Guillermo del Toro has spent the past 30 years toiling away at a faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, so the fact that he’s finally unleashing his vision of the gothic horror at all feels like a small miracle. Few directors are more qualified to reboot what many regard as the original monster movie, and with the understanding and passion that always seems to slip through the cracks in other big-screen incarnations. But del Toro unleashes his true creative prowess in Frankenstein, crafting a love letter to Shelley, movie monsters, and gorgeous gothic tragedy with sweeping sets, costumes, and creature design. Though critics seem split on the balance between substance and style, most seem to agree on one thing: this remake, however indulgent, looks fantastic. It’s just a shame that most will be watching it on a modest screen from the comfort of their homes, not in its full glory in a crowded theater. |
