tracy was scary as hell
i'd like to hear from anybody who agrees.if not,don't bother replying.
shareYes, I agree.
I've seen this version several times and most recently watched it last week.
I think Tracy is the scariest Hyde of any film version I've seen. In other versions the Hyde character is often played completely over the top. Tracy's version is still human, but a very evil human. His sadism and evil are conveyed in a chilling manner. You never actually see him brutalize anyone, most of it is left to the imagination, but his tone of voice, expression and overall demeanor convey a profound evil that is indeed scary. His Hyde is all the more frightening because of the contrast to what a decent fellow his Dr. Jekyll is--calm, understanding and fair-minded.
Tracy was one of the greatest screen actors of all time.
I haven't seen the other versions, but I didn't like Tracy as Hyde or Jekyll. It showed some promise in the nightclub scene with the little mischief that was allowed him by the script and the strict code ethics of the time; but all in all it was a one dimensional portrait. He only had a couple of facial expressions both as Jekyll and Hyde. I can't believe how Hammy he was, I had to remind myself this was actually THE Spencer Tracy!.
I hope this is remade with a more modern and realistic point of view. Make Hyde not a beast, but a handsome, engaging, witty and totally personable evil, and contrast him with the virtuous bore of Jekyll. Now there's a movie!.
"I haven't seen the other versions, but I didn't like Tracy as Hyde or Jekyll."
Watch the 1931 version and see if you like that Jekyll/Hyde better. You haven't seen 'hammy' until you've seen that version, believe me...
"Cain and Abel will go to Heaven... if they can make it through Hell!"
-Los Hijos Del Topo
"I hope this is remade with a more modern and realistic point of view. Make Hyde not a beast, but a handsome, engaging, witty and totally personable evil, and contrast him with the virtuous bore of Jekyll. Now there's a movie!"
Hammer studios of England did a version of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" entitled: "The Ugly Duckling" (back in 1959) with this plot angle. According to the IMDB: "Henry Jekyll was always the outsider, a bungling and awkward buffoon, relegated to waiting for his invitation to participate in life that never arrived: until he discovers a medical formula developed by a dead uncle, which claimed to turn 'a man of timid disposition into a bold, fearless dragon'. Taking a draught of the elixir Henry is transformed into suave, sophisticated and highly desirable Teddy Hyde. Armed with his new persona, Teddy is ready to face the world; but is Henry ready for the consequences?" Unfortunately, it is now considered a lost film.
The 1968 "Made for TV" version with Jack Palance sort of did this as well. According to the IMDB: "There was more makeup on Jack Palance than met the eye: makeup artist Dick Smith "corrected" Palance's broken nose (as Dr. Jekyll), with a small foam latex prosthetic appliance, to give him a more handsome appearance."
Cheers!
Sincerely, Steve B.
how come nobody's mentioning "the two faces of dr. jekyll"?
shareFor the most famous example of "awkward Jekyll/smooth Hyde," don't forget Jerry Lewis as Buddy Love. I'm not kidding.
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