Frankenstein 90 (1984)
Directed by Alain Jessua

Film Review

Frankenstein 90 is one of the more unusual film re-interpretations of Mary Shelley's famous Gothic novel, from a director who was better known for his sardonic swipes at society than excursions into fantasy. Alain Jessua probably sympathised with Dr Frankenstein, a maverick film auteur whose creations had a habit of shocking and disconcerting an unsuspecting audience (although, thankfully, not strangling the life out of them).  There's dark humorous streak to much of Jessua's work - Jeu de massacre (1967) and Les Chiens (1979) are as much black comedies as they are virulent assaults on modern society - so we should't be surprised by the fact that the director's Frankenstein bash was intended in a darkly comedic vein, with such stark images as the one showing the bodies of night club dancers hung up in a refrigerator.

The film is not without its faults, it has to be said.  The action is a little directionless in places, the attempts to follow the original, familiar Frankenstein story occasionally appear contrived and artificial, and the surreal ending is completely baffling.  However, all this must be set against some very strong pluses. The story of the creature is told with genuine pathos, perhaps more effectively than the original Frankenstein films, and there are some very poignant moments.  This is down largely to a remarkable performance from Eddy Mitchell who, a charismatic actor and international sex symbol, is probably the last person you would expect to see playing Frankenstein's monster.  Mitchell not only has the right physique, dominating ever scene he appears in, but he brings surprising sympathy and humanity to a very unusual role.  This is arguably among his best film appearances to date.

Unfortunately, Michell's noteworthy performance is not matched by his co-stars, whose own characters desperately lack depth and impact.  Jean Rochefort makes a poor substitute for Peter Cushing as Victor Frankenstein and the rest of the cast are hardly noticeable.  Still, the updated laboratory scenes are impressive and almost put to shame those found in Hammer's great horror offerings of the 1960s.

Film Synopsis

A scientist Victor, a direct descendent of the infamous Baron Frankenstein, assembles bodies parts to create a new kind of human being, animated with an electronic brain.  The creature, Frank, is well-mannered and affectionate, but is occasionally prone to acts of unintended violence.  Seeing that his creation is strongly attracted towards women, Victor creates a female companion for him.  But then, like his legendary forebear, humankind turns against Victor.  Distraught and alone, the creature takes sanctuary in the home of his ancestors, Castle Frankenstein...