[William A. Baurle]

Originally Posted by R. Nemo Hill

Just because it was faithful to the book doesn't make it a good movie, William. It seemed no more than an excuse for KB to take his shirt off. I think he is a 'spitter' in the worst sense. I've never liked him in anything. Even the great Robert Altman couldn't make me stomach him. I've learned my commercial film lesson: if Branagh is in it, or if Steven Spielberg directs it, I don't bother to see it.

Nemo

To your first sentence: no kidding? In the case of Frankenstein, which has been the source of many bad- to- mediocre films and an iconic character that have little relation to the novel (many people no doubt still think the monster's name is Frankenstein), faithfulness to the novel is important, because there are profound ethical, social, even theological points made in the narrative which should be transferred at least to some degree to a film based on it. At least that's my opinion.

I thought the film was very good. I enjoyed it, I've watched it several times, mostly for De Niro's amazing performance, his change from innocent/benevolent character to monster. I won't argue with you about Branagh, though, since he's not the reason I like the movie so much. But, I'd take my shirt off as often as I could if I looked like him.

You don't like Spielberg's films either? Wow.