Anything like this, that calls attention to the value of these unlikely masterpieces: Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, The Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, all the 'first generation' Universal 'Monster Films', is totally worthy and welcome. To keep the generations focussed on these classics, and their existential vision for early cinema, not to mention the Nation's transitioning from a Great Depression into a World War; well it's really what TH-cam is for isn't it? - For users to share their opinions and 'takes' on what made these films classic in the first place, and what keeps them classics into the next century where they will influence the next batch of writers and filmmakers. Keep up the good work; these thoughtful musings on the classics are useful and necessary... BTW the 1998 film 'Gods and Monsters'; with Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser, a most thoughtful musing on the motivation of the great James Whale, who directed several of these classics, is one of the best 'psychological-exploratory' films I've ever seen, with its insight into Whale's experience as an infantryman in the trenches of WWI, and the lifelong trauma he suffered; also his 'outsider' status as a gay man in the 1920s, how it all played into the making of such a masterpiece as Frankenstein.
David, I love your narrative and framing. The colors are natural black and white with the snow and the black leave less trees. Your distant but warm monotone delivery ads to the subject matter you are speaking. Very minimalist. I great deal of thought went into your video essays. You are quite talented. I would love for you to watch the film adaptation of Henry James’ “Turn of the Screw”, “The Innocents” with the screenplay by Truman Capote and directed by Jack Clayton. It was released in the same year as “ Psycho”. Another great film that unfortunately over shadowed the release of “Innocents”. Would to see a video esssy by you. 👍🏿💯
As a kid I was obsessed with the old horror movies from the early days. My personal favorite is NOSFERATU, which set the tone for so many later films. Leave it to German Impressionist directors to pull off miracles.
I was very young the first time I saw this film and I wasn't frightened but saddened. The film also had a dark comedy in the almost slapstick bungling of the monster. James Whale seemed to understand the helpless circumstance of the monster and the tragic nature of the character. Whale went on to direct what is considered the finest version of the musical Showboat. I was amazed by a brilliant director who succeeded in two very different genres of film. Or were they? Whale was portrayed in the film Gods and Monsters, definitely worth seeing. I don't know the biographical accuracy of that film but he describes a personal gruesome tragedy he suffered in the trenches of WWI. If true it would explain his outlook and purpose of this film.
Frankenstein is my favorite movie monster, both the Universal and the Hammer series. The book is one of my favorite fiction novels as well. Every time I reread it I find something new.
Apparently the original release (and possibly a mid 1930s re-release as well) was tinted (horror) green - which (assuming this is true), explains the origin of the long-term belief that the monster was green - as none of the films themselves refer to it (and you'd think describing the monster as 'that green guy' might help the torch-bearing mobs find him fairly easily).
I like that your segments are outside. This is a tough thing for many TH-camrs to pull off and remain serious. Your framing for this video is extraordinary, in the truest sense of the word, but you might have had some fun while talking about the Frankenstein's Laboratory- your framing could have been "off kilter" too, just as a fun nod to the film (perhaps I might have put the camera on the ground looking up and off level, with you in leaning over the camera framed as you were in those shots). Just some ideas for you...
Great work. Love this movie, and most of the classic B&W horror movies of that era. When I was a boy in the 70's, I always gravitated toward horror and this was among the first horror movies I was allowed to watch. It is fun how differently I interpret it now as a middle aged man compared to when I was young and experiencing it for the first time (with commercials, on a UHF channel). Good stuff man, hope to see more from you.
Well done David. I'm going to subscribe to your channel. Perhaps you might want to touch on the influence of director James Whale on Karloff's performance in the film. I know this aspect has been explored already, but it might be worth mentioning that Whale was a closeted homosexual living and working in an intolerant society. His outsider status certainly must have had an impact on how the Monster was portrayed in the movie. I certainly remember as a child watching Frankenstein on the late show and feeling deep sympathy for Karloff's character. I wept for him. Keep up the good work. I will be watching your videos regularly.
@@dbotros A good primer might be the 1998 movie Gods and Monsters with Ian McKellen and Brendan Frasier, a movie about James Whale's closeted life in Hollywood. It also might be good for you to base your film criticism on a base set of established criteria. (sociopolitical, aesthetic, technical, etc.), and then expand from there as needed. An established video format always helps in cultivating an audience. I as a viewer tend to revisit channels that are formatted in a consistent manner, with an identifiable intro and outro. There is a "showbiz" aspect to video presentations it seems. Embrace it.
Anything like this, that calls attention to the value of these unlikely masterpieces: Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, The Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, all the 'first generation' Universal 'Monster Films', is totally worthy and welcome. To keep the generations focussed on these classics, and their existential vision for early cinema, not to mention the Nation's transitioning from a Great Depression into a World War; well it's really what TH-cam is for isn't it? - For users to share their opinions and 'takes' on what made these films classic in the first place, and what keeps them classics into the next century where they will influence the next batch of writers and filmmakers.
