtha. The supporting cast couldn't be peopled with better performers (Tom Hulce, John Cleese, Ian Holm) but they all look like they're ringside at some Ultimate Fighting competition. A must for any midnight movie collector for the shock factor alone. A hoot. --Keith Simanton

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 03, 2010 09:01:07