Laughing at Horror: Young Frankenstein

There are two different types of horror comedies in my eyes. You have your funny random sights and gags from multiple films such as the Scary Movies. Then you have your excellent parody movies that follow specifically one genuine horror film and mocks it thoroughly. It takes advantage of every scene and clip and enhances laughter with paying tribute to fans of the actual movies. Scary Movie attempts this with random scenes such as in the third installment where it blends elements of Signs and The Ring. Young Frankenstein to me however, is the ultimate parody.

Released in 1974, this film offers a variety of comical scenes; as well as, parodies the Universal Studios versions Frankenstein. First of all you have Gene Wilder portraying the tormented grandson of Victor Frankenstein. Wilder offers a perfect performance of madness and exaggerates all the actions you would have viewed in the original Frankenstein film. Peter Boyle also offers a unique performance as the comical creature with a heart. Second, you have Mel Brooks directing this masterpiece with his classical delayed line delivery. Thirdly you have a unique approach to filming this with the black and white film processing as opposed to the use of Technicolor which was more than available at the time.

There are multiple scenes and quotes from this film that I cherish closely. Igor offers many scenes as an almost cute, innocent hunchback assistant to Frederick Frankenstein. Frau Blücher, the lab assistant to Frederick, delivers her lines with a harsh thick accent as well as trying to seduce a much younger Frederick. The constable and villagers are all dimwitted. All the characters in the movie are memorable and lovable. I especially enjoy the scenes where the monster escapes and begins interacting with the villagers. My favorite scene by far is the the little girl scene where the monster catapults her back into her second story window after her parents go searching for her. This movie even follows Mary Shelley's original story for Frankenstein more than the Universal Studios' interpretation.

This is a genuinely heart-felt movie that will just make you feel good when you watch it. An easy recommendation for anyone interested in Frankenstein, parodies, or just having a good laugh. I loved watching this film as a child because my entire family could enjoy it without any boredom. I encourage you all to take a look at this movie and perhaps some of Mel Brook's other comedies as well.