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Horror october #10
Oct. 10th, 2017 08:59 pmMary Shelley's Frankenstein is another one of those I should have watched years ago, especially since I love both the novel and the classic adaptations (well, the first three, at least). I think it was Ken Branagh who put me off it.
And yes, Branagh overacts his black heart out, to the extent that even John Fucking Cleese comes across as a master of quiet dignity and restraint next to him. Though it's a tough competition, with just about everyone constantly chewing ham all over the movie.
Everyone: [at some point in the movie] NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
There are things here that work; De Niro (!!!) is a surprisingly effective Creature, and I appreciate the effort to make a real, proper adaptation of the book, but I'm not entirely sure books are always best served by a word-for-word adaptation; Mary Shelley's philosophical meanderings simply don't jibe with Branagh's over-the-top WILL SOMEONE TURN OFF THOSE FUCKING STRINGS style. As a horror movie, it's toothless. As a period drama, it's fun enough, though not in the way Branagh intended. But still, I'm glad it exists - if nothing else, as a warning for what happens when bearded men tamper in the Goddess' domain.
And yes, Branagh overacts his black heart out, to the extent that even John Fucking Cleese comes across as a master of quiet dignity and restraint next to him. Though it's a tough competition, with just about everyone constantly chewing ham all over the movie.
Everyone: [at some point in the movie] NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
There are things here that work; De Niro (!!!) is a surprisingly effective Creature, and I appreciate the effort to make a real, proper adaptation of the book, but I'm not entirely sure books are always best served by a word-for-word adaptation; Mary Shelley's philosophical meanderings simply don't jibe with Branagh's over-the-top WILL SOMEONE TURN OFF THOSE FUCKING STRINGS style. As a horror movie, it's toothless. As a period drama, it's fun enough, though not in the way Branagh intended. But still, I'm glad it exists - if nothing else, as a warning for what happens when bearded men tamper in the Goddess' domain.
