Luke
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CibbuanoMary Shelley's Frankenstein
October 17th 2006 13:09
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)
Following in the footsteps of Francis Ford Coppola's classy rendition of 'Dracula' comes 'Mary Shelley's Frankenstein', directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh (and also produced by Francis Ford Coppola). And I can't say that it's quite as successful in it's intent as Coppola's film.
By now most of us should be aware of this classic horror story. Branagh's version is perhaps a little more faithful than most, immersing the film in 18th century Germany, among the scientific aristocracy and the disease-ridden lower classes. The attention to detail is impressive but alas, the script is the biggest failing here.
After what seems to be a promising opening (an unseen monster advancing through the mist of the untraversed North Pole), we are given an annoyingly twee introduction to the film's major characters. Branagh has tried to cram in far too much into too little an amount of time - leaving most of the film feeling like rushed highlights of what must be a very good novel (I must admit that I haven't read it). And this could of been brilliant.
The aforementioned eye for detail and the occasional moments of perfect story telling gave me a glimpse of what could have been. I fear that if either the script had been tightened (trimmed of events and characters that need not have featured) or if the film had had an extra hour granted to it, that it would have been very good. The most telling sign of this is the exemplary acting from almost all involved.
Robert De Niro gives a surprisingly sensitive performance as the Creature, almost unrecognisable beneath the makeup and the unexpected performance he attaches to it. Kenneth Branagh is dangerously energetic as Frankenstein, and the supporting players (most notably John Cleese) make more of their small roles than the roles probably deserved.
Much like Frankenstein's expectations of his ultimate creation - don't expect perfection, but be ready for some surprises.
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