Halloween Classic Movie Reviews: The Clash of the Scientist and his monster in Frankenstein (1931) and Frankenstein (1994).
Post date: Oct 30, 2017 2:11:46 PM
By: Robby Timmler, Promotional Director
Posted October 30th 2017
Both of these films based on the book of the same name by Mary Shelley Frankenstein is the story of Dr. Frankenstein (played by Colin Clive in ‘31 and Kenneth Branagh in ‘94) who is addicted to bringing things back to life and creates a monster (played by Boris Karloff in ‘31 and Robert De Niro in ‘94). In the end, Frankenstein realizes he has made a mistake and tries to kill his creation. Both films are classics and have the same story but they are still different in many ways.
Characters
Frankenstein (1931)
Many of the characters are one note or serve no purpose to the story. The only true character you feel for is the Monster, but he isn’t given enough screen time for you to experience his character.
Frankenstein (1994)
The characters are given dimensions and are relatable. Frankenstein is shown as a bright eyed genius who wanted to stop death, but realises he made a mistake doing the experiment. The monster is given more character, with people judge and beat him for his looks, which leads him turn his back on society and start killing people
Effects
Frankenstein (1931)
The monster looks ghoulish and haunting.
Frankenstein (1994)
The monster looks realistic and gory. The make up on Robert De Niro shows all the detailed cuts and stitches that the monster went through for the experiment.
Acting
Frankenstein (1931)
The acting is okay. Colin Clive plays the part of Frankenstein very well. He starts out driven by madness to advance the human race and then after the experiment he sees that he has made a mistake. Boris Karloff is great as the monster; he look haunting, but has a heart of gold.
Frankenstein (1994)
The acting is good and a bit over the top at parts. Kenneth Branagh’s Frankenstein is compelling with him being addicted to trying stop death with all the tragedy that happens to him in his life and in the end dying from it.
Setting
Frankenstein (1931)
The sets look nice and brings atmosphere to the film.
Frankenstein (1994)
The sets are very detailed and have a certain style that is shown throughout the whole film
In summary, both these adaptations of Frankenstein are good, but it is evident that the 1994 has more character and atmosphere compared to the 1931 version.
Frankenstein (1931)
5/10 stars
Frankenstein (1994)
8/10 stars