Cast
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Robert Foxworth
as Dr. Victor Frankenstein
Susan Strasberg
as Elizabeth Lavenza
Bo Svenson
as Monster
Heidi Vaughn
as Agatha de Lacey
Philip Bourneuf
as Alphonse Frankenstein
Robert Gentry
as Henri Clerval
Jon Lormer
as Charles de Lacey
William Hansen
as Prof. Waldman
John Karlen
as Otto Roget
George Morgan
as Hugo
Brian Avery
as Felix de Lacey
Willie Aames
as William Frankenstein
Crew
Director
- Glenn Jordan
Producer
- Dan Curtis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/TV Movie/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Frankenstein presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Glenn Jordan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1973, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Frankenstein took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 180 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 229 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 110 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Frankenstein shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Scanners, which focuses more on action than character development, Frankenstein subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Darkman and Paycheck explore similar territory, Frankenstein stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 16, 1973
- Runtime: 3h
