But unfortunately for the sake of this classic novel, he doesn't succeed at portraying the same theme or perspective on the characters, and if you really want to understand the concept of Frankenstein, you just have to read the primary source, and excuse this disaster of a "movie" that wastes the many talents of the performers which include; Robert DeNiro, Tom Hulce, John Cleese and Helena Bonham Carter and, and not to forget two hours of your life, whether significant or not, it shouldn't be wasted on this particular retake! Kenneth Branagh "thinks" he knows what Mary Shelley is trying to portray in her novel, but completely misplaces his brain at this particular time, and I"m sorry, but sometimes I just don't think that a conceded male can grasp a woman's way of thinking when are they are focussed on is getting themselves playing the leading role! His head was completely floating in the air during this whole movie, and in most oh his aspects of directing to acting
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Also Branagh plays with the characters and the roles that were acted in the story. Elizabeth takes on a more solid role, she gains more courage and personality of her own. Although Branagh I do believe changed Elizabeth's role to modernize to the time period a bit, it shouldn't have been done, for it changes peoples perspective on Victor Frankenstein. She tells him that she wants him to come home, but in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein she only wishes that Victor does what he needs to do, and that she"ll wait for him. So by him going forth with his studies it portrays a more selfish character than what was meant by Shelley. Also in Mary Shelley's version, Victor is a lot more studious, respectable and intelligent. Branagh changed the story line and had Frankenstein steal his professor's notes who warned him and carefully suppressed the not to go about his ideas of animation. After his passing Victor used his journal and notes to creat the being for which he gave no name and did so without using his own intellect.
