Rating: NR
Genre:
Horror
Release Date: 08/17/1999
SubTitles: English/French
Dubbed: English
Sound: 5.1/1
Run Time: 71 Minutes
Flags: Mild Violence
Distributor/Studio: Universal Studios
Still regarded as the definitive film version of
Mary Shelley's classic tale of tragedy and
horror,
Frankenstein made unknown character actor
Boris Karloff a star and created a new icon of terror. Along with the highly successful
Dracula, released earlier the same year, it launched
Universal Studio's golden age of 1930s
horror movies. The film's greatness stems less from its script than from the stark but moody atmosphere created by director
James Whale;
Herman Rosse's memorable set designs, particularly the fantastic watchtower laboratory, featuring electrical equipment designed by
Kenneth Strickfaden; the creature's trademark look from makeup artist
Jack Pierce, who required
Karloff to don pounds of makeup and heavy asphalt shoes to create the monster's unique lurching gait; and
Karloff's nuanced performance as the tormented and bewildered creature.
Frankenstein was greeted with screams, moans, and fainting spells upon its initial release, obliging
Universal to add a disclaimer in which
Edward Van Sloan advises the faint of heart to leave the theater immediately. If they don't: "Well...we've warned you." Director
James Whale was memorably embodied by
Ian McKellen in the Oscar-winning 1998
biopic Gods and Monsters.
~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
;)
