Directed by:
Kenneth BranaghCinematography:
Roger PrattComposer:
Patrick DoyleCast:
Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Aidan Quinn, Ian Holm, Richard Briers, John Cleese, Robert Hardy, Cherie Lunghi, Celia Imrie (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
Be Warned… It’s Alive! Kenneth Branagh leads an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Hulce, Ian Holm, John Cleese and Aidan Quinn in his definitive cinematic version of Mary Shelley’s classic tale of gothic terror. At the turn of the 19th century, visionary scientist Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) embarks on an obsessive quest to conquer the mysteries of human mortality. But his hubristic bid to create life out of death goes hideously wrong, and succeeds only in begetting a deformed monster (Robert De Niro). Horrified by what he has wrought, the scientist attempts to destroy his creation, but fails. Rejected by his creator and shunned by the world of man, the tormented creature swears vengeance against Frankenstein and his family. As the monster begins to enact his murderous revenge, Victor must face a terrible reckoning with the tragic consequences of attempting to play God.
Mary Shelley's seminal novel is one of the most adapted books of all time, and this retelling faithfully goes back to the original source, lushly transforming the story's twin themes of love and death into a darkly operatic gothic romance. Unlike many versions of Shelley's novel, Branagh's adaptation understands that Frankenstein's misbegotten creation is as pitiable as he is monstrous, and never loses sight of the human tragedy lying at the core of its horrific tale. Filled with sweeping, atmospheric visuals and powerfully emotional performances from an award-winning ensemble of acting talent, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein stands as a landmark interpretation of this enduring masterpiece.
(Arrow Films)
Reviews (6)
I don't believe anyone will make a better version of Frankenstein in the future than Brannagh. Inventive direction, striking visual stylisation and an irresistibly nasty De Niro. I don't want to insult the black and white classic, but while Boris Karloff rather makes me laugh, De Niro's monster evokes real terror mixed with pity.
()
A superb adaptations of “Frankenstein”. The pace at the beginning is very slow, but everything gets better when the demonic De Niro enters the stage, and the ending is awesome. Some scenes are brilliantly put together, for instance, the burning characters running down a corridor is pure eye candy. I wasn’t expecting it, but I liked this film a lot.
()
So far, this is the best adaptation of the famous novel by Mary Shelley about the creation of an artificial being. This impressive drama can boast not only excellent performances and high-quality casting but also great camera work that showcases all the locations where the story takes place. It is not only a horror, but also a magnificent drama. Overall impression: 85%.
()
In my opinion, Branagh goes a little overboard with this dramatization, and supposedly it often strays from the book, which I own and have intended to read for many years now. De Niro is revolting and his acting brilliant, but I expected a little more of a monster.
()
This is how a modern film adaptation of a literary classic should look like. A very strong and captivating artistic stylization, excellent production design, very strong and atmospheric music, and last but not least, a high-quality screenplay. How could it not be, when Frank Darabont was largely involved in it.
()
This is a great film. A classic novel filmed in such a way that it has the parameters of a Shakespearean tragedy. Just as Mrs. Shelley intended. De Niro is amazing - the way he evokes disgust and compassion at the same time is unique, Branagh is great in front of and behind the camera, the demonic music by Patrick Doyle is his best piece and in terms of energy it beats Elfman. Oh, and there's John Cleese in his best serious role. What more do you want?
()