A pleasant surprise

I have never read the book, or seen the older versions of the film. But I love Robert Deniro so I figured I'd give this film a try. I was not disappointed.
Frankenstein I suppose is where someone got the idea that cloning and playing God is possible. Dr. Frankenstein becomes obsessed with creating a life from death. But his idea has flaws. He creates the "monster" from the body parts of thieves, murderers, and the brain of a scientist. The clash is horrible on the mind of the being and of course his groutesque features will not get him many invitations to the dinner table.
Deniro plays a tremendous monster. You will feel sorry for him as opposed to the doctor or any of the victims that he will claim. He kills an evil man, a child, and a woman and I found myself totally indifferent to any of it because the monster will never EVER get a fair shot at life. And the good Doctor is in the end responsible for all the mayhem because he created the being.
Branaugh directs well and acts decent. He is accomplished and his performance is by no means bad, but he plays it over the top too much and runs around half naked while creating life. He shows up for the part though, and certainly gives off the air of a mad doctor whose ill fated ideas consume and ultimately destroy him.
Helena Carter, with a limited role plays the distraught lover of the good doctor. Her character's strength is profound and felt throughout. Also in a smaller role is Tom Hulce, the teriffic actor who portrayed Amadeus so well in that film.
In the end, I will probably attmept the book now because I have seen this film. You will not be disappointed.