Young Frankenstein Review (Classic Write-Up)

I, Frankenstein

With the recent release of the likes of The Starving Games and SuperFast, the art of the spoof movie has considerably deteriorated in the modern age, a far cry from the 70's and 80's when films like Airplane! garnered immensely positive critical and audience reception as well as financial success. Young Frankenstein, a feature from an obscure filmmaker named Mel Brooks, was made in that specific age when spoof features were held in higher regard, and while it's far from perfect, it is at least amusing enough to understand why its earned the reputation it has.

The premise of Young Frankenstein revolves around a descendant of Victor Frankenstein, played by Gene Wilder, who tries to disassociate himself with his infamous relative in any way shape or form. But stumbling upon Victors research convinces him to try and create life, with the help of Igor (Marty Feldman) and Inga (Teri Garr).

Putting the archetypes of the classic Frankenstein story in a more self-aware context adds up to the movies best gags, namely those revolving around Igor. Feldman makes the character a likable presence who has several jokes deriving from subtlety (namely, one bit centering around how the hunch in his back has a knack for shifting in its placement, much to Frankensteins befuddlement). Gene Wilder, as the plots protagonist, is decent enough I suppose, though the character feels underwritten, especially in later segments of the film where the focus shifts more towards the monster he creates.

That beast is played by Peter Boyle, and he's one of the elements of the original Frankenstein story that most benefits from this features humorous tone. Seeing this intimidating creation, called The Monster in the credits, perform tap-dancing routine or struggle to enjoy food being served by a blind man makes for some juxtaposition that provides numerous moments of chuckles and laughs. Mel Brooks direction similarly provides success in terms of humor, as the various visual gags of the movie are executed in a triumphant style.

Running at 106 minutes, there are certain portions of Young Frankenstein that become episodic, and it's surprising that during that one hour and forty-six minute duration more depth couldn't have been added to members of the supporting cast, namely Frankenstein's fiancee Elizabeth (Madeline Kahn). Still, Marlon Wayans and co. could certainly take a cue or two from the work on display in Young Frankenstein, specifically in creating well-constructed gags that deliver actual (GASP!) laughs.