Satire Review – Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein (2019)

At 32 minutes, Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein is the shortest contender for this year’s academy award. It is the masterpiece of David Harbour III, the talented actor known solely for his role in Hellboy (2019). It is quite possibly the most profound and gripping work I’ve seen in either decade of my long life.

Synopsis

Image via Polygon

Directed By: David Harbour Jr.

Written By: David Harbour Jr.

Starring: David Harbour Jr., Monica Fulton, Kate Berlant, Joey Vallejo, and Aubrey Fields

Dr. Frankenstein (Harbour Jr.) has been aided by Sal (Vallejo) ever since his monster (Harbour Jr.) disappeared. When Miss Machbeth (Fulton) comes to visit the Monster, Dr. Frankenstein and Sal plan a ruse. Sal, pretending to be the doctor, and the Doctor, pretending to be the Monster, toy with Miss Machbeth for the day. However, when Miss Machbeth is accidentally left behind by the Captain (Fields), she begins to catch onto their schemes. In the end, it’s hard to tell who is the monster and who is the Doctor.

Background

Image via Metro

I’ve been excited to see this movie ever since it won both a Tony and an Oscar last year. Each of these are an incredible feat on their, let alone when a film wins them together a year before its debut. Though I can’t claim to be a huge fan of David Harbour Jr., I loved David Harbour III in Stranger Things, so I decided to give his old man a chance. Fortunately, I spent 32 minutes watching the lines between stage and screen blur in spectacular, gripping fashion.

The Emotion

Image via Wired

This is one of the most emotionally tense films I have ever seen. Dr. Frankenstein’s struggle with his creation and the conflict with the people around him is gritty and real. This film is a deep introspective into the tender portrait of a tortured soul who destroyed only because he sought to save. This movie will make you cry, no doubt about it.

It is also one of the few movies to really make you think about the human condition and the interpersonal struggles that we all face. There is nothing far-fetched about the characters brought to life by David Harbour Jr and his crew. These characters might as well have been ripped straight from the pages of our own personal stories. You will be moved by Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein.

The Duality of David Harbour Jr.

Image via the Spool

Playing a dual role is no easy feat, just look at Lindsey Lohan. The actress was so crippled by the pressure of a dual role in The Parent Trap (1998) that she took a brief, yet damaging turn into the world of drugs, forever blemishing her career. The fact that David Harbour Jr. was able to take on a similar role without crumbling is an achievement in itself. In fact, Harbour plays the role so well that it is often hard to believe that it is merely one actor bringing these two characters to life. Add to this that Harbour Jr.’s primary character is himself playing a role, and your appreciation for this stage legend will skyrocket.

The Conflict Behind the Scenes

Image via Nerds Before Birds

Unfortunately, it’s hard to talk about this film without addressing the conflict behind the scenes. It’s no secret that David Harbour Jr. was a jealous perfectionist. It is also no secret that Joey Vallejo was a young buck who was just a little too fond of the limelight. The struggle between these two superstar actors is palpable on the stage and on the camera, leading to one of the strongest conflicts ever put to film.

That Cameo

Image via TVOvermind

It’s hard to talk about David Harbour Jr. without talking about Aubrey Fields. Yes, that’s right, THE Aubrey Fields. I, like most people watching the film was astounded to see the veteran, world-renowned actor pop into frame. While only on screen for a few moments, Fields plays one of the most dynamic characters to ever be written. His status as a legend is truly reaffirmed with Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein.

No Satire in This Paragraph

Image via Den of Geek

All of the above information is quasi-true. Unfortunately, none of these actors actually exist. Fortunately, these characters do exist in Netflix’s latest viral experiment. The real David Harbour just unveiled his comedy chops in a half hour special, Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein. This special tells the story behind the story behind the story of the fictionalized play, Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein.

This special is one of the most irreverent and hilarious satirical pieces ever streamed. If you like the chaos of Old Hollywood and/or David Harbour then check it out.

Letter Grade: 12

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*Writer’s Note: The article above was written for satirical and comedic purposes only.