Blu-ray Review: Frankenhooker

Blu-ray Reviews, Reviews

There are movies that burn themselves into your cerebral cortex. They aren’t the major blockbusters or featured on a Happy Meal. You might have just discovered them by sheer accident while flipping over to HBO. You might have grabbed the VHS tape since the box had a compelling cover photo. Once you see them, though, there’s no getting them out of your cinematic memory. These movies are the ones you bring up when a conversation lags. Frankenhooker was that. The low budget tribute to Frankenstein dared to let a man not merely become God, but a pimp.

Jeffery Franken (James Lorinz) is too smart for his own good. He’s an inventor that doesn’t let anything limit his vision. He might be a bio-mechanical genius with his experiments. His girlfriend (Patty Mullen) enjoys his genius at work. He creates a lawnmower that works with a remote control. This seems like a great idea until an accident with the lawnmower turns his girlfriend into pieces. He saves the prime parts and sets to work on a way to bring her back to life. Jeffery’s plan requires him to find a few extra limbs and organs. Unlike Frankenstein’s grave robbing, Jeffery wants fresh meat for the love of his life. He heads downtown to shop the prostitutes for how to composite her new body. Not to give away the grotesque “harvesting” scene, but Franken does build back his girlfriend and revives her body. Things get complicated when her new body dominates her personality. She’s eager to work the streets. She packs a major surprise for any John looking for an hour-long date.

Frankenhooker is a mad scientist masterpiece. The premise is brilliant of what would happen if the Bride of Frankenstein was constructed out of prostitutes. The attitude and special effects make this a much more satisfying than Robert DeNiro’s Frankenstein. Director Frank Henenlotter had already established himself with the legendary Basket Case. He took his ability to mix gore with outrageously freakish moments to the next level on Frankenhooker. This is a film that you’ll never forget.

The video is 1.78:1 anamorphic. The 1080p image brings out the garish ’80 hooker fashions. You’ll see all the neon lace in full detail. The audio includes the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and the original stereo mix. They did a bit of mixing to get your ears inside the cheesy nightclub and the city streets.

Audio Commentary features director Frank Henenloter and make up effects wizard Gabe Bartaolos.

A Salad That Was Once Named Elizabeth (8:53) interviews Patty Mullen about her starring role as sweet girl turned patched together street walker. She had fun even with the make up. She wants to make Frankenhooker 2.

A Stitch In Time: The Make-Up Effects of Frankenhooker (21:00) lets Gabe guide you through his videos and photos of how he made things look so gory.

Turning Tricks Jennifer Delora Remembers Frankenhooker (19:32) lets her reflect on making low budget classics. She had already played a hooker six times before she strutted for this part. She’d go on to a role in Suburban Commando with Hulk Hogan.

Jennifer Delora’s Frankenhooker Photo Scrapbook (11:21) lets her narrate her Polaroids.

Theatrical Trailer (1:32) reminds us that this builds upon The Bride of Frankenstein. This is like the real version of Weird Science.

Frankenhooker is one of the 10 great films of the 1990s. This isn’t another retelling of Frankenstein. Boris Karloff would have never worked the streets like Patty Mullen. It’s the perfect movie for a date night.

Synapse Films presents Frankenhooker. Directed by: Frank Henenlotter. Starring: James Lorinz, Patty Mullen and Louise Lasser. Running Time: 84 minutes. Rated: Unrated. Released on Blu-ray: November 8, 2011. Available at Amazon.com.

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.