I have to start stating what most reviewers have already said: John Barrymore's presence is probably the thing that makes this film worthy.
Being objective, the film pretty much follows the source novel by Robert L. Stevenson without making any serious innovation. It really goes straight forward in the tale of the man who split his good and evil creating the psychotic sociopath Mr. Hyde.
The film is still very enjoyable, has a good pace and fine editing. The visual imagery shows a clear influence of German expressionism of the time, but it's not as innovative.
The jewel in this film is the acting of the cast, not only John Barrymore, but everyone in the cast give a fine performance that goes against the usual over-the-top acting usual in silent films. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde flows in subtler way, and not only Barrymore but all involved help to this. A stare, a touch, a subtle movement of the head, those are more expressive that the bombastic expressions of other films of the time.
John Barrymore is the epitome of this. In what is considered among the finest performances ever, he goes from well-mannered Dr. Jekyll to the mad Mr. Hyde and back and keeps the audience thrilled. The scenes are filled with his aura and even the monstrous Hyde retains that seductive charming presence of his.
Barrymore self-destructive behavior may have been reflected in Hyde's own destructive activities. The way he looks the girls, the way he enjoys doing his will without limitations. A beautiful contrast to noble Jekyll.
While maybe there are better silent films, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde gives the chance of watching a master at his peak. John Barrymore's performance is definitely something almost mythical on par to Shreck's Nosferatu as the defining image of the horror genre.
7/10
Being objective, the film pretty much follows the source novel by Robert L. Stevenson without making any serious innovation. It really goes straight forward in the tale of the man who split his good and evil creating the psychotic sociopath Mr. Hyde.
The film is still very enjoyable, has a good pace and fine editing. The visual imagery shows a clear influence of German expressionism of the time, but it's not as innovative.
The jewel in this film is the acting of the cast, not only John Barrymore, but everyone in the cast give a fine performance that goes against the usual over-the-top acting usual in silent films. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde flows in subtler way, and not only Barrymore but all involved help to this. A stare, a touch, a subtle movement of the head, those are more expressive that the bombastic expressions of other films of the time.
John Barrymore is the epitome of this. In what is considered among the finest performances ever, he goes from well-mannered Dr. Jekyll to the mad Mr. Hyde and back and keeps the audience thrilled. The scenes are filled with his aura and even the monstrous Hyde retains that seductive charming presence of his.
Barrymore self-destructive behavior may have been reflected in Hyde's own destructive activities. The way he looks the girls, the way he enjoys doing his will without limitations. A beautiful contrast to noble Jekyll.
While maybe there are better silent films, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde gives the chance of watching a master at his peak. John Barrymore's performance is definitely something almost mythical on par to Shreck's Nosferatu as the defining image of the horror genre.
7/10