[ravenus]

Curse of Frankenstein - Terence Fisher

CoF was the first of the Frankenstein movies made by Hammer Studios. Unlike the Universal films, Hammer's series focussed on the character of Dr. Viktor Frankenstein as opposed to the Creature (which many movie-goers mistakenly think is called Frankenstein). He is portrayed here as an obsessed and ruthless scientist who will brook no resistance and stop at nothing in his experiments, even going to the extent of killing an old man with the intent of obtaining his brain. He is not evil but utterly amoral, unconcerned with the theological implications of his work.

Given its qualification of being foremost a potboiler, this is quite a good film with some cool ideas in Jimmy Sangster's script and an excellent performance by Peter Cushing as Viktor Frankenstein. Cushing breathes life into the role like few others can, making the doctor a thoroughly believable, if none too likeable, character.

The film has it's share of flaws: Besides fixing some of the more glaring plot holes, getting a slightly more stylish look and better actors for the supporting roles would have helped (though Christopher Lee in a brief role as the creature is good enough). But this is still definitely worth the watch and, in my view, a hell lot more entertaining than the stodgy 1994 Kenneth Branagh - Robert De Niro movie.