Hyde Park Pick: Frankenstein

He’s clearly pored over every previous cinematic iteration, celebrating this version’s script, that version’s lead, this other version’s tragic tone. It’s in that process of study and adoration that you can see his version has come about, its own Frankenstein’s monster which pieces together the best of each retelling with del Toro’s grand vision and true appreciation of what makes a film cinematic, the thread stitching together each part to craft something new. 

The result is a spectacle, a beautifully crafted gothic masterpiece best enjoyed on the big screen. Every detail, from performance to set design and costumes, feels rich and luscious as if no expense, nor drop of energy and drama, was spared in the process of production. 

As the nights draw in, Frankenstein presents a welcome opportunity for escape.

It’s perhaps not a world to get lost in (too many corpses and destruction) but it’s a mood to revel in, high drama, big feelings, sweeping movements. And, amidst all of that scale what’s wonderful and truly special is that the heart of this beast of a film still beats hand in hand with Shelley’s original intent. For all the fantastical elements to this story it is also asking a simple question of its audience, begging us to contemplate the nature of humanity and make sure we never lose sight of the true monsters.   

Frankenstein is showing at HPPH from Fri 24 Oct. You can book tickets here.