Excellent, smart action film.

A Brilliant Conflict

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

While this adaptation also eschews some of the complexity of the original novel, and largely truncates it for time, this film, like "Dracula" before it, has largely transcended the source material. While enthusiasts of the genre would largely recognize the disparity between the film and the novel, to a more casual viewer, this film is very much the definition of "Frankenstein," both in terms of its visual design of the creature as well as the signature (and oft-parodied) set-pieces. Even those who have never seen the film in its entirety would recognize large swatches of the story, based on nothing more than cultural osmosis. Additionally, the make-up, a creation of Jack Pierce and the glorious happenstance of Boris Karloff's distinctive visage, has become one of the most instantly recognizable icons of cinema.

Despite the wonderful premise, Frankenstein falls dismally short on delivery.The only horror I found in the film, was when Frankenstein's assistant Fritz was torturing the monster with the flame. Why was he doing that? Why was Frankenstein letting him do that? Why was Elizabeth in the film? Why was she marrying Frankenstein? There was no chemistry there and she didn't mind what he was doing? Why was Victor helping Frankenstein, when he wanted Elizabeth? Why was Victor his best man? He didn't even like him. Why was Frankenstein assigned a group to lead in the hunt for revenge, when he was the cause? Why was Frankenstein never questioned or punished for his actions in all these deaths? Why is a monster walking around groaning suppose to be interesting? Why did Frankenstein feel no responsibility for the monster? There was no character depth, no enjoyable dialogue. I thought some of the lead in was alright and the scene of the man carrying his dead daughter through the town, mesmerizing, but other than that Frankenstein was terrible.

1931 Frankenstein..... I am a big fan of universal and hammer horror. When it comes to monsters, the Wolf Man and Dracula; they will always be my favorites. When it comes to film, Frankenstein; is at the top of the list. The film called on a great selection of talent. Boris Karloff, did a miraculous job playing the monster; the man's acting talent knows no bounds.The story, by Mary Shelley; was a good tale, that actually opened cross over opportunities with future classic horror ideas. Pitting the Wolf Man against Frankenstein, and Dracula; with many of the favored horror actors reprising their original roles.Classic horror films like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolf Man; gave us a template, for the creation of future masterpieces of horror; that many directors and producers of modern horror look on to this day.1931 Frankenstein, is on of the best films of its time, and it will be enjoyed for many more years to follow.

Fast-paced and engaging. Gothic atmosphere is immersive. The creators used the novel as a springboard to invent a sort of separate mythology. They succeeded totally.I don't pretend to be an expert on old cinema. But I do need to explain how impressive this is: Even with fewer tools at hand to obscure the fiction of a motion picture, I could not outsmart this movie. I watched 1931's 'stein and the '35 sequel back-to-back, alone and in the dark. I was then victimized by various nightmares throughout my sleep. To the parties responsible for these high- caliber classics: well-played, folks.