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Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Average user rating
4 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

In returning to Mary Shelley's novel, Kenneth Branagh presumably intended to give his version of the much-told tale authenticity and depth. But the finished film, regrettably, for all it's romantic bombast, lacks the poetry and pathos of James Whale's 1931 classic, let alone the wit of the later Bride of Frankenstein. De Niro, as the hapless creature, is dependably sympathetic, eyes expressive beneath Elephant Man-style make-up. The rest of the cast, however, are pretty dismal: chest-baring Branagh, too earnest and dashing, as the obsessive Victor; Helena Bonham Carter, an inappropriately modern miss, as the doc's beloved Elizabeth; Cleese, ever the Python, a morose medical lecturer with a murky past; Briers as a blind peasant devoted to the good life. Equally uninspired is Steph Lady and Frank Darabont's often gratingly modern script and Branagh's far from light direction. Continuity seems all over the shop. Not frightening, just silly.

Author: GA

Time Out Film Guide


User reviews of this film

  • devil said...
    Posted on Sep 03 2009 10:44 Film was boring lacked enthusiasam and exitment best bit was when he is makiong the creation and the end credits not the best film (boy from boro studying it aged 14
    Report as inappropriate
  • devil said...
    Posted on Sep 03 2009 10:44 Film was boring lacked enthusiasam and exitment best bit was when he is makiong the creation and the end credits not the best film (boy from boro studying it aged 14
    Report as inappropriate
  • angel said...
    Posted on Dec 02 2008 11:37 the film was a bit boring as well but the bst part is when the monster got hit on the head with the pole
    Report as inappropriate
  • angel said...
    Posted on Dec 02 2008 11:33 the film was ok there is a lot of kissing
    Report as inappropriate
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