Frankenstein (Netflix)
This film is a great adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel.
Guillermo del Toro offers some unique interpretations of the story for this
movie. However, it differs greatly from the classic version of Frankenstein
starring Boris Karloff as the flat-headed, greenish monster with bolts in his
neck. This version feels more like a Gothic novel than a horror film. Still,
there is some gore, especially when the creature is assembled from spare body
parts.
Oscar Isaac delivers a passionate performance as Victor
Frankenstein, the obsessed scientist trying to cheat death. Throughout the
film, he shifts from a brilliant anatomist to someone facing the consequences
of tampering with Nature.
One of the best performances is by Jacob Elordi, who plays
the Creature. He has moments of rage, especially when he is attacked, but he
also shows compassion. The scene with the blind old man on the farm, where he
is hiding, is very tender.
Another example of his compassion is his relationship with
Elizabeth, the fiancée of his younger brother William, played by Mia Goth.
There is a bond between the Creature and Elizabeth that may go beyond sympathy.
Christof Waltz is Elizabeth’s uncle, Felix Kammerer, a
wealthy arms manufacturer who funds Victor’s experiments. His ulterior motive
is that he wants Victor to include him in the Creature, thereby cheating death.
Victor refuses because Felix is diseased (even a mad scientist has standards).
You will not be disappointed by this film. Even my wife
liked it.
