FOXSYLVANIA

I have to admit that I was not the biggest fan of the earlier video tales of Frankenstein and his monster. The story was old, crafted by Mary Shelley in 1816 as part of a friendly literary competition with her husband, friend Lord Byron, and one other to create a horror story, with hers published in 1818 likely the best and most enduring effort. I just grew tired of the repeated version of the Frankenstein monster as a powerful but lumbering dolt of limited intelligence and expressive capabilities…

That version of the Frankenstein monster was revised in the underrated movie, Van Helsing, with Hugh Jackman portraying a younger, dynamic version of the great monster hunter. The Frankenstein monster in that film was still appearance-impaired but quite articulate…the dude read poetry, for cripe’s sake! This was a thinking man’s Frankenstein…

Now enter Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstine! This monster is distinctly easier on the eyes, almost to the point of being ruggedly handsome. The creature can move, and as a muscular big guy (played by a 6’5″ actor), when we first encounter him basically naked he reminded me in appearance of the Engineer species in the Alien movie franchise..

This “monster” is more sinned against than sinning, and is underestimated grossly by his arrogant and egotistical creator, who tries to destroy his creation with fire. Fortunately, the “monster” proves both resourceful and resilient, and appears to have a “healing factor” capability at least as good as Marvel’s “Wolverine,” with bullets only slowing him down temporarily, and even explosions incapable of destroying him. Pursuing his creator into the arctic, this juggernaut in his cowl even projects kind of a “Phantom of the Opera” appearance at times, evolving into an articulate but tormented being who struggles against his own nature. You’ll find yourself rooting for this “monster,” really, even if he could use some cosmetic work!

We do see some classic elements of the original Frankenstein movie touched upon in this version with revisions, such as the blind hermit who befriends “The Monster.” When he returns to the hermit’s abode to find his friend under heavy attack by wolves, Frankenstein’s creation takes on an entire wolf pack by himself, weaponless but able to use his great strength and outrage to devastating effect on the wolves, hurling, crushing, and breaking them like a true avenger. A surviving wolf wisely runs away!

With great atmospherics and mood and attention to detail as well as proper respect shown to the source material, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is a masterpiece, and may be seen on Netflix…