Tales of Frankenstein is an independent collection of short story adaptations. Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Dr. Frankensteins’ family kept up the tradition of creating life? Or perhaps if the late Doctor had a miscreant relative looking to pilfer some family jewels? What if he had to resort to grave robbing to do it? In a series of 4 tales, this Frankenstein film collection gives some interesting versions of the famous story.
Monster Mash
Tales of Frankenstein is a film that offers an almost alternate reality vision for this famous story. It injects other classic film icons such as themes from Evil Dead, Dracula, and skewed Frankenstein’s bride-type tales.
Labeled as a comedy-horror — instead of an over-the-top spoof reliant on jokes about Frankenstein’s toilet habits, the film never steers itself into any banal territory. I was relieved to find a steady comical thread. Everything arrives through the use of its writer’s pure imagination infused into the storyline.
The opening scenes were slightly rocky. However, once the style of the project proves itself, it’s easy to see the filmmakers have plenty to offer. For example, aesthetics achieved from the set design were polished. The makeup was certainly done really well. The camera work, though not entirely inspired is solid. Not to mention it’s also clean and purposeful. Special effects work might seem undernourished to those looking for more elevated results of realistic gore, but in any case, I felt there was some finesse here. Especially given the amount of money they likely had to utilize (not a lot.)
My Monster, And Tales Of Frankenstein
Tales of Frankenstein comes straight off the back of an Indiegogo fundraising campaign. It certainly allows for some Hammer production nostalgia to creep in. I recommend this to anyone looking to reignite their creative spark while enjoying the stories. It’s a great example of exactly how to incorporate plot twists if you’re into that kind of thing.
Writer-director Robert F. Gluts’ anthology of monster mash-ups was both entertaining and better than I anticipated it to be.
I give Tales of Frankenstein
2.5 Gorilla Frankensteins out of 5
Frankenstein Film Indie Style
Donald’s journey into the world of filmmaking began at the tender age of nine when he directed his first short film, which was just the start of his enduring passion for visual storytelling. Over the years, Donald honed his craft diligently, which naturally transitioned him into the realm of writing—another facet of storytelling that seemed to captivate his creative spirit.
In his more formative years, Donald found himself involved with a variety of very popular television shows that now mark the nostalgic memories of several generations. Among them, “Shazam” (1974) stood out as a cultural touchstone of its time, a show that blended superhero tales with moral lessons, leaving an indelible mark on its young audiences. His scriptwriting prowess only solidified with his contributions to “Duck Tales” (1987), an animated series that follows the adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews. The series’ blend of humor, adventure, and heart made it a beloved staple of afternoon television.
But it wasn’t just children’s programming that Donald impacted. He also lent his writing talents to “X-Men” (1993), an animated series that was part of a wave of more sophisticated, story-driven superhero shows. With its themes of acceptance and battling prejudice, alongside its compelling character arcs, the series resonated with a wide audience and has maintained a loyal following even decades later.
Predating the current widespread acclaim of short films, Donald has been an essential contributor to the student short film scene, mentoring and guiding aspiring filmmakers through the creative process. His dedication to nurturing new talent has made him a treasured figure at film festivals, both for his eye for talent and his genuine interest in the art of filmmaking. Indeed, his commitment extends beyond the glamour of the festival circuit to the more accessible realm of cable television, where his work often finds a broader audience.
Through his multifaceted career, Donald has not only entertained millions but also inspired countless individuals to follow in his footsteps, all beginning with a childhood dream and a simple film made at the age of nine.
