The verdict
So here's the thing. Having now seen both encore screenings of Frankenstein under the same conditions, and having really enjoyed the Jonny Lee Miller as Creature version again last week, nevertheless, hand on heart, if I had to choose only one of them to take to a desert island on a disc then of course it would have to be the Benedict as Creature version.
What that man managed to put into the role is twice - no tenfold - what Jonny did. Up close on a decent sized screen one can see how every sinew in his body is at work to maintain the perceived deformities throughout. He exudes such power and menace when he dominates. His range in every way is greater, stronger, more emotive, just utterly exceptional. And it is fitting for the play that the Creature should dominate physically, morally, emotionally, etc.
I still swear that there are parts missing from the Jonny as Creature film - or bits that just didn't get emphasised enough and so seemed to be missing, right from the first moment when the pod is stationary rather than rotating. The Benedict as Creature version is definitely the better filmed and more complete. It is a stunning and astonishing piece of work.
So there is is. Finally I agree with everybody else after all. :-))
What that man managed to put into the role is twice - no tenfold - what Jonny did. Up close on a decent sized screen one can see how every sinew in his body is at work to maintain the perceived deformities throughout. He exudes such power and menace when he dominates. His range in every way is greater, stronger, more emotive, just utterly exceptional. And it is fitting for the play that the Creature should dominate physically, morally, emotionally, etc.
I still swear that there are parts missing from the Jonny as Creature film - or bits that just didn't get emphasised enough and so seemed to be missing, right from the first moment when the pod is stationary rather than rotating. The Benedict as Creature version is definitely the better filmed and more complete. It is a stunning and astonishing piece of work.
So there is is. Finally I agree with everybody else after all. :-))