Comments | applebeing: Frankenstein at the National

applebeing

Frankenstein at the National - the first two previews

Feb 08, 2011 20:47

Apologies to my regular viewers for repetition, but here lies my slightly revised review of Frankenstein, after seeing it for the second time last night.

( Huge spoilers beneath cut. Proceed with caution. )

benediction, theatrics

Comments 14

mysterypoet66 February 8 2011, 21:21:30 UTC

I am absolutely thrilled that the impressions people are carrying away are remarkably consistent.
While I will unfortunately not have the privilege of seeing this at the National Theatre, I'm quite excited to see the cinema screenings.
Thank you for posting this.

applebeing February 8 2011, 21:50:57 UTC

I can't imagine anyone not being impressed by Benedict's performance at the least. As a play to read, I don't know how absorbed I'd be, but to see him inhabit the Creature is incredible. I go again on the 15th, and it can't come soon enough.

I'm sure with Danny's cinematic expertise, the NT Live screenings will be something special, too.

captivebird February 8 2011, 22:34:59 UTC

Thanks for a great review. I'm not seeing the play myself until March, but can't resist reading all about it in the meantime! :-)

applebeing February 8 2011, 23:09:25 UTC

My pleasure. As press reviews will all be out before then, it would be difficult to remain spoiler free that long without entirely forsaking the internet. Which way round will it be when you go?

rakspatel February 9 2011, 01:52:00 UTC

Apple

I AM SPEECHLESS.

This is a kick-ass review, worthy of the Guardian or the Telegraph. You said you were going to do a squee review for the first preview. This is genius writing.

It is articulate, intelligent and thoughtful. I always knew that your review would be very good, thoughtful, informed and intelligent - WHAT I DIDN'T EXPECT FOR IT TO BE WAS MIND-BLOWING!!!

You are a Gatiss writing God/genius!!!

Raks

captivebird February 9 2011, 09:41:07 UTC

I'll see BC as Victor at the Olivier on March 16. When I booked, I imagined that the stage presence for each of the leads would be pretty equal, and reasoned that I'd rather see Benedict in period clothes, complete with his lovely hair! But after the first few reviews by fans, I've decided that no way am I going to miss seeing both versions. So I'll be rushing home from London to attend the nearest NT Live event next evening. :-)

coldlikedeath February 9 2011, 00:21:28 UTC

This sounds awesome; I'm seeing it in Queen's Film Theatre in Belfast on March 17th, when the whole jazz goes live. Will I need tissues? (And what, Ben got injured? Or did I pick that up wrong? No wonder if you think about it, though.) As I say, I have not seen it yet but I have a sneaking feeling the Creature's gait in his first couple of moments of life could be quite similar to my own.

applebeing February 10 2011, 16:11:15 UTC

Will I need tissues?

I found it more emotional the second time I saw it. I knew roughly what would happen anyway when I saw it initially, but the sense of foreboding and inescapability was far stonger the next time, so I'm not sure.

Reliable reports from the stage door say he has a variety of cuts and bruises, popped two joints in his wrists and had a back spasm on Monday night. It's an extremely physical role.

mariole February 9 2011, 04:47:06 UTC

Thank you for posting this here. Yours was the first detailed review I'd read-- over on the Forum. I wasn't familiar with the story, and I gasped at the horror and heartbreak of it. I will miss being able to see this on the big stage. Thank you so much for your review. I look forward to hearing how you feel it evolved when you see it again. Cheers.

ext_423078 February 9 2011, 21:24:47 UTC

How did you manage to sit through this dross twice? The script and non-Cumberbatch cast are just horrible. I'm impressed by your stamina.

http://www.thingstodoinbalhamwhenyouredead.com/2011/02/cock-of-world-frankenstein-at-national.html

applebeing February 10 2011, 15:19:59 UTC

My stamina is flattered. You'll be even more amazed by it by the end of the run, because I will be seeing it again.

The rest of the cast need to put in stronger than average performances not to be entirely overshadowed, and most aren't there yet, but I found Karl Johnson and Naomie Harris engaging as well as Benedict Cumberbatch, although the play, at least while he is playing the Creature, belongs to him, and he raised it to another level entirely. Having seen that the vast majority of the audience were on their feet after both shows, I have a strange feeling that most shared my perception. Each to their own though.

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