Jekyll & Hyde (1990)

Well, the transformation of Jekyll into Hyde actually looks pretty good, I have to say. It's just the editing that isn't. It is clearly a TV production, because it fails to draw you in. Perhaps because the story is so familiar, but what happens to the characters doesn't really captivate. It's all so static. And the music is too dramatic too; it takes everything out of context. A shame. Good role by Michael Caine, but otherwise, just forget about this one.

Translated from Dutch · View original

I picked up this Jekyll and Hyde on Wednesday afternoon, since I had bought the book by RL Stevenson on Tuesday and had wanted to rewatch this childhood memory for quite some time.

For me, Michael Caine is inextricably linked to this role, which made quite an impression on me during my youth and teenage years, despite starting off a bit on the boring side. After all, the first scene is primarily snobbish and high society, where we get a tangential introduction to Dr. Jekyll and his strained relationship with fellow actor Dr. Lanyon. Initially, the thought is that this might turn out to be a bit of a letdown. But fortunately, that changes quickly when it becomes clear what Dr. Jekyll is up to and what he has discovered.

For while the book focuses primarily on the psychological aspect, Mr. Hyde here addresses quite a bit, especially regarding Sara, which certainly grips Jekyll as well. Add to that a substantial cast, an impressive transformation, the hunt for Hyde, an at times dark atmosphere, and a good build-up towards the end, and we have quite a lot, even though it deviates somewhat from the base and delivers a certain twist during the final scene with the little boy—something that was uncomfortable and disturbing back then and still is today.

I can only say that this is an excellent adaptation of the well-known book, and therefore an excellent film.

Translated from Dutch · View original