Frankenstein: The True Story

Frankenstein: The True Story is a 1973 British-American made-for-television horror film, an adaptation of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein. The film boasts of an impressive cast, led by James Mason, Leonard Whiting, and David McCallum. The portrayal of the infamous monster story brings to light a convergence of horror, drama, and science fiction.

The film commences with young Dr. Victor Frankenstein, interpreted by Leonard Whiting. Carrying the scars of a tumultuous past and driven by an insatiable sense of curiosity, Victor is a gifted young physician seeking to further his knowledge of life and death. He is not the typical mad scientist; instead, he’s a well-intentioned, if overly ambitious, man who desires to solve the mystery of life and its creation.

James Mason delivers a standout performance in the dual role of Dr. Polidori, a shadowy, manipulating figure that provides an initial push to Frankenstein's ambitions. Polidori's character draws its inspiration from Dr. Pretorius from the original Frankenstein narrative, and the character of Lord Byron, the real-life associate of Mary Shelley, adding depth to the narrative.

David McCallum appears as the endearing yet tragic character of Dr. Henry Clerval. His role adds a much-needed empathetic perspective to the narrative’s exploration of life, death, and creation, a performance which resonates throughout the film.

The monumental endeavor of bringing an inanimate body to life is marked by a rather different aesthetic than the traditional scene many cinema fans might expect. Rather than a dingy, cobweb-dressed lab pulsing with electricity, the setting of Frankenstein: The True Story is a bright, almost heavenly space filled with reflections and angles, highlighting the god-like activity happening within it.

The film deviates from the conventional hideous appearance of Frankenstein’s creature. Instead, the creation, named Proteus, appears human-like and even handsome initially. A real departure from the classic interpretation popularized by Boris Karloff, the variant portrayal adds a fresh, interesting aspect to this retelling.

However, Proteus's beauty slowly decays, hinting at the unsustainable nature of artificial life and the hubris of man's attempt to mirror divine creation. Frankenstein is driven to rectify his errors in a series of tragic events that unfold both emotionally and dramatically for the viewer.

Amid its exploration of horror and science fiction, Frankenstein: The True Story is also deeply rooted in psychological and philosophical themes. It ponders the nature of creation and the moral implications of giving life, the limits of science, the horrors unleashed by unchecked ambition, and the societal reactions to physical deformity and otherness.

Visually, director Jack Smight manages to evoke a strikingly haunting yet poetic atmosphere that accentuates the storyline's gothic roots. The cinematography and production designs are enchanting, showcasing a period piece colored with stunning locations and shot using elegant camera work. The film's runtime, stretching over three hours, simply adds more detailing to the characters' arcs and the narrative progression.

The screenplay, co-written by Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy, is a clever reinterpretation of the literary source that challenges viewer expectations. It is supplemented by a moving musical score that audibly underlines the film's ebb and flow of suspense, sorrow, horror, and beauty.

Frankenstein: The True Story is an intriguing rendition of Mary Shelley's tale. It respects the original narrative yet enhances it by embarking on its own creative interpretation, incorporating thoughtful changes, and in-depth character studies. The movie is a testament to the original story's enduring appeal, retold with a fresh perspective, contributing significantly to the legacy of the iconic Frankenstein mythos.