Film review: Frankenstein (1931)

Based on the story by Mary Shelley, a lot has already been written about the Frankenstein movies. Known for its groundbreaking make-up, Boris Karloff as the monster is instantly recognizable around the world, but maybe not as scary now as it was on initial release. Certain quotes from the movie have become timeless like the doctor yelling “its alive, its alive!”The lighting and atmosphere was influenced by German expressionism films like Nosferatu (1922).

In the making of, it’s pointed out that the town people are almost villains at the end of the first movie, we sympathize with the outsider. The monster didn’t ask to be brought into the world. Because of his appearance, no matter where he went or what he did, people were frightened of him. He was more a victim than a perpetrator, who was innocent and didn’t understand the rules. Like an adolescent he was clumsy and awkward. Perhaps children and teens can especially identify, they can see the innocence, pathos and that the monster was very much a child like themselves.

Another interesting theme is about playing god, is it morally correct for doctor Frankenstein to do these experiments in the pursuit of science? Or are there certain boundaries we as humans should never cross? A little similar to the questions Blade runner (1982) poses, I think, which I previously recommended.

The scene in the mill was probably the inspiration for a scene in Tim Burton’s film Sleepy hollow (1999)

My favourite scene is from the arguably better sequel Bride of Frankenstein (1935), which now had a talking monster. I love the warm-hearted encounter between the monster and a lonely, blind hermit:



They made fun of this hermit scene in Mel Brook’s comedy Young Frankenstein (1974), a movie I feel is not as funny as I was led to believe. Some love him, but Mel Brook’s humor is not for me. I guess that's why there are 31 flavours at the ice cream shop!

Also, check out this week's recommendation of Gods and Monsters (1998), which is about James Whale, director of Frankenstein, and its sequel.

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Any thoughts, readers?

Film review: Gods and Monsters (1998)

The title of the film “Gods and monsters” is a line from Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
This is a critically acclaimed biopic of the retired director of "Frankenstein" and "Bride of Frankenstein" James Whale.

The story of doctor Frankenstein’s and the monster’s struggle to be accepted may have resonated deeply with James Whale. He grew up a misunderstood artist in a family of factory workers. Also, Whale was a homosexual, which added to him being different.
James Whale is played by Ian McKellen, who was nominated for an Oscar for his leading performance. The film won an academy award for best screenplay adaptation.

I usually hate Brendan Fraser movies, I feel this is an adequate effort by him, but McKellen is a much better actor in my opinion. It probably helped playing this role that McKellen is already gay in real life. Clearly Brendan Fraser was picked because his head resembles the monster. The film plays around with the idea of the outsider. The monster/Brendan Fraser wanting a friend is similar to the monster's behaviour in the old Frankenstein movies of the 30s.

I am not gay, but Gods and Monsters still impressed me. A good character study of what it must be like to have those tendencies and how others might respond.

Also, it’s about what it might be like to be a celebrity of the past. You can compare the tone of Gods and Monsters to Ed Wood (1994), a movie I liked as well, which also portrayed a fading star of the past who befriends someone younger. I definitely felt Tim Burton could easily have directed this, but the job went to Bill Condon. The movie owes a lot to Ed wood, so if you like that one, or just enjoy Frankenstein movies, I recommend you give this film a go. It is very similar to Ed wood, but still very different.

I liked the slow pace of the movie, the story didn’t have any big action scenes. For the most part it’s interaction and dialogue between Fraser & McKellen. The flashback sequences are interesting as well. However, I did feel there were too many scenes sitting or standing around drinking, they could have mixed it up a bit more.

It definitely has Oscar written all over it, but that didn’t bother me, instead I was touched by the vulnerable characters.

To me, Gods and Monsters is about remembering the past, friendship, loneliness, the psychology behind Frankenstein. And about being a father figure to someone in need of a friend. Not just about being gay. The first 20 minutes or so almost play out as a comedy.

Definitely gives you the itch to rewatch James Whale’s two Frankenstein movies, which is probably the movies mission, to share the love and admiration for those classics.

Also, check out my recommendation of Frankenstein (1931)

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Any thought on this film, readers?