‘Frankenstein Conquers the World’ is a different breed of beast

Halloween season is upon us once again, which means a stream of jack-o-lanterns, strange costumes and Christmas decorations at Walmart. For us here at The Connector, however, it means another excuse to sit back and watch some of the most bizarre horror and sci-fi cult classics to hit the big screens. And this week, we’re starting off big.

From Toho, the same studio that brought you the Godzilla franchise, is “Frankenstein Conquers the World” (also known as “Frankenstein vs. Baragon” in Japan). The film tells the story of a trio of scientists who discover an irradiated young boy who is soon discovered to have grown from the heart of the Frankenstein monster (who here is simply called Frankenstein) after the World War II bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This dosage of radiation causes the boy to grow at unusual speed, until he becomes a massive beast, and eventually escapes from the lab. Following his escape, a series of disasters occurs which authorities blame on Frankenstein. But when it is discovered that another monster, a puppy-dog faced burrowing dinosaur known as Baragon, is running rampant, it is up to the scientist to prove Frankenstein’s innocence while the two beasts engage in a classic kaiju rumble.

After the countless interpretations in media of good ol’ Frankenstein, with his most famous being Boris Karloff’s portrayal through the Universal horror films of the 1930s and 1940s, this rendition of the classic creature may take some acclimating for many. With the abilities to grow to enormous heights, regenerate body parts and a knack for creating fires, this Frankenstein may feel more like a kaiju-sized caveman at times more than the monster we are all familiar with. But for those willing to accept this bizarre interpretation of the character, this city-stomping romp makes for a fun time.

Thematically, the film never does feel like a deep exploration of any topics — but it does have more to chew on than your typical kaiju film. The ethics of scientific research are brought into question as the stakes in the story reach their pinnacle towards the climax as well as the consequences of radioactive weaponry, a time-honored tradition in director Ishiro Honda’s films that gives the film a distinctive Japanese feel. The characters aid in this as well, with some of Toho’s finest talents lending some great performances to craft some above average characters for these kinds of films. Both Nick Adams and Kumi Mizuno, most known for their dynamic in the Godzilla film “Invasion of Astro Monster” later that year, share a similarly intriguing relationship as two characters trying their best to prove the innocence of this misunderstood creature. Tadao Takashima stars alongside them, playing a scientist with similar intentions at the beginning, but, desperate for scientific research, must make some riskier decisions down the line.

The monsters and the execution of them are mostly solid, but certain elements hold them back from matching the Godzilla films. Frankenstein makes for a sympathetic enough protagonist and Koji Furuhata does a great job playing the beast. Being one of the few kaiju to be portrayed without the limitations of a bulky suit, this gives the character far more of a dynamic performance in both emotional and action-packed moments. Baragon, who would go on to appear in a few “Godzilla” films following this, makes a memorable impression. His design is great, even if he may be a little too cute for some. His range of powers, such as his burrowing abilities, glowing horn and fire breath, are pretty neat, even if they don’t take full advantage of them during battle scenes, leaving the monster to not feel like much of a threat during these moments.

Honda, director of several classic “Godzilla” films, returns to the director’s seat for this entry, and gives the film a far more atmospherically Gothic feel than your typical kaiju flick. The moodier lighting, patient pacing and darker set design, while not always perfect, work to give the film an overall heavier sense to the drama that reflects the source material’s time honored themes. Special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya helps bring these monsters to life in a manner that is full of character, even if the effects do contain their flawed moments here and there. His set pieces also truly inspire, with an early scene depiciting the bombing of Hiroshima being particularity inspiring for its time. To top it off, musical maestro Akira Ifukube delivers another powerful score that gives the action a grand emotional scope.

“Frankenstein Conquers the World” makes for a fun film to watch this time of year. Full of atmosphere while still containing the fun and energy a kaiju movie should have, this is a great one to watch for those looking for a unique way to kick off the season.