FrightFest Review: The Man Who Saw Frankenstein Cry

• 25th Aug 2011

This fairly short Documentary looks at Spanish horror icon Paul Naschy. I had absolutely no awareness of this man, but this doc makes it clear that he played just about every iconic role in horror you can think of from The Wolf Man to Frankenstein, to The Mummy. He apparently has done them all.

What is touching about this documentary is the look at his early life, which historically is steeped in war era. You can’t help but feel that someone was looking out for him when he randomly spots his father after thinking him lost.

The doc is hosted by horror director Mick Garris. There are many talking heads amidst the footage (most of which are subtitled as they are from Spain). You also get comments from the likes of John Landis and Joe Dante who share their love for their fellow film-maker.

While the lighting and interview style comes off a bit 90’s, it gets the information across. And it’s nice to know that a man who is not hugely known globally is getting some respect with this piece.

The Man Who Saw Frankenstein Cry is screening at FrightFest on Friday 26th at 10.35am and Sunday 28th at 21.15pm.

Steven Hurst