Young Frankenstein 1974 by AverageMansReviews

Young Frankenstein 1974 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/electrocution/transformation/dismantlement/burning/squashing/animal cruelty/capital punishment/choking/transformation./mechanics

Grandsons like grandfathers: briefly; it is a parody of  Frankenstein:The 1818 novel/it uses the outlay of a sequel: Dr. Frederick Frankenstein [one of the screenplay writers: Gene Wilder:] is a highly skilled scientist that tries so hard to distance himself from his grandfather, pronouncing his last name differently, but after meeting a man, he travels to Transylvanian, where he meets Igor [Marty Feldman:] that is likewise the grandson of the servant of Dr. Frankenstein back in the day; he really pronounces the I in Igor.

Generally speaking: the framework, pacing and comedy of this 105 minutes film is good; as it knows what it wants to do and sticks to the plan; as we move throughout this film from time to time we have the closing circle or a reopening circle depending if we are entering or leaving a scene, it uses an old-style of comedy where timing is everything, so that on one hand it doesn't interrupt the flow of the project in question, but it takes place nonetheless. Such as the usage of a double entendre as it relates these door knockers whilst Dr. Frankenstein is assisting his new assistant Inga [Teri Garr:] she helps him with his experiments; to disembark from this horse and carriage or/and skit/sketch seen in a brief example we have Igor saying  that this violin is still warm, so whomever was playing hasn't gotten too far as this the violin was a freshly made murder scene or a cup of tea, Igor's hump has moved to a different side as Dr. Frankenstein points out with Igor saying no and then at some points we have breaking off the fourth wall when we have characters either indicating or/and saying things directly to the camera. So as you can probably tell the framework and pacing needs to be able to have a general structure but also be allowed to naturally pop in and out of the plot either with making these jokes or breaking the fourth wall, but whatever the case may be it must be able to naturally get on with the storyline.

Art; this film is black and white; it is well presented clean and tidy; you know this film is from the era of filmmaking where they didn't have a lot of money by today's standards [on a little bit of research this film had comfortably under $3 million as its budget;] so that should give you a clear idea of what they were dealing with here. But if or when you take the time to see this title; they did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life; be it the scenery or wardrobe or anything else; everything just contributes to ensure; as is viewers have an immersive experience with what they had to work with at the time.

Character developments and performances; the character developments are either brilliantly eccentric or/and expanded versions of what they are meant to be. As most of you from the 1980's and much older generations would know Wilder is synonymous with enthusiastic/eccentric roles; the characters where in one second he could be calm and relaxed the next minute frustrated, angry and intimidating; but it is the smoothness and natural on how he goes from one to the other and then back again and we see all of this encapsulated in this performance.  Feldman; to be honest I don't know too much about this performer, but when I have more time I will be looking over his filmography, because in the context of this film; he provides the grounding; which also allows him when it is time to do so more of the quick witted bits; like pointing out the violin is still warm. They complement fluently and Garr contributes to this pairing/trio very well indeed; basically this is a well assembled cast that will bring at minimum a little something to the table including Mel Brooks as the other screenplay writer, director and Werewolf/Cat Hit by Dart/voice of Victor Frankenstein.

This film receives: 9/10, this film is excellent; I decided to award another mark based on I had the privilege with the person I watched some of this content with to go and see this film at the cinema on its 50th anniversary; and based on my viewing experience if after 50 years you can stand the test of time without any major ageing [let's put the technological advances to one side] with a good-natured horror/comedy then the least I can do is add one more mark. This film also has awards accredited to its name such as 11 Winners that includes Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA 1976 Golden Scroll Best Supporting Actor Marty Feldman, Best Make-Up William Tuttle and Best Set Decoration Robert De Vestel Dale Hennesy. 8 Nominees that includes Academy Awards, USA 1975 Oscar Best Writing, Screenplay Adapted From Other Material Gene Wilder Mel Brooks and Best Sound Richard Portman Gene S. Cantamessa; Golden Globes, USA 1975 Golden Globe Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical Cloris Leachman as Frau Blücher: she is the long-term housekeeper and Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture Madeline Kahn as Elizabeth: initially the girlfriend of Dr. Frankenstein [ Gene Wilder.]