Edison's production of Shelley's _Frankenstein_ is, for its time, groundbreaking. While it doesn't have the ingenuity of some of its predecessors, _A Trip to the Moon_ comes to mind, it is nonetheless a short that attempts to make effective use of lighting, smoke, and splicing. Thematically, it offers a Faustian approach to Victor Frankenstein. The actor who portrayed the Monster was, of course, overacting and part of that is due to the fact that this film is a silent feature that relies more on physical out-takes than dramatic monologues. I gave the film 9 out of 10, basing most of this score upon its clever use of effects and interesting (although only somewhat effective) use of themes.
Review of Frankenstein