Keep up the good work; these thoughtful musings on the classics are useful and necessary...
BTW the 1998 film 'Gods and Monsters'; with Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser, a most thoughtful musing on the motivation of the great James Whale, who directed several of these classics, is one of the best 'psychological-exploratory' films I've ever seen, with its insight into Whale's experience as an infantryman in the trenches of WWI, and the lifelong trauma he suffered; also his 'outsider' status as a gay man in the 1920s, how it all played into the making of such a masterpiece as Frankenstein.
An eloquent tribute to a film that is also one of my favorites. Salut, friend.
David,
I love your narrative and framing. The colors are natural black and white with the snow and the black leave less trees. Your distant but warm monotone delivery ads to the subject matter you are speaking. Very minimalist. I great deal of thought went into your video essays. You are quite talented.
I would love for you to watch the film adaptation of Henry James’ “Turn of the Screw”, “The Innocents” with the screenplay by Truman Capote and directed by Jack Clayton. It was released in the same year as “
Psycho”. Another great film that unfortunately over shadowed the release of “Innocents”. Would to see a video esssy by you.
👍🏿💯
As a kid I was obsessed with the old horror movies from the early days. My personal favorite is NOSFERATU, which set the tone for so many later films. Leave it to German Impressionist directors to pull off miracles.
Love Nosferatu ... Murnau is one of the greats.
I was very young the first time I saw this film and I wasn't frightened but saddened. The film also had a dark comedy in the almost slapstick bungling of the monster. James Whale seemed to understand the helpless circumstance of the monster and the tragic nature of the character. Whale went on to direct what is considered the finest version of the musical Showboat. I was amazed by a brilliant director who succeeded in two very different genres of film. Or were they? Whale was portrayed in the film Gods and Monsters, definitely worth seeing. I don't know the biographical accuracy of that film but he describes a personal gruesome tragedy he suffered in the trenches of WWI. If true it would explain his outlook and purpose of this film.
Frankenstein is my favorite movie monster, both the Universal and the Hammer series. The book is one of my favorite fiction novels as well. Every time I reread it I find something new.
I feel compelled to encourage you to make more videos... with time, more people will come to see and like them as they deserve to be!
Apparently the original release (and possibly a mid 1930s re-release as well) was tinted (horror) green - which (assuming this is true), explains the origin of the long-term belief that the monster was green - as none of the films themselves refer to it (and you'd think describing the monster as 'that green guy' might help the torch-bearing mobs find him fairly easily).
Excellent review. Good observation that the large sets and wide shots made everyone look like dolls in a play house.
I just came across your work.
M, followed by Frankenstein
Very impressed with your insight and presentation.
You have another fan.
Thank you.
Beautiful piece. I am now a big fan of your channel. Great work.
A perfect essay!!! So well informed and articulated, great job homie
Monica! Thank you!
Tragic. That’s the word. Nice work. I really enjoyed your thoughts.
Really love your stuff keep it up
I like that your segments are outside. This is a tough thing for many TH-camrs to pull off and remain serious. Your framing for this video is extraordinary, in the truest sense of the word, but you might have had some fun while talking about the Frankenstein's Laboratory- your framing could have been "off kilter" too, just as a fun nod to the film (perhaps I might have put the camera on the ground looking up and off level, with you in leaning over the camera framed as you were in those shots). Just some ideas for you...
What mic are you using??your voice has great quality. Sound is great.
Thanks.
Heart wrenching story. What humanity is capable of.
Great work. Love this movie, and most of the classic B&W horror movies of that era. When I was a boy in the 70's, I always gravitated toward horror and this was among the first horror movies I was allowed to watch. It is fun how differently I interpret it now as a middle aged man compared to when I was young and experiencing it for the first time (with commercials, on a UHF channel).
Good stuff man, hope to see more from you.
Well done David. I'm going to subscribe to your channel. Perhaps you might want to touch on the influence of director James Whale on Karloff's performance in the film. I know this aspect has been explored already, but it might be worth mentioning that Whale was a closeted homosexual living and working in an intolerant society. His outsider status certainly must have had an impact on how the Monster was portrayed in the movie. I certainly remember as a child watching Frankenstein on the late show and feeling deep sympathy for Karloff's character. I wept for him. Keep up the good work. I will be watching your videos regularly.
Thanks, Robert! I actually didn't know that, very interesting. Goes to show how much the director's voice plays into the finished film.
@@dbotros A good primer might be the 1998 movie Gods and Monsters with Ian McKellen and Brendan Frasier, a movie about James Whale's closeted life in Hollywood. It also might be good for you to base your film criticism on a base set of established criteria. (sociopolitical, aesthetic, technical, etc.), and then expand from there as needed. An established video format always helps in cultivating an audience. I as a viewer tend to revisit channels that are formatted in a consistent manner, with an identifiable intro and outro. There is a "showbiz" aspect to video presentations it seems. Embrace it.