Frankenstein Unbound (1990)

Unusual treatment of the Frankenstein legend, based on a novel by Brian Aldiss and directed by Roger Corman after a 20-year hiatus from directing (which partially explains its cult status). The story begins in the future, in year 2031, and focuses on genius scientist Dr. Buchanon (John Hurt), who is working on some military weapon involving lasers. Buchanon is in reality a pacifist who hopes to end war, but his experiments open up a time rift. He's flung back to year 1817, where he meets the infamous Dr. Frankenstein (Raul Julia) and famed novelist-to-be Mary Shelley (Bridget Fonda). Also showing up is poet Lord Byron (Jason Patric) and Percy Shelley (Michael Hutchence).

Unfortunately, also creeping around in the wilderness is Frankenstein's hulking creation, usually known as the Monster (Nick Brimble). The story follows the pattern of Mary Shelley's famous tale, with the added element of the scientist from the future, who has knowledge of what happens and what will happen. The interaction of Buchanon and Frankenstein - two geniuses from very different time periods - makes for some interesting scenes. Buchanon usually makes his way around in his futuristic automobile (an Aztec, provided by Giugiaro), which was drawn into the past with him. The Monster is truly horrifying in this version, with inhuman strength and an almost demonic appearance. But, he is not just an almost mute beast, as was the prevalent depiction on film to that point. An offbeat sf/horror film, with an unpredictable final act taking place in an undefined far future. BoG's Score: 7.5 out of 10