Forget about Mary Shelly's novel. This is pure Hollywood, at one of its greatest moments! "Frankenstein" is one of those films that speaks not of its original inspiration, but of its director. James Whale has created a cinematic masterpiece, surpassed only by its sequel. It is a shame that Karloff's interpretation and Jack Pierce's make-up have for the past 70 years overshadowed the novel. At the same time, however, both men gave the monster, and the movies, an entirely new personality. Besides, what would we have if all movie makers stuck unwaveringly close to the original source? Nothing very original, I'm sure. If you want the book, read the book. If you want a good scare, or laugh, or cry, see the movie.
Review of Frankenstein
