Spooky Season Spookathon Spooktacular Wrap-up and Richard Raaphorst Interview
The director of Frankenstein’s Army talks about his film
We did it, folks. We made it through yet another Spooky Season Spookathon Spectacular, and this one may have been the best one yet. There are far more good Frankenstein movies than I would have ever guessed, and they come in every conceivable stripe. Before getting into all of my various categories this year, I was lucky enough to speak with director Richard Raaphorst. Richard is the director behind Frankenstein’s Army (2013), and he chatted with me about his film all the way from Amsterdam.
Thanks again to Richard for making time for me in his busy schedule! Now onto what I thought about this year’s slate of films.
Favorite Film: Frankenstein (2015)
This wasn’t my first time watching Bernard Rose’s modern take on Shelley’s classic novel, but I still found myself loving it as though it was brand new to me. The film is set in modern day Los Angeles, but it nails the tone of the novel. Xavier Samuel is phenomenal as the monster, and Tony Todd is brilliant as the blind man who shows him kindness. Bernard Rose (most famous for directing Candyman) never shies away from the gore and horror while simultaneously crafting a heartbreaking tale. It’s a must watch for horror fans.
Most Faithful Adaptation: Frankenstein (2004)
Who would have thought that the most faithful film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein would come courtesy of the Hallmark Channel? Directed by the prolific Kevin Connor (The Land That Time Forgot, At the Earth’s Core, Motel Hell), this was initially released as a two part made-for-television series on the Hallmark Channel with an incredibly stacked cast that includes Alec Newman as Frankenstein, Luke Goss as the monster, Dan Stevens as Henry, and William Hurt as Waldman. It is extremely faithful to the source material up to and including the depiction of the monster as being intelligent and with long black hair. It’s also very well made with convincing sets and visual effects despite the limited budget. If you want a movie that accurately depicts Shelley’s story, then this is the movie for you.
Most Bonkers Film: Frankenstein Unbound (1990)
First of all, this is directed by the B-Movie King himself: Roger Corman. You know you’re in for a wild ride based on that alone. Even with that knowledge, nothing can prepare you for the insanity that is this movie. It stars John Hurt as a scientist from the year 2031 whose super weapon he invented sends him back in time to the early nineteenth century with only his talking car. From there he meets Victor Frankenstein (Raul Julia) who is apparently a real person in this reality along with his monster. He also meets Mary Shelley (Bridget Fonda) who is also apparently a real person in this universe who is famous for writing Frankenstein. I don’t know how she became famous for writing a novel about events that actually took place, but that’s what we’re going with. It’s actually a pretty entertaining movie once you realize what you’re in for, but it’s still incredibly bonkers.
Favorite Depiction of Frankenstein: Peter Cushing in The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)
Peter Cushing is the man. He rules. Full stop. He’s fantastic as Baron Victor Frankenstein in all of the Hammer films, but The Revenge of Frankenstein is the film that best captures the essence of his character. This version of Frankenstein is older and significantly more evil than the one in Shelley’s novel, but that’s what makes him so great. He is supremely confident (especially in this film), and you just keep waiting for his hubris to get the best of him. Unfortunately for the people in this universe, he always seems to wriggle his way out of every jam.
Most Faithful Depiction of Frankenstein: Kenneth Branagh in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)
Look. Branagh gets plenty wrong in his adaptation as a director, but his portrayal of Victor Frankenstein as an actor is pretty spot on. He convincingly captures both his arrogance and mania as he sets out on his quest to create life, and he accurately portrays his anger and self-loathing when things go wrong. He also nails the aristocratic nature of a spoiled rich kid who never had to truly face the consequences of his actions until now. The rest of the movie may not be great, but his performance is strong.
Favorite Depiction of the Monster: Boris Karloff in Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Everyone knows the iconic performance from Boris Karloff in Frankenstein (1931), but it’s his performance in the sequel that is him at his best. Karloff is given the chance to really show off his acting chops as his monster learns to speak and convey his emotions and desires. For as tragic as his character is in the first film, seeing him in this film is even more gut wrenching. One line in particular sums up his character: “I love dead…hate living.”
Most Faithful Depiction of the Monster: Luke Goss in Frankenstein (2004)
Big surprise. The most faithful adaptation of Frankenstein also contains the most faithful depiction of the monster. Luke Goss made a name for himself by playing tragic monsters in the 2000s as Nomak in Blade II (2002) and Prince Nuada in Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008), but his performance as Frankenstein’s monster might be his best. He convincingly plays the monster as a tragic figure who gives into his darkest impulses, and his physical appearance is probably the closest thing to the novel’s description that we’ve seen in the big screen. He actually has the long black hair! Constantin Tripes in Frankenstein vs. The Mummy (2015) is the only other person on this list whose monster has the obsidian mane. Goss is fantastic in this movie, and he deserves much more credit as an actor than he is typically given.
Most Creative Depiction of the Monster(s): Frankenstein’s Army (2013)
Come on. Just look at these monstrosities. How could you not love these creature designs? Each time a new one shows up in Richard Raaphorst’s WWII found footage horror film, it’s somehow cooler and more grotesque than the one before. If you’re looking for a gruesome good time with loads of terrifying monsters, look no further than Frankenstein’s Army.
As I said at the start of this piece, this might have been my favorite Spooky Season Spookathon Spooktacular to date. Hopefully it was fun for you as well.
The season finale of Taste the Pod of Dracula is now up as well. We finally discuss Dracula (1931) starring the immortal Bela Lugosi. Happy Halloween!