Victor Frankenstein (2015) offers a fresh and energetic take on one of the most famous horror stories ever written. Instead of retelling the classic tale exactly as we know it, the film chooses a different perspective and focuses on the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his assistant Igor. This creative decision gives the story a new sense of depth and allows the audience to see the famous scientist through another character’s eyes. Directed by Paul McGuigan, the movie blends elements of gothic horror, science fiction, drama, and even dark humor.
The story begins with Igor, a deformed circus performer who lives a miserable life and is treated as little more than an animal. Despite his circumstances, Igor is highly intelligent and secretly fascinated by anatomy and science. His life changes dramatically when he meets the ambitious and brilliant Victor Frankenstein. Victor recognizes Igor’s intelligence and potential, rescues him from the circus, and becomes both his mentor and friend. Victor even corrects Igor’s physical deformity and introduces him to a new world of scientific discovery. From this point on, the film follows their partnership as they work together on increasingly dangerous experiments.
What makes Victor Frankenstein interesting is how it explores Victor’s obsession with pushing the boundaries of science. He believes that death itself can be defeated and that life can be artificially created. At first, his ideas seem visionary and even inspiring, but as the experiments become more extreme, the darker side of his ambition begins to show. The film slowly reveals how Victor’s desire to achieve greatness starts to consume him. His determination becomes reckless, and the consequences of his actions grow more terrifying.
The relationship between Victor and Igor is the emotional core of the movie. Igor begins as a loyal friend who admires Victor’s genius, but over time he starts to question whether their experiments are morally right. This internal conflict gives the film more depth than a typical monster movie. Igor represents humanity and caution, while Victor represents ambition and scientific arrogance. Their friendship is tested as Victor becomes more obsessed with proving that he can create life from death.
Visually, the movie has a strong gothic atmosphere. The laboratories filled with strange machines, electricity, and grotesque body parts create a dark and chaotic environment that fits perfectly with the themes of the story. The experiments themselves are dramatic and sometimes disturbing, emphasizing how dangerous Victor’s work truly is. At the same time, the film moves at a fast pace and includes several intense action scenes that keep the story exciting.
The performances also play a big role in making the film engaging. The actor playing Victor portrays him as both charismatic and slightly unhinged, making it believable that people would follow him while also fearing what he might become. Igor, on the other hand, is portrayed as compassionate and thoughtful, which makes him a character the audience can easily sympathize with.
Although the film does not strictly follow the original novel, it succeeds in presenting a different interpretation of the Frankenstein legend. Instead of focusing only on the monster, the movie explores the psychological and moral consequences of playing with the power of life and death.
Overall, Victor Frankenstein is an entertaining and visually striking film that offers a modern perspective on a classic horror story. It combines action, drama, and dark themes while exploring the dangers of unchecked ambition. While it may not be a perfect adaptation of the original story, it still provides an engaging and thought-provoking experience for viewers who enjoy gothic horror and science fiction.
Drama / Horror / Sci-Fi
USA, 2015, 109 min
Director: Paul McGuigan
Based on: Mary Shelley (novel)
Screenplay: Max Landis
Cinematography: Fabian Wagner
Music: Craig Armstrong
Starring: James McAvoy, Daniel Radcliffe, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott, Charles Dance, Louise Brealey, Mark Gatiss, Freddie Fox, Daniel Mays, Guillaume Delaunay, Bronson Webb, Callum Turner, Alistair Petrie, Adrian Schiller, Freddie-Joe Twine, Francesca Bennett, Spencer Wilding, Barrie Martin, Di Botcher, Will Keen, Eve Ponsonby, Patricia Winker, Attila G. Kerekes, Neil Bell, Valene Kane, Adam Bond, Cera Rose Pickering, Oleg Hill, James Michael Rankin, Craig Walters, Nicola Sloane
Producer: John Davis
Casting: Jina Jay
Editing: Andrew Hulme, Charlie Phillips
Sound: James Mather, Brendan Nicholson, Richard Pryke, Colin Nicolson
Production Design: Eve Stewart, Grant Armstrong, Michael Standish
Make-up: Karen Cohen, Matthew Smith, Nicky Knowles, Frances Hannon, Rebecca Cole, Loulia Sheppard, David Malinowski, Siân Miller
Costume Design: Jany Temime