Synopsis: Frankenstein, a young medical student, trying to create the perfect human being, instead creates a misshapen monster.

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Here at Codex Mortis, we generally review only feature-length movies, not shorts or series. But in light of the often-brief nature of the oldest cinematic treasures, we make an exception for movies released before 1920.

Calamity Brains:

The video quality of Frankenstein (1910) isn’t good, but there’s something captivating about watching a movie that was created so long ago.

However, the movie has a lot of serious shortcomings. The monster is not very intimidating nor the actors very convincing. (Those who are familiar with silent movies will recognize the same grand gestures and “over-acting” here in Frankenstein.) More critically, the filmmakers did the classic story no favors in their rendition – it’s cut down enough that it’s hard to follow. There are numerous skips in the story that leave obnoxiously large gaps and plot holes.

But there are things the movie does well. There is excellent mood music during the creature’s creation, and indeed through most of the creature’s scenes. Also keep an eye out for clever use of a mirror; not only do the filmmakers employ it to add dimension to numerous scenes, but there are even special effects surrounding its use.

Frankenstein (1910) is mostly only a watch piece as a curiosity, but fans of older movies (and even some modern day aficionados) will be impressed with some of the tricks employed to tell this classic tale.

Note: I think my favorite part is when Frankenstein mixes up something that looks like cake batter and throws it into a cauldron to make the creature. SCIENCE!

Calamity Brains’ Rating: C-
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