
Frankenstein’s book cover (left), and film poster (right).
There have, of course, been many screen adaptations of Frankenstein over the years, but the one I’m going to be talking about here in relation to the book is the 1994 version, directed by Kenneth Branagh.
This iteration seems to generally be considered the most faithful to the original novel, which is part of the reason I was keen to give it a go. I can absolutely see why it is regarded as so, as the main arc does indeed stick pretty close to Mary Shelley’s iconic story, albeit with a few extra bells and whistles to ramp up the drama. Unlike many other pop-culture versions of Frankenstein’s creation, I was glad to see that this one was as pitiable as he was monstrous; as indeed Shelley herself intended. This meant the integrity of the book’s core themes – like the moral ambiguity of pushing science too far; the risks of trying to overcome death; the destructive nature of blindly pursuing our obsessions; and the question over how we as a society truly make monsters – are all still largely intact.
All that said, there is something about the film that just never fully clicked for me. Though the story and themes are still there, the subtlety and nuance are gone. Everything feels a bit too extra, from the frantic direction to the overbearing soundtrack. This somewhat hectic feeling means that the emotional beats of the narrative can’t always resonate properly, as we are relentlessly rushed onto the next scene.

The film’s principal cast: Kenneth Branagh as Victor Frankenstein; Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth Lavenza; and Robert De Niro as The Creation.
Alongside the big names heading up the cast, there are a number of well-known actors in supporting roles – including Ian Holm, John Cleese, Celia Imrie, and Richard Briers. I can’t say anyone’s performance blew me away, but I suspect this was due in part to the film’s overall sense of erratic melodrama. De Niro is certainly charismatic as The Creation, able to evoke the tricky blend of pity and revulsion. Bonham Carter is also ethereally captivating in the film’s climax, when her character is given a fate more theatrical and disturbing than in the book, yet undoubtedly more visually haunting too.
Ambitious and aesthetically striking, I suspect Branagh simply tried to accomplish too much in a runtime of less than two hours. Still, it was enjoyable enough, and I was glad to see a version that tried hard to honour the intent of Shelley’s masterpiece, even if it wasn’t always entirely successful.
My high school teacher who assigned this was BIG into film adaptations, and we watched one for every book we read that year (incidentally that’s how I started watching LOST, because she couldn’t find her Lord of the Flies DVD). This is the Frankenstein adaptation we watched and I don’t remember many specifics but I do remember having the same overall impression – well-done but definitely missing something. I imagine this would be a particularly difficult text to translate into film in a way that’s both subtle and impactful for viewers.
How cool; I wish I had been able to get watch LOST in school 😂 Yes, I totally agree. After I wrote this review I was looking into the film and saw that the screenwriter said it was the best script he ever wrote, but one of the worst films he ever watched. Whilst I think the latter statement is way too harsh, I know what he means about the discrepancy between the potential of the source material and the effect of what was presented onscreen. I still thought it was a solid effort though; and I liked that the doctor’s creation was a complex, developed being, as in the novel, rather than a mindless, groaning monster.
I remember quite enjoying this movie but it is SO over the top! As you say, no nuance at all.
Indeed. It has all the right ingredients, but the handling of them is definitely a little messy.
I wholeheartedly agree! This is probably the closest adaptation I’ve seen but you’re right that it went a bit far with the melodrama. I initially thought De Niro was a strange casting choice for the creature but he really did give a strong performance. Not a perfect film but not the worst either.
Absolutely! I’m glad it was authentic in plot to the original, and it had all the right ingredients; it just didn’t come together quite as well as it could have.
I haven’t seen this version, but I’ll give it a watch if only to check out the artistic choices he made to honour the great work 🙂
It’s certainly worth watching if you’re interested! 😊
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Interesting post, Callum. I have never seen this version but have watched the recent and more loosely based one featuring Daniel Radcliffe – wasn’t a huge fan. I love Kenneth Branagh’s more recent movies he directed, so I might give this one a go. Have you watched his other works like Murder on the Orient Express and Cinderella etc, and did you think he has developed over time?
Thanks, Ayunda 😊 I’ve seen his version of Murder on the Orient Express and I liked it too. He definitely has a grand, sumptuous approach, as both are visually beautiful and ambitious. The pacing was probably better in Murder on the Orient Express, so I suppose he has developed since Frankenstein. I’d be interested to know your thoughts if you ever watch this version 😊
I definitely will let you know. And it’s nice to know that he has developed over time 🙂
I agree with you that this version of Frankenstein was beautifully filmed and did a good job of capturing the Creation (I think it was called the Creature in the book if I remember correctly) as a character to be pitied as well as feared. My disappointment with the movie came with what happened to Elizabeth later in the film (I’m trying not spoil it for others who haven’t seen it yet). In the novel, Victor was filled with too much regret and loved Elizabeth too much for that to happen.
Thank you for liking two of my recent posts and Happy Holidays! 🙂
It was definitely a flawed adaptation but worth seeing as a visual spectacle.
Happy Holidays to you too! 😊
Yes, I think so too. Thank you for the holiday greeting. 🙂
I must say, this was my defining Frankenstein growing up. It’s nice to see someone talking about it!
Good read