We all know Mary Shelley’s classic tale of a mad genius doctor attempting to play God. Many other movies have brought the horror story to life, and while I can’t claim to have seen them all, surely they do a better job than Victor Frankenstein. Although mildly entertaining and with two likeable actors in the lead (James McAvoy as Frankenstein and Daniel Radcliffe as his assistant, Igor), it fails on many counts.
When audiences already know a story, a fresh take is needed for the film to make an impact. Here, any new twist, such as Igor’s origin as an abused, hunchbacked circus clown with a natural penchant for biology (yes, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds), distracts from the original story’s strength as a chilling morality tale that cautions against pushing the bounds of science too far. It also delays the most interesting part, the actual creation of the monster, until the end of the movie, in a scene that could have been visually fascinating but instead feels rushed.
Victor Frankenstein has a few cool stylish flourishes, and the lead actors seem to be giving it their all, but ultimately it’s boring and bogged down by a cliche-laden, wooden script.
Should You See It? Pass.
Viewed at Wehrenberg Ronnies 20 Cine