Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is an example of how some older films can be very difficult to surpass, or how they can retain the right impressions for the viewers of future generations. The film has its flaws, and it's not perfect, but it's still mostly a great performance by John Barrymore, who shows his mastery. It’s definitely one of the adaptations that shouldn't be forgotten because the current ones don't live up to it. (2016-12-27)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tells its story in a somewhat abbreviated fashion but maintains a solid pace. While it doesn’t fully capitalize on R.L. Stevenson's novel, it certainly doesn't do it disservice. The film is carried by John Barrymore's stellar performance, who is captivating not only in the manic transformations and as Mr. Hyde but also in the brooding, stone-faced looks that reveal Dr. Jekyll's inner turmoil. There are several impressively shot horror scenes that retain their charm even after more than a century. BTW: It’s a shame that F.W. Murnau's Der Januskopf from the same year is lost; it would have been fascinating to compare. (2021-09-15)