Chrono's Horror Marathon Week 1: Frankenstein's Monster

[DrFrankensteinsGirl]

Sorry I've totally missed the first 2 movies but my sister-in-law just had her baby so its been a little crazy around here lately. I'm going to try and be available for today because I love Young Frankenstein so hard core.

[ChronoGrl]

Originally Posted by Damn Heathen

I have finished my viewing and give Bride a 10/10 on its merits of pre-climax narrative, conclusive theme, horror aesthetic, and stellar performances.

I do have a few quibbles, some of which were previously discussed, but nothing that would warrant a point deduction. Although the lever of doom ending is narratively weak, it has tremendous cinematic appeal, and as the primary goal of a movie is to be VISUALLY interesting, it works well.


Some of these themes cinematically predate Bride. I must rewatch Metropolis to determine how much it influenced Bride.

I wish they had used the bookend, with a less subtle meta-comparison between Mary and the Bride.


Great point. She is merely there to reject him (and die), as she should be. Honestly, I expected more backlash from the "OMG I need oodles of characterization or I can't relate" crowd.

I've been thinking about this a lot on my commute this morning, especially the latter point about the Bride's role in the film - I'll comment more once I can organize my thoughts and have a break from work.

I already know that I am going to watch the film again; I need to put some space between the previous viewing.

Originally Posted by newb

Missed both....been a bit under the weather since Sunday

Will try to hop on next one

Bummer! Pneumonia seems to be making the rounds - Suffered through it the last couple of weeks... Hope you're on the mend!

Originally Posted by metternich1815

I decided to watch Son of Frankenstein tonight in preparation for tomorrow. I had seen it before, but it's been awhile. I will also try to watch Frankenstein as well (that I have seen several times, but I missed Sunday's viewing). I might end up re-watching Bride before the film tomorrow too, not sure.

Tell me about Son of Frankenstein - I'm honestly curious; is this a franchise that can hold up so many sequels?

Originally Posted by DrFrankensteinsGirl

Sorry I've totally missed the first 2 movies but my sister-in-law just had her baby so its been a little crazy around here lately. I'm going to try and be available for today because I love Young Frankenstein so hard core.

Well congrats to your SIL!!

...

OK Fellow Fiends - I'm pretty psyched about tonight's viewing...


YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974)



Why did I pick this movie?

Despite it being an obvious and incredibly entertaining choice, the fact is - It's been a REALLY long time since I've seen it. And I am really interested to view it so closely to having seen Frankenstein and Bride. I'm especially excited that I'll be able to understand more of the Bride callbacks with this viewing.


SPEAKING of Frankenstein-related comedies - How many others can you name and are they worth watching?


The showing is at 8:00p.m. EST - I'll log on prior to post the link to meetings.io.

Hope to "see" you then!

[hammerfan]

The first one that comes immediately to mind is Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Hilarious! And, you also get Dracula and the Wolf Man! I highly recommend it.

BTW, I don't think I'm going to be able to make it tonight, sorry.

[metternich1815]

Originally Posted by ChronoGrl

Tell me about Son of Frankenstein - I'm honestly curious; is this a franchise that can hold up so many sequels?

*Possible Spoilers*

I briefly described my thoughts in the vintage thread, but, yes, I really enjoyed it. The basic plot is that Frankenstein's son comes to Frankenstein's castle, I did not catch why, but does not really intend to continue his father's work. He believes that what his father did was good, but that certain circumstances resulted in the infamous disaster. Though, he does add that he believes the stories are greatly exaggerated. As you would expect, he does end up continuing his father's work by reviving the monster. Much of the rest of the film is chacterized by his interaction with Igor and the monster, as well as the Inspector. Ultimately, culminating in the destruction of the monster. I know some of it sounds a little standard, but it really isn't. The story is really interesting and it definitely takes the series in a fascinating direction. Even though the whole "son of" plot may sound cliché, it really is done quite well. I was captivated from beginning to end. One of the strongest reasons for this captivation is the strong characters. While they are all well done, particular note must be given to Bela Lugosi as Ygor. In fact, that whole sub-plot was quite brilliant. In my personal opinion, the film did not have the depth that the original or Bride had, but it was a solid sequel. As neverending said on the vintage thread, the first three films form a very strong and high-quality trilogy, which the later ones just never matched. I have not seen House of Frankenstein yet, but from the Frankenstein films I have seen, I would have to agree, though I know Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man was not bad. In truth, while the later films may not match the original three, they are all worth a watch.

As a seperate note, on that vintage thread I mentioned, hammerfan said she would post her review of the film later in case you were interested.

[hammerfan]

I'm really not as good as the rest of you at putting my thoughts in writing. A big draw from me that everyone leaves out is the fact that Basil Rathbone plays Wolf Frankenstein. I've always loved his work, and feel that he does some of his best in this movie. Yes, Bela Lugosi is great, too. The little boy (Wolf's son) is a hoot.

Yeah, that's all I have. Otherwise, I'd be repeating what neverending and metternich have said.

[neverending]

Ygor is one of my favorite Lugosi portrayals. He's so sly and conniving. And hammerfan is right- Rathbone is great as Wolf von Frankenstein. The iconic battle of wits/game of darts scene between he and Inspector Krogh is masterfully parodied by Brooks in Young Frankenstein.

Let me add that Inspector Krogh, played by Lionell Atwill, a B-level horror icon, is a fascinating character. His backstory leads to a pivotal moment in the film that I won't spoil....

[ChronoGrl]

OK Horror Fiends!

I'm getting ready for Frankenstein Viewing #3:

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

This is a movie that my parents have always loved and quoted incessantly when I was younger, so this also has very fond memories for me...

Here's the meetings.io link:

m1.io/3nnsyhjY1iK

I'll probably be putzing around so if you see an empty chair for a tick, I'll be right back!

[horcrux2007]

Originally Posted by ChronoGrl

OK Horror Fiends!

I'm getting ready for Frankenstein Viewing #3:

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

This is a movie that my parents have always loved and quoted incessantly when I was younger, so this also has very fond memories for me...

Here's the meetings.io link:

m1.io/3nnsyhjY1iK

I'll probably be putzing around so if you see an empty chair for a tick, I'll be right back!

Oh my god, my childhood (up to this point) was that movie. It was one of the first movies I ever saw.

[metternich1815]

Looks like I lost you ChronoGrl...lol.

[ChronoGrl]

Yeah... Internet died on my laptop... Troubleshooting now...