I see that there are several who see this movie and say it "sucks". They are obviously looking at this either to be a faithful representation of Shelley's book or have complaints about the fact that it's black and white or some other disdain about the technical prowess of the movie.
In 1931 special effects were still in a very infantile state. Effects artists did not have the "squibs" used today to simulate gunshots. Instead they used sharp shooters who actually shot towards the actors to get the effect needed.
Jack Pierce's makeup is a marvel for its time. Even today the full method of the makeup Karloff wore is unknown. This is the monster that people see when they think of the name Frankenstein. All others are mere "melted" faces.
But while the makeup is fabulous, it wouldn't have meant anything without the talent of Karloff behind it. This is great acting because of the limitations put upon the character. Karloff could only emote with grunts, facial expressions and body language. Yet he showed the anger, the happiness, the innocence and the tragedy that the Creature needed to show the audience. If you are one of those who saw this picture and did not like it, watch it again and REALLY watch Karloff's performance.
I don't see this as a horror movie, although there are horrific elements. Interestingly enough, I don't see horror so much in the Creature as I do in the actions of Fritz, Frankenstein's malformed assistance. Fritz, a troll of a man only finds solace in tormenting the Creature with a torch and pays for his actions with his death.
It is supsenseful when the search is on for the Creature, when Henry and company search through the house looking for the creature. Where is it? What does he want? What will he do? The creature's motives are made clear with the terrorization of Elizabeth.
And while Elizabeth doesn't die as she does in the book, you can see Karloff's portrayal anger as he looks upon her. You can see that the Creature hates Henry so much he hates the bride of Henry.
Indeed, this is a movie that has great pathos, drama, and suspense for those who would look for them. Truly, one of the greatest movies ever made.
Thomas Edison made the first Frankenstein movie and there were other silent versions before James Whale's version. But they were forgotten in the masterpiece that was given to use nearly 70 years ago.
In 1931 special effects were still in a very infantile state. Effects artists did not have the "squibs" used today to simulate gunshots. Instead they used sharp shooters who actually shot towards the actors to get the effect needed.
Jack Pierce's makeup is a marvel for its time. Even today the full method of the makeup Karloff wore is unknown. This is the monster that people see when they think of the name Frankenstein. All others are mere "melted" faces.
But while the makeup is fabulous, it wouldn't have meant anything without the talent of Karloff behind it. This is great acting because of the limitations put upon the character. Karloff could only emote with grunts, facial expressions and body language. Yet he showed the anger, the happiness, the innocence and the tragedy that the Creature needed to show the audience. If you are one of those who saw this picture and did not like it, watch it again and REALLY watch Karloff's performance.
I don't see this as a horror movie, although there are horrific elements. Interestingly enough, I don't see horror so much in the Creature as I do in the actions of Fritz, Frankenstein's malformed assistance. Fritz, a troll of a man only finds solace in tormenting the Creature with a torch and pays for his actions with his death.
It is supsenseful when the search is on for the Creature, when Henry and company search through the house looking for the creature. Where is it? What does he want? What will he do? The creature's motives are made clear with the terrorization of Elizabeth.
And while Elizabeth doesn't die as she does in the book, you can see Karloff's portrayal anger as he looks upon her. You can see that the Creature hates Henry so much he hates the bride of Henry.
Indeed, this is a movie that has great pathos, drama, and suspense for those who would look for them. Truly, one of the greatest movies ever made.
Thomas Edison made the first Frankenstein movie and there were other silent versions before James Whale's version. But they were forgotten in the masterpiece that was given to use nearly 70 years ago.