Minor spoilers below.
I saw 'Mister Frost' for the first time when it came out on video back in 1991, and then several years later. The first time I saw it I was enthralled by Goldblum's performance as The Devil, and I didn't notice the film's weaknesses. Not so with the second viewing, but it still leaves an impression.
First the positives: Goldblum's portrayal of Satan (as well as the script he recites) is as close to my view of the true Devil as I've seen on screen. The Devil would not appear on earth with a tail, horns, and a pitchfork. He would be intelligent, mocking, frustrating, elusive, and malevolent; all the while doing his best to appear human. The story is also well-motivated and developed. The first interview between Dr. Day and Lucifer was the most tense scene in the movie, and one of my all time favorites.
As to the negatives: Others will mention the less than stellar performances of the supporting cast and the generally pitiful score. These are significant flaws, especially Alan Bates as Detective Detweiler, but not crippling. What I didn't care for was that the Devil didn't follow his own rules; he made it impossible for Dr. Day not to believe him. For example, he melts Dr. Day's ring in his hand and heals a spinal chord. These things cannot be done by a typical psycho in a ward, the melting point of gold is a bit higher than the burning temperature of flesh.
A lot of people didn't care for the conclusion. I thought the final fate of Dr. Day was perfect, but the acting and general meandering of the third act was poor and really slowed down the movie until the final five minutes.
I recommend the movie to people who enjoy reasonably intelligent supernatural stories that are not laden with special effects.
I saw 'Mister Frost' for the first time when it came out on video back in 1991, and then several years later. The first time I saw it I was enthralled by Goldblum's performance as The Devil, and I didn't notice the film's weaknesses. Not so with the second viewing, but it still leaves an impression.
First the positives: Goldblum's portrayal of Satan (as well as the script he recites) is as close to my view of the true Devil as I've seen on screen. The Devil would not appear on earth with a tail, horns, and a pitchfork. He would be intelligent, mocking, frustrating, elusive, and malevolent; all the while doing his best to appear human. The story is also well-motivated and developed. The first interview between Dr. Day and Lucifer was the most tense scene in the movie, and one of my all time favorites.
As to the negatives: Others will mention the less than stellar performances of the supporting cast and the generally pitiful score. These are significant flaws, especially Alan Bates as Detective Detweiler, but not crippling. What I didn't care for was that the Devil didn't follow his own rules; he made it impossible for Dr. Day not to believe him. For example, he melts Dr. Day's ring in his hand and heals a spinal chord. These things cannot be done by a typical psycho in a ward, the melting point of gold is a bit higher than the burning temperature of flesh.
A lot of people didn't care for the conclusion. I thought the final fate of Dr. Day was perfect, but the acting and general meandering of the third act was poor and really slowed down the movie until the final five minutes.
I recommend the movie to people who enjoy reasonably intelligent supernatural stories that are not laden with special effects.