Starring - Joe Dallesandro (Cry-Baby, The Killer Nun), Udo Kier (Masters of Horror, Shadow of the Vampire), and Monique van Vooren (Sugar Cookies, Fearless Frank)
Release Date - 1973
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Brings the horror off the screen... and into your lap!"
Format - UHD (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
Horror has many faces. When most think of horror film they think of iconic characters like Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, Chucky, Dracula, the Gill Man, Pennywise and Frankenstein's monster. Every creator, artist, and author longs to create something that lasts the test of time but very few did. When Marry Shelley wrote Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus she had no idea that the story would leave such a lasting impact on literature before finding a second life in film. Dr. Frankenstein and, more importantly, the monster is one of the true faces of horror with films, television, and comics still finding new adaptations to this day. In 1973 filmmaker Paul Morrissey directed the Andy Warhol produced Flesh for Frankenstein. The film was also released under the titles Frankenstein 3D and Andy Warhol's Frankenstein. I had never seen this version of the story so when Vinegar Syndrome announced that they would be releasing the film on 4K UHD I was all for it. I quickly pre-ordered and couldn't wait to finally check it out.
The film follows Baron Frankenstein (Kier) and his assistant Otto who is working to build the perfect man and woman to start breeding to create a new master race. His desire to create these two leads him to murder those that have the desirable parts he needs. However, the head he chose for the male is his new servants friend. The servant is having an affair with Frankenstein's wife and knows something is wrong with his friend. He tries to free him from the baron's clutches but more is going on that it appears.
I had heard nothing but good things about Flesh for Frankenstein from other genre fans and the fact that it starred Udo Kier and was produced by Andy Warhol only fueled my desire to see it. Honestly, I was surprised by this film and could see myself spinning it several more times before the week is out. The acting in this one is fantastic. The film is filled with fantastic characters that were brought to life by an amazing cast. The supporting cast is great and I loved how far some of the cast went to make their performances feel authentic and genuine. However, the film's star is clearly Udo Keir and he was brilliant. His character turns something macabre and vile like a human autopsy into something sexual which was unusual but fun. The story for this one borrows heavily from the Frankenstein mythos while making it something different and unique especially when you compare it to the other Frankenstein centered films of the late 60s and 70s. The film focuses are a deranged scientist with an obsession with creating life but Flesh for Frankenstein takes it up a notch. Not only is the baron attempting to create life out of death but he wants to create the perfect pair to build a master race. The macabre meets sexuality is a heavy theme throughout this film and can be seen through out along with a sense of supremacy and incest. We get a lot of different themes scattered throughout the film that doesn't feel like it's over doing it. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed everything that it threw at the viewer and when you mix that with the pacing and gore you will find yourself falling in love with one of the most unique versions of Frankenstein to ever grace film. Finally, the film has some seriously underrated gore scenes that fit the story perfectly. The gore is not for gore sake. They fit the story and the way they work into the story it leaves a lasting impact on the viewer. Especially during the sex scene. Overall, Flesh for Frankenstein is one of the most unique and strangest films inspired by the writing of Mary Shelley. It has so much going on without over doing it while delivering plenty of nudity, gore, and a story that is not as predictable as you would expect from a Frankenstein film. This is a film that is worthy of Andy Warhol's name. I highly recommend snagging the UHD from Vin Syn.
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