Mary Shelley's Frankenstein [DVD] [1994]

Great quality

A superb film

Very poor.

One of Hollywood's film releases, based on the innovative novel of Mary Shelley. The film I'm reviewing is considered a relic from the mid-nineties, a well-executed script, with the character the Frankenstein monster so convincingly brought to life on-screen by none other than Robert De Niro. I remember reading about this particular release before it hit cinemas and it shocked me to discover Robert De Niro spent a ridiculous amount of time before each shoot having the Frankenstein monster make-up and prosthetics applied. At times, it's said he would try to sleep through the many hours it took for special-effects artists to recreate Victor Frankenstein's monster in the flesh. OK, at this stage the motion picture is definitely dated. However, the film itself forged the guaranteed success of several of it's cast. The theme, shadowy atmosphere and stark reality of the creation of a medical abomination in Frankenstein's monster is very much represented in this motion picture. Don't expect acting of a standard worthy of Oscars all-round, but delight in energetic performances by everyone involved. De Niro is extraordinary in his portrayal of the sewn-together revenant, Victor Frankenstein's monster. I have to say, the convincing and well-played character, Frankenstein's monster elicits empathetic feelings of sadness and pity for the beast to such a degree, I find myself rooting for him all through the film. De Niro's portrayal of Frankenstein's monster never falters, not for one moment do I question he deserves not only acceptance but revenge, also. Where acceptance by others fails, his revenge is made more furious. I'd recommend this film for younger teenagers, as to be fair, more mature audiences may find the motion picture lacking, in comparison to the more recent offerings Hollywood has made in the horror genre. The cast is splendid, and as always, Helena Bonham Carter is fantastic. You've got to love Helena, as we've all come to love and anticipate her roles. Love, madness, passion, abandonment and revenge, all make this film an excellent representation of the original novel. Isolation, alienation, rage and a child-like need to belong fills the heart of Frankenstein's monster. For a few quid, as possibly a gift to a teenage friend or family member, the DVD release of this film won't disappoint. Happy viewing!

Overall I like this adaption of Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein. I know that opinions are very mixed on this film but I think some of the more negative reviews are a bit unfair. Yes it's overblown and over the top in places, but it is a gothic horror story so what else is to be expected?The performances are very good: Robert De Niro is impressive in a very different role for him (the monster). Kenneth Brannagh (who also directs the film) is perfect as Frankenstein, a young man whose frenzied ambition clouds his judgement. But it's the look and style of the film that makes it: huge, ornate and looming sets that really make the scenes come alive.Although there have been a few liberties taken with the plot, overall it is the same. More importantly the original themes and ideas still come through (science altering humanity too much, for example).Yes, the film is a bit overbaked, and at times can feel a bit hammy, but that doesn't stop it from being a very enjoyable film, especially if you like the book. I think Mary Shelley's novel is one of the greatest of all time and this film is a very worthy adaption. Recommended!

Great but did enyone else have lag on audio I had to stop and go back a bit to get the dialogue back in sinc with picture very odd be nice to know if it happens to others arrow are so good normally quality wise it wasn't my machine cos I've checked so not sure but if this has happened to others put it in your review please so I know it's not just me. Now on the film this is underrated classic looks amazing sounds apart from sincing is great I love this film lots a xtrase to worth the money

Few would argue that Mary Shelley's novel is a great as distinct from a famous and significant novel. There are important ideas raised by her tale of a modern Prometheus but she hasn't the skills to realise them: she was, after all, just nineteen when she wrote it.Adaptations seize upon the theme but take all sorts of liberties with her plot and characterisation. Brannagh claims this to be the film of Mary Shelley's novel and compared with a Hammer Horror, it is remarkably faithful to the outline of the plot and contains some intelligent restructuring of events. Unfortunately, Brannagh, infatuated by Helena Bonham Carter, turns the film into a vehicle for her trademark battiness (just as he did in Hamlet); she likes nothing more than dressing up in old clothes and setting fire to herself (vide her apotheosis as a travesty of Miss Havisham) : she doesn't really do ethereal chastity or plausibly nineteenth century womanhood along the lines of Shelley's untouchable Elizabeth. So the film becomes just another melodramatic romp, based on Shelley's novel but faithful neither to its tone nor its procedures. Even the message is confused: here the Monster has a murderer's genes whereas the whole point is that we should see him as a noble savage, corrupted by a prejudiced and flawed society. It's a pity: Robert de Nero is potentially as engaging a character as Frankenstein's creation is in the novel: he really deserves far more screen time. Unfortunately, his part is curtailed just so Brannagh can spend precious minutes showing off his body, groping Miss Bonham Carter and resurrecting her, absurdly, so she can do her party piece as a Monster Bride. Auditioning for Tim Burton, in effect.Film people amusing themselves at huge expense. I wonder if anyone will ever film Mary Shelley's novel as written? We can only hope Danny Boyle's intelligent adaptation for the National Theatre will find its way to the screen.

Excellent performance from Dinero, Carter and Branagh. Yup you know the story but it’s never been told this well!