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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) - Rouben Mamoulian

This movie is really creative with its various camera shots and sweet angles. There are a few scenes that really stand out on the creative angle, the first is the opening shot. We see Dr. Jekyll in his chores before a lecture at his university. There is a scene where he is looking into a mirror that really stands out because you were essentially looking at yourself as Dr. Jekyll. There was a transformation scene that was really cool too, well at least the first transformation scene.

I really chap pretty hardcore on Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde because I see these as being really pretty boring. Its just me though I suppose, because everyone I know loves the story. This movie though was a little different from the original story and the creativity held me in my seat and kept me awake. I will tell you that I wasn't a fan of the look of Mr. Hyde in this, but I really did enjoy Dr. Jekyll... weird huhh?

I personally think that Universal was winning the scary world here and Paramount had to jump on with a movie of their own, here we are with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I really enjoined the movie from a creative stand point but didn't really like the movie on a scary angle. I liked the edginess of the film but not the monster itself. I am giving Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde from 1931 a 6 out of 10.

I will now drink the concoction! AHAHAHAHAHAA

S!D

  • This film was made before the film code and features some really intense sexual scenes for its time period with the prostitute Ivy Pearson.
  • The film features some really interesting creativity with the camera.
  • The film is a bit different than the book, which is probably what boosted it up in ratings for me.

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