Kenneth Branagh achieved considerable artistic recognition with **HENRY V**, followed by substantial critical and financial success with the more accessible **DEAD AGAIN**! This period of accomplishment gave him the freedom to pursue any project he desired, and he selected **MARY SHELLY'S FRANKENSTEIN**. He took on both directing duties and the role of Victor Frankenstein, assembling a team that included Patrick Doyle for an intense and dramatic score. His increased influence allowed him to secure Oscar-winning screenwriter Frank Darabont (**THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION**, **CRASH**) as well. Perhaps the most striking demonstration of Branagh’s rising status was his ability to cast Robert DeNiro as the creature! The resulting film, assembled with such impressive talent, is... _silly._ My initial experience seeing the movie in theaters back in 1994 wasn't particularly memorable. A moment that stood out for being awkward was DeNiro’s creature turning toward the camera and shouting _"Frankenstein!!!"_, which elicited laughter from the audience instead of suspense. I hoped a re-watch in 2022 would offer a fresh perspective. While I noticed some things to appreciate now, the film remains silly. It's important to acknowledge that Branagh’s artistic direction is distinct and well-defined, and Darabont’s script is quite clever and layered. The musical score consistently enhances the mood, and several of the performances are noteworthy. However, much of the subtlety within Darabont’s writing gets lost in the film's grand scale and loud presentation. Branagh’s choice to portray the creature’s creation as something akin to a sensual experience—the doctor shirtless and sweating under firelight—is interesting. Similarly, when Victor expresses his guilt, he loses clarity of speech and adopts a rhythm reminiscent of the creature’s. The point is clear, but it's delivered in an exaggerated way. What's largely absent are moments of reflection and quiet contemplation. Given its substantial budget and generally beautiful lighting and cinematography, one might expect this to be a film that’s enjoyable even as a guilty pleasure. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work on that level either, fluctuating between attempts at high art and lowbrow humor. I think Branagh successfully brought his vision to life and he has every right to feel pride in what he accomplished. But as someone who admires his work, I can't fully embrace this version of the story.

Source on TMDB