Praise for "Horror of Frankenstein" in Hammer Horror Forum

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Praise for "Horror of Frankenstein"

Author	Comment
Dr Mirakle32		#41	[-]
Feb 25 12 11:34 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I think the film is terrific. I just rewatched it for the first time since I bought the DVD years ago and was surprised; not only at how much I enjoyed it, but at how it colored my overall perception of the Frankenstein story. I recognize it's a lesser Hammer that lacks the vibrant polish Fisher brought to his earlier films, and surprisingly the pacing lags a bit once the Monster is created (the lazy make-up and diaper on Prowse don't help.) But I think it's a fantastic origin-story for the Baron himself. Ralph Bates is probably the most ruthless and genuinely evil of all the Frankensteins, but his youthful appearance and single-mindedness remind me more of Shelley's Victor than the middle-aged Cushing ever did (though Cushing's still my favorite Baron.) I absolutely love the dark comedy aspect, and found most of the dialogue very witty and amusing. I really can't find much wrong with the plot, since I totally get what Sangster was going for. The ending for me, especially feels like a punch in the gut. I just don't understand why this film is so maligned, while the sleazier and often inane FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN was hailed as a cult classic three years later. To me, HORROR did a stronger job handling the same brand of humor and social commentary but benefited from just a touch of Hammer class. Last Edited By: Dr Mirakle32 Feb 25 12 11:36 PM. Edited 2 times.
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skelton knaggs		#42	[-]
Mar 22 12 10:50 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	So let's get one thing straight. I consider this film stinko-plus. But wow!!! If I saw this poster I'd really be pissed walking out of the theater if this is what I thought I'd really see. And I did see this in the theater and walked out pissed as hell. "You can't smell any reefer, can you"?
HawkeyePierce		#43	[-]
Mar 26 12 3:05 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dr Mirakle32 wrote: I think the film is terrific. I just rewatched it for the first time since I bought the DVD years ago and was surprised; not only at how much I enjoyed it, but at how it colored my overall perception of the Frankenstein story. [...] ...I think it's a fantastic origin-story for the Baron himself. Ralph Bates is probably the most ruthless and genuinely evil of all the Frankensteins It's one of the reasons why I like the film so much. Both Cushing and Bates interpret Frankenstein as evil, arrogant, yet ambitious but both in a completely different way. A notable difference between 'Curse of Frankenstein' and 'Horror of Frankenstein' : Considering the kind of person Cushing's Baron is, he seems to be a pretty reasonable man in the first half of the film. But step by step he turn's into the monster that he has been all along and he ends up getting a radical haircut because of it. Bates on the other hand is 'ruthless and genuinely evil' from the very beginning. No need to slowly reveal his intentions to the world, it's pretty obvious from the start that he's destined for 'Mad Science'. It's not very subtle, which might be why most people are turned off by Bates and 'Horror of Frankenstein', but I like it. It's a neat and different (and slightly spectacular) interpretation of a familiair tale (by the same man who brought us the 'Curse of Frankenstein' script no less!), and allows you to see different aspects of Hammer Frankenstein's personality.
Cyanide Rush		#44	[-]
May 1 12 2:17 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I watched this for the first time two weeks back and I really love it. I think it is exactly because of Bates' characterizations. I'm having a bit of afternoon brain cramp, but I did a full write up of it on my blog. I can post the link if anyone's interested in giving it a read through.

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