[6]

Kenneth Branagh directs and stars in this somewhat faithful adaptation of Shelley’s spectacular novel. While it hits most of the plot points, it doesn’t quite capture the essence of Shelley’s work — that if you tinker irresponsibly with nature (or play God), you’ll reap the whirlwind. This could have been achieved if Branagh gave a more believable performance. He and Helena Bonham Carter are both over the top, but Robert DeNiro does a good job balancing fright and sympathy in his portrayal of the monster. It’s weird casting, though, if only because you can’t stop thinking, “That’s Robert DeNiro as the monster.” A lesser-known actor (or unknown) would have been better. I’d have also preferred that the movie were more visually stylized, more gothic, like what Coppola did with his version of Dracula.

Oscar Nomination: Best Makeup