It’s been two hundred years
since Frankenstein created his monster, not living to tell the tail. Though
this is the case, his monster has out-lived him and is roaming the streets
fighting a war where he finds himself at the centre. He’s the missing
ingredient to a cruel destruction of the world. There are those who want to
destroy him for the good of the world and there are those who only need him for
only a moment. In his quest to fight for his freedom, he uncovers the greatest
gift of life – his purpose.
The Story
It’s a reboot of the
classic novel written by Mary Shelly in 1818. Samuel Beattie takes the beloved
gothic story into the 21st century for a new generation to gaze at
the wonder that is ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’. It’s about what would happen if
the creature existed in the world today. Still clinging to the value system of
Shelly’s time, Beattie retains the fight between good and evil as he gives life
to the beautiful infrastructure of the 12th century. Portraying
angels as hidden guardians of human beings, Beattie uses existing gargoyles in
various areas of the world as platforms for the servants of God. Demons on the
other hand take on human forms, flimsy in their transformation when they are
angered.
I think it’s an interesting
re-introduction to the gothic novel. It’s a fresh take on the concept of
science verses religion, and I have to say that it’s a great collision and,
eventually, combination of the two. It’s given a new dynamic to the
Frankenstein theory and a new thought-provoking take on what it means to be
human.
The Cast
Aaron Echkart is an excellent lead. The rasp in his voice gives him that timeless
nature and the half-monster, half-human quality that sends chills down your
spine. You are able to grow in your liking for Adam (as named by the Leonore,
Gargoyle-order Queen), which is the important element to this film; first
you’re afraid of him, or even hate him, but eventually, you understand that
it’s about finding a purpose in life, regardless how it came about.
Miranda Otto delivers a graceful portrayal of a leader with a divine calling with a
decision to be made about an ungodly creature that roams the Earth. You see her
struggle in regards to a being that was not ordained by God, but has been given
leave to meander and live as though he has been. It’s an amazing role and she
was perfectly cast.
By contrast, Billy Nighy – as always – has grasped
the role of Naberius, a Demon Prince causing spiritual havoc on Earth. Nighy
has an incredible way of relaying deceit and planting doubt upon his fellow
actors’ characters as well as the audience. He has a deep understanding of a
role that has one purpose and delivers that purpose no matter the cost.
Brilliant performance.
Yvonne Strahovski comes a long way from her girl-next-door role in Aussie film, I Love You Too and her kick-but role in NBC’s, Chuck. Embodying Terra Wade, modern-day Frankenstein, we see
another side to Strahovski. Though she’s played a resourceful and intelligent
spy on the silver screen, this portrayal of a scientist attempting to re-sporn
life through electric voltage and a dead corpse has shown us that Strahovski
can be driven mentally and can relay that concentration through her action and
speech. I applaud her for this beautiful portrayal.
Overall, the film is one
for those who have read and loved the original story. It’s definitely one for
the boys – lots of action, weaponry and special effects. I recommend it for
anyone who loves a great dose of action with their popcorn. I, Frankenstein is out in theatres this Thursday,
20th MARCH.
sL Star Rating: ★★★
Next on sL: TBA
