“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” is the 1994 film adaptation of the iconic novel. We all know the basic concept. We’ve all seen the Halloween costumes and decorations depicting the monster.
With a screenplay penned by the great Frank Darabont, this film is the most faithful adaptation of the classic 1818 novel. Director Kenneth Branagh – who would also co-star – has drawn the ire of Darabont in the aftermath of the film‘s release (more on that to come).
Victor Frankenstein (Branagh) is an inventor obsessed with cheating death. “No one ever need die!” He shouts to the heavens at his mother’s gravestone. I’m not sure a plot synopsis is needed. He creates a creature from the body parts of the deceased, said creature escapes, havoc and horror ensue.
I marvel the longevity of such a tale. Mary Shelley was only 21 years old when her iconic novel was published. Two-hundred-plus years later and, like the monster itself, her creation lives on. The book will always provide more depth with characters and story, and in this case, sticking so closely to the text may have been the dagger that killed the movie.
We’ve got a 90s cinematic feel for sure. From the score and period piece costumes, to the recognizable characters in the flick played by the likes of John Cleese, Helena Bonham Carter, and Aidan Quinn. The great Robert De Niro dutifully portrays the titular monster, and does so in a way only Bobby D can bring.
I was surprised when I learned my personal criticisms were echoed decades ago by writer Frank Darabont, who viciously accused Director Kenneth Branagh of ruining his screenplay. I agree with the sentiments. With the bones of a classic story, and the brilliance of an actor like Robert De Niro, “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” could have been a truly terrifying horror tale. Instead, it plays out as nothing more than a 90s movie. The sounds and scenes themselves, initially intended to chill the reader, come off as cartoonish and frankly lame. It’s as though Branagh was unaware that the book itself is considered horror royalty, and set out to make a forgettable movie.
The setting and cosmetic display of the story is fine. It feels like we’re in the early 19th Century. But there’s something that misses the mark entirely when watching. We see the monster learning how to read and talk. We even see him longing for a bride. You never feel dread. You won’t ever be frightened. I found myself longing for a simple jump scare. Something to remind me that I was watching Frankenstein and not some late night sci-fi B flop.
“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” is poor at best. De Niro’s performance is wasted. The story offers nothing for scares, but can be background noise as we start the 2021 Halloween season.
