1931’s Frankenstein remains after more than eighty years, one of the most
recognisable, influential and respected horror movies of all time. While it may
do little for the gore hungry Saw
generation, to those of us who appreciate the art of film, it stands up against
the test of time and despite numerous subsequent attempts at the iconic story,
this version will undoubtedly be the one you have in your head. From the
imposing gothic architecture and magnificent use of shadow to the distinctive and
now ‘go to’ flat head, Frankenstein
is a movie which many of us will know before even seeing it in full.
The plot is taken from Mary
Shelley’s 1818 novel of the same name and should be known by anyone with at
least one functioning sense. The story and its characters are some of the most
iconic and recognisable not only in horror history but also literary history
and the tale has been repeated and twisted in everything from Mel Brook’s spoof
Young Frankenstein to TV classic The Munsters to the recent animated film
Frankenweenie and has influenced
countless books, TV shows and movies. This adaptation is relatively faithful
version of the timeless original text.
