MovieChat Forums > National Theatre Live: Frankenstein (2011) Discussion > JLM vs. BC - Which Creature/Victor was b...

JLM vs. BC - Which Creature/Victor was better?

posted 9 years ago by Mstreselena
4 replies | jump to latest

Having seen both versions, I must say that I thought JLM as the Creature and BC as Victor was definitely the way to go.

JLM brought a visceral take on the creature that I enjoyed immensely and the physicality that he brought to the role was stunning, all of that wrapped up with the innocence of child. Watching BC as the Creature, he seemed to be outside of his comfort zone, yes he was exploring and trying to be the character but it didn't quite work.

Now the flip, I found BC as Victor compelling and brilliant. His coldness in the face of blackmail and the pain of his losses made an easy character to love and hate. JLM in the same role seemed a bit lackluster, his passion was on better display when he was the Creature.

Word of warning if do go to see these beautifully done productions, don't bring children. A woman at the theater brought her two sons, both under 10 and the nude scenes made them uncomfortable.

BAD NEWS -- I've e-mailed the National Theatre Shop and they NEVER release their live productions on dvd, I told them that that was a shame.

[–] ricardopthomaz 9 years ago

I couldn't agree more with you! I just saw this yesterday, but I could only see it on theaters and only the version with JLM as the creature, but later on I researched the Internet for a version with BC as the Creature and I drew the same conclusion. JLM as the Creature and BC as the scientist was the absolute best version! And I also want them to release this masterpiece on DVD, geez, it's a shame that they don't do it! I think that Mary Shelley would be proud of this work with her writing!

Too bad that Two And A Half Men ended on Season 8!

[–] mail-2217 9 years ago

JLM -was- the creature.

Sad to hear it won't be released on DVD. Seems pointless.

[–] Tony-Scheinman 8 years ago

I'm afraid I have to disagree; I thought BC was far better as The Creature and JLM better as Frankenstein than the reverse.

[–] Mstreselena 7 years ago

It's why Baskin-Robbins has 31 flavors, to each their own. I think JLM is horribly underrated in the US and while I adore his work in Elementary, I also watch Eli Stone online in which he also does a wonderful job. He even shows up in a Brother Cadfael. Besides Sherlock which really launched BC, I prefer him in Fortysomething with Hugh Laurie, his character is absolutely adorable in that.

Have you watched the behind the scenes footage available online for Frankenstein? JLM used his son as inspiration and treated the creature like a newborn and BC played the creature like a stroke patient. So they are playing the same character starting from two completely different mindsets which is why it's so much fun to discuss the differences. My only question is Why? I've given my reasons, please let me know your reasoning. I enjoy the discussion.