We need another good Frankenstein movie. The Universal Monsters are getting retooled for today’s modern audience, and apparently it looks like one of the brand’s most iconic figures is being brought back to the big screen. So far we have the Mummy, Dr. Jekyll and a new Bride of Frankenstein on the way, and it looks like we may even be getting a standalone film starring none other than Javier Bardem.
Anyone who has seen No Country for Old Men knows that Javier Bardem can command the attention of an audience just by being on screen. The man can throw a look into the camera that instantly makes any viewer stop what they are doing and pay attention. I can’t think of any other actor working today who could play Frankenstein’s monster with the levels of intensity and emotion required for the role. If Universal wants this reboot to work, Javier Bardem is the way to go.
What many casual fans forget is just how much of a tragedy the original Frankenstein movies really are. The original 1931 film is a tale of madness and obsession. The Monster played by Boris Karloff is a creature tormented by everyone he comes into contact with until his ultimate fiery demise. The tale is a powerful and somber story of a tortured soul ostracized by the world struggling to survive and find meaning in its existence. It’s no wonder visionary director Guillermo del Toro has been quoted saying, “My favorite novel in the world is Frankenstein.”
As of right now, we know that Javier Bardem is in talks for the role of the monster after declining an offer to play Dr. Jekyll in the upcoming reboot of 1932’s The Mummy. Screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Chris Morgan have signed on with Universal to develop the new films as part of a shared universe featuring new versions of each property. Let’s hope that the new film will be as iconic and moving as the original films. If Mel Brooks can do Frankenstein justice, anybody can.
