Opened: November 4, 1994

Directed by: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Hulce, Ian Holm, John Cleese, Aidan Quinn, Richard Briers, Robert Hardy, Trevyn McDowell, Celia Imrie, Cherie Lunghi, Rory Jennings, Hannah Taylor Gordon, Christina Cuttall, Ryan Smith, Alex Lowe, Jenny Galloway & Hugh Bonneville

As a result of Kenneth Branagh’s frantic direction, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was denounced by its screenwriters, Steph Lady and Frank Darabont, and producer Francis Ford Coppola – who weren’t wrong.

Victor Frankenstein (Branagh) learns of science in which he can create life. He makes a creature (Robert De Niro) but immediately shuns it. When Victor returns home to his love Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the creature vows his revenge.

Contrast to the deep levels of Mary Shelley’s novel, this Frankenstein is manic in every sense and focuses too much on romance, which is not what the novel was about. It seems to be serving Branagh’s ego – most notably when the creation scene makes a shirtless Victor the center of attention.

De Niro’s quiet moments are fantastic – but they’re few and far between.

Final say: The creature has fewer flaws than this. ★★☆☆☆