Synopsis
Based on Mary Shelley's novel, "Frankenstein" tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a promising young doctor who, devastated by the death of his mother during childbirth, becomes obsessed with bringing the dead back to life. His experiments lead to the creation of a monster, which Frankenstein has put together with the remains of corpses. It's not long before Frankenstein regrets his actions.
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Cast
- Robert De NiroThe Creature / Sharp Featured Man
- Kenneth BranaghVictor Frankenstein
- Tom HulceHenry Clerval
- Helena Bonham CarterElizabeth
- Aidan QuinnCap. Robert Walton
- Ian HolmBaron Frankenstein
- Richard BriersGrandfather
- John CleeseProf. Waldman
- Robert HardyProf. Krempe
- Cherie LunghiCaroline Beaufort Frankenstein
Recommendations
- 78
Austin Chronicle
Writers Steph Lady and Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption) retain much of the source's action and all of its spirit, but still make the work speak to our age. - 75
ReelViews
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein may not be the definitive version of the 1817 novel, and the director likely attempted more than is practical for a two-hour film, but overambition is preferable to the alternative, especially if it results - as in this case - in something more substantial than Hollywood's typical, fitfully entertaining fluff. - 63
Chicago Sun-Times
I admired the scenes with De Niro so much I'm tempted to give Mary Shelley's Frankenstein a favorable verdict. But it's a near miss. The Creature is on target, but the rest of the film is so frantic, so manic, it doesn't pause to be sure its effects are registered. - 60
Empire
Sumptuous to look at, with some decent performances but Branagh's attempt at this gothic horror just doesn't hold together convincingly and fails to engage. - 50
Chicago Tribune
By using the author's name [Branagh] sets us up for something closer to the text of the Gothic thriller than James Whale's classic 1931 horror film. But Branagh's version is too respectful and ultimately, well, lifeless. - 50
Newsweek
Branagh's two Shakespeare films have been triumphs-meaty, moving and fun. Bard-less, the director flounders. His Frankenstein gives off the same hollow echo that Dead Again did, the same mixture of stylistic flair and insincerity. - 40
Los Angeles Times
Even if the vivid Whale/Karloff version had never been made, this treatment of the Shelley novel would be a loud and tacky disappointment. - 40
Time Out
Not frightening, just silly.
