Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: Movie Review

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Megha Ma'am(Department of English, MKBU). 

Movie Review: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a 1994 science fiction horror film directed by Kenneth Branagh who also stars as Victor Frankenstein, with Robert De Niro portraying Frankenstein's monster (called The Creation in the film), and co-stars Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Ian Holm, John Cleese, Richard Briers and Aidan Quinn. Considered the most faithful film adaptation of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, despite several differences and additions in plot from the novel, the film follows a medical student named Victor Frankenstein who creates new life in the form of a monster composed of various corpses' body parts.

Directed by:    Kenneth Branagh

Screenplay by:  Steph Lady, Frank Darabont

Based on: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Produced by:     Francis Ford Coppola, James V. Hart, John Veitch

Starring: Robert De Niro Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Aidan Quinn, Ian Holm, John Cleese

Cinematography: Roger Pratt

Edited by: Andrew Marcus

Music by: Patrick Doyle

Production companies : TriStar Pictures, Japan Satellite Broadcasting, Inc., The IndieProd Company, American Zoetrope

Distributed by: TriStar Pictures

Release dates: November 3, 1994 (London Film Festival)[1]

November 4, 1994 (United States)

Running time: 123 minutes[2]

Countries: United States

Language:  English

Budget :     $45 million[4]

Box office: $112 million[4]

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, is a captivating and faithful adaptation of the classic novel that has haunted our imaginations for centuries. This 1994 film manages to breathe new life into the timeless tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation while staying true to the essence of Mary Shelley's original work.

Branagh, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Steph Lady, skillfully captures the gothic atmosphere and deep moral questions that permeate Shelley's novel. The film opens with an ambitious explorer, Captain Walton (played by Aidan Quinn), on an Arctic expedition, who stumbles upon Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) in his desperate pursuit to achieve the unattainable – reanimating life. Through a series of flashbacks, we witness Victor's obsession with creating life from death and the tragic consequences that follow.

Victor Frankenstein

One of the film's greatest strengths is its character development. Branagh delivers a stellar performance as Victor Frankenstein, portraying him as a complex, tortured genius driven by his desire to conquer death itself. Robert De Niro shines as the Creature, bringing a depth and sympathy to the role that is often overlooked in other adaptations. His portrayal captures the heartbreak and loneliness of a being rejected by society, ultimately turning into a vengeful outcast.

Creature(Monster)

Helena Bonham Carter is enchanting as Elizabeth, Victor's fiancée, and Tom Hulce adds a layer of moral ambiguity as Henry Clerval, Victor's best friend and confidant. The supporting cast, including Ian Holm and John Cleese, also delivers exceptional performances that enhance the film's emotional depth.

Elizabeth

Branagh's direction infuses the film with a palpable sense of horror and tragedy. The gothic sets, sweeping landscapes, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography by Roger Pratt create a visually stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. Patrick Doyle's haunting score adds to the film's atmosphere, accentuating the emotional highs and lows of the story.

One of the film's most compelling aspects is its exploration of ethical and moral dilemmas. It delves into themes of scientific hubris, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the nature of humanity. Branagh's adaptation doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the story, making it a thought-provoking and unsettling experience.

While Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a remarkable adaptation, it's not without its flaws. Some may find the film's pacing uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed while others linger too long. Additionally, purists of the novel may take issue with the liberties taken with the source material, but Branagh's interpretation remains true to the spirit of Shelley's original vision.

Few more aspects about the movie:

1. The Romantic Element: One unique feature of Branagh's adaptation is the emphasis on the romantic aspect of the story. The love between Victor and Elizabeth is portrayed as a central force, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. The film explores how Victor's obsession with creating life puts his love for Elizabeth in jeopardy, highlighting the tragic consequences of his ambition.

2. The Makeup and Special Effects: The film's makeup and special effects team deserve special mention for their work in transforming Robert De Niro into the Creature. De Niro's physical transformation is striking, and the prosthetic makeup used to create his appearance is both convincing and unsettling. The practical effects used to bring the Creature to life are impressive, adding to the film's overall authenticity.

3. Exploration of Moral Ambiguity: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein doesn't present a clear-cut hero or villain. Instead, it delves into the moral ambiguity of its characters. Victor's descent into madness and obsession is portrayed with complexity, leaving audiences to grapple with questions about the nature of good and evil. This nuanced approach adds depth to the film's narrative and character development.

4. The Film's Legacy: Despite mixed critical reviews upon its release, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has gained a dedicated following over the years. It is appreciated by those who admire its faithfulness to the source material and its commitment to exploring the novel's philosophical themes. The film's enduring appeal is a testament to its ability to capture the essence of Mary Shelley's work.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is a multi-faceted adaptation that successfully brings the classic novel to life on the big screen. With its powerful performances, gothic atmosphere, exploration of moral dilemmas, and emphasis on the romantic elements of the story, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. While it may not be without its flaws, it stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with the story of Victor Frankenstein and his tragic creation.