Day 20: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
With this being my first John Barrymore film, I can now understand what all the fuss was about.
This is the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story that everyone is familiar with, but it's Barrymore's performance that elevates it into something special.
As Jekyll he radiates professionalism and innocence, and as Hyde he tears apart the screen with his unsettling contorted faces and spidery movements.
Because this is a silent film, he has to act very theatrically in order to convey emotion, and he does so beautifully. It's endlessly entertaining to watch him work.
The sets, costumes, tone, and supporting cast are all quite good as well, but John Barrymore is definitely the film's driving force.
I've been told the 1930's film adaptation is the best version of the classic story, so I'll have to check that out at some point.
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