The Movie Log: 09/08/2012: Young Frankenstein [1974]

Yong Frankenstein is a classic comedy that never gets old. Gracing Top 10, 50 and 100 lists for the comedy genre for 38 years now, Young Frankenstein isn't just scraping by at the bottom. While those lists are filled with almost all of Mel Brooks works, Young Frankenstein is by far my favourite of his, as he spoofs classic horror movies.

Now, when I say Young Frankenstein spoofed classic horror movies, don't just think any of the classic 80's slasher films or any of the hundred or so remakes of Frankenstein. Young Frankenstein came out in 1974, just towards the beginning of what is the golden age of horror. Ok, it is pretty much 2/3rds of the way through the golden age but still pre-slasher craze. What I'm saying is that Young Frankenstein largely spoofs the old classic horror days that were the Universal Monsters. Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, all those old school black and white classics. After having already spoofed the Western genre with Blazing Saddles earlier that year, Mel Brooks hit a comedy knockout again with Young Fronkensteen, even inspiring Aerosmith to write Walk This Way. Since 1974, Young Frankenstein has remained one of the best comedies of all time, and is still hilarious today.

Since Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks has spoofed everything and anything from secret agents to Star Wars and even Robin Hood. Generally there is something for everyone's preferred genre tastes. Young Frankenstein is my favourite because I am a horror fan, and while I can watch Blazing Saddles and find it hilarious, I don't quite get every reference without a full knowledge of Westerns. Young Frankenstein however is my cup of tea. When it comes to the jokes, Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder worked in everything. From one liners, to dance routines, from continuity goofs to completely nonsensical neighing, Young Frankenstein has it all.

I'm trying to picture this scene done to Skrillex. Would it work?

The strangest thing however, is that the general plot of the movie stays fairly true to the general plotline of Mary Shelly's book and the original Universal movie. In fact, a couple of things are more faithful to the book than the first movie was. However, there are some differences. First, this is Young Frankenstein, so we have a descendant of the original Dr. visit the castle playing our scientist. While Dr. Fronkensteen maintains his great grandfather's work was evil and impossible, he can't resist trying when he discovers a set of clear cut "How I Did It" instructions. Of course, it works, the monster turns out to be uncontrollable, escapes searching for love, finds none and is chased by the villagers. This is where it really starts to vary at all, giving us a happy and hilarious ending rather than whatever tragic ending other movies have used.

Now Mel Brooks is not the sole writer of young Frankenstein, although he is the director. Gene Wilder is both co-writer and star as Dr. Frankenstein, and according to the Spaceballs commentary, Young Frankenstein was his movie. After doing Blazing Saddles together, Wilder wanted to do his idea, which it turned out was this. So together he and Mel Brooks continued to put their heads together and showcase their creative genius.Now, actors writing their own movie isn't anything unheard of but I wold say it occurs most often in the comedy genre. I easily classify comedic actors such as Will Ferrel, Steve Carrell and Gene Wilder as comedians. Like any comedian they write their own work and then act it out, just on screen instead of on a stage. So Gene Wilder, kudos for an awesome screenplay and a great performance.

There are only a couple romps in the hay.

Gene Wilder isn't the only star in Young Frankenstein, nor is he necessarily the funniest. I think that goes to Marty Feldman who actually won best supporting actor for his role as Igor. In case you are wondering, his eyes are like that because of a surgery during childhood. However they do give Igor a positively crazy-eyed look. As for his hump, Marty had been switching it himself for most of the movie until the crew finally realized and it was written in. Alongside Marty was Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, a beautiful Teri Garr, and Peter Boyle as The Monster. All in all the entire cast does a great job and some of them won awards for best supporting actor/actress.

Last but not least, let me mention the black and white. No this movie isn't that old, and black and white films are quite a rarity in the 1970's. However Mel Brooks was so adamant about it being shot that way that when he learned Columbia Pictures was against it, he went the next day to 20th Century Fox. Personally I think the black and white is almost the best touch. It adds a look to it that makes the movie nearly ageless as well as clearly referencing you to the old Universal Monster movies. On top of that, all of the laboratory equipment in Dr. Frankenstein's lab are the original props and equipment from Universal's original Frankenstein movie, which had been in storage in the original (and then uncredited) set designers garage. I would say that Young Frankenstein nails the feeling of those old movies perfectly, and I think that makes the movie infinitely better.

I think it looks like the Dr. was the one struck by lighting.

After watching it, I have little trouble understanding why Young Frankenstein has so solidly entrenched itself on so many top comedy films lists. It is a masterpiece from the mind of a comedy master and is my favourite Mel Brooks movie. Young Frankenstein is a treat for horror movie fans and just anyone who wants a good laugh. I can't decide what my favourite joke or scene was but: Fronkensteen, "Nice Knockers" and "Put... the candle... back." are all likely candidates. If you haven't seen any of Mel Brooks' films check them out, he is probably responsible for my three favourite comedies of all time.