I had to wait a few weeks to break ground on this costume. I had ordered a crinoline. It arrived solid but underwhelming in girth. In the future I will likely build my own to reach the needed width. So you will see from the shots that I had to get creative and shoot from the ground to get the feel I was looking for. I wanted to give a nod to the most recent, Mia Goth version and thus the feathers in the hair and volumes of fabric.The fabric in question is mostly curtains, probably the best way to get your hands on volumes of lacy fabric. Old Christmas decorations came in handy too, both in ornamentation and construction. Those little butterflies double as pins. I wasn't half disappointed with my make-up but I do wish I had painted my legs or gotten some white hose. Anyways, I would give my bride a passing grade. The new Del Toro Frankenstein however get much more that that. Scroll down for my thoughts.

Frankenstein Review

First Published on X ...

I did tune in last night to Del Toro's Frankenstein. Here are my thoughts. Feel free to drop your thoughts below. I am curious how others saw the film:)

The sets and costumes were next-level and told a secondary story, worth multiple watchings. I will be watching this again. Nods were given to previous productions; but then elevated to something new and well .... OUTRAGEOUS. The mood achieved was perfect: gothic, gauche, and beautiful. Theatrical.

I do wish the Del Toro adaptation had stayed more true to the novel with plot and ending. I felt the camera time was not given to inspire the changes. For one, I needed a few more moments to invest in the love story between the Monster and Elizabeth. Their final scenes should have left us in tears. It was cinematically powerful and inspired the final act ... but vicarious romantic attachment was not gained ... at least not with hard-hearted viewer. Still, the scene where the Monster carries Elizabeth down the stairs will be remembered and was sumptuous.

The best for last. The acting of Issac and Elrodi was rich in subtext and intent; and they had sharp, sharp online chemistry. The good doctor, despite his rakish, byronic looks and intellect, makes himself deplorable. Issac does not hold back. You understand why Elizabeth's desires him and then deplores him. The flesh rag doll man that is the Monster becomes completely loveable. En pointe and deeply engaging. Perhaps our best cinematic Monster yet.

I am left wondering how many Oscars Frankenstein will garner and wondering how the Academy will ever choose between Issac and Elrodi for best male lead.