Main Content
Frankenstein
Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is widely recognised as being one of the first 'science fiction' novels. Starring Michael Maloney as Frankenstein and John Wood as the Creature, this spine-tingling dramatisation perfectly conveys the book's pervasive sense of unease and dread. Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious young scientist and seeker after knowledge, considers it the pinnacle of his career when he makes a Creature in his own name. But his triumph soon turns to horror, and he is appalled when the Creature, denied a female counterpart, turns against his creator and commits a terrible crime. In a desperate attempt to destroy his creation, the scientist tracks him from Europe to the desolate North Pole, and in this bleak landscape of ice and fog, prepares to confront his nemesis...
Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is widely recognised as being one of the first 'science fiction' novels. Starring Michael Maloney as Frankenstein and John Wood as the Creature, this spine-tingling dramatisation perfectly conveys the book's pervasive sense of unease and dread. Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious young scientist and seeker after knowledge, considers it the pinnacle of his career when he makes a Creature in his own name. But his triumph soon turns to horror, and he is appalled when the Creature, denied a female counterpart, turns against his creator and commits a terrible crime. In a desperate attempt to destroy his creation, the scientist tracks him from Europe to the desolate North Pole, and in this bleak landscape of ice and fog, prepares to confront his nemesis...
Reviews-
-
The first thing listeners will note about Shelley's seminal novel is how different it is from the more familiar Hollywood film. Truthfully, listening to the book will likely inspire a desire to watch the Boris Karloff interpretation. Narrator Richard Pasco never grunts "Fire, bad" in his performance, but, rather, portrays a more intelligent, tragic monster, as Shelley intended. Actually, the monster is a bit of a yakky whiner. Pasco goes over the top several times, making the monster speak like a tragic Shakespearian hero. The effect is not so much unsettling as unpleasant. M.S. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
-
Jim Weiss, noted for his spirited, thoughtful storytelling for children, tries something different with this very adult classic. He does it well. Though initially his reading seems affected, caricaturing rather than characterizing, the listener is quietly swept up, especially after Dr. Frankenstein creates his monster. From that point on, Weiss reads with a slight European accent that adds to the novel's gothic tone and makes the story even more moving. Weaknesses in the presentation after this rest in Mary Shelley's implausible narrative, not Jim Weiss's reading. P.E.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine
-
We all know the Hollywood FRANKENSTEIN and even Mel Brooks's "Frahnken-steen." But how many of us have heard the original version? Kenneth Branagh provides a sincere and well-modulated narration of what is basically a cautionary tale. Victor Frankenstein is a visionary scientist often overcome by nervous fevers, fainting, and dementia when confronted by life's shocks and losses. Frankenstein's particular torture is the creature he has created in hopes of achieving a better human. Instead, he finds he has spawned a monster with the heart of a poet, who seeks acceptance and love, or, if unsatisfied, deadly revenge. Branagh's understated presentation is worthy of this classic. D.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine
-
Mary Shelley's classic tale of science gone awry is adapted for radio by Winnie Waldron, whose abridgment focuses on Victor Frankenstein's obsession with death and creation. With Winifred Phillips's Gothic-style musical score and gently emotional reading, FRANKENSTEIN is a fresh and captivating listening experience. This program, which was broadcast on the award-winning NPR series "Radio Tales," is available on CD from MP3.com. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine
-
Shelley's classic novel, about a rash inventor who creates a monster, to its and his own sorrow, gives us three narrative voices: that of the inventor, Victor Frankenstein; his creature; and Walton, an explorer to whom their tale is told. As Victor, Anthony Heald's otherwise fine voice is reedy and wavering. Whether so by intent (it fits Victor, who is near death) or nature, it's somewhat distracting. Stefan Rudnicki's harsh voice fits the creature, but he starts haltingly, while the creature, at that point, should speak fluently. As the explorer, Simon Templeman's voice and performance are strong. Despite quibbles over interpretation, all three voices are expressive, the vocal acting highly skilled. This is a vibrant rendition of a tragic story that, even with its old-fashioned prose, is often powerful. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
- www.sci-fi-online.com wonderful retelling of the timeless, classic story. The acting is uniformly impressive, as are the sound effects.
