Frankenstein Unbound (1990)

With the completion of Max Q, Michael Hutchence traveled to Italy in August and September of 1989 for his second film role, as Percy Bysshe Shelley in the Roger Corman film, Frankenstein Unbound.

Released in 1990, it was the story of a 21st century scientist who stumbles back into the 19th century, through a black hole created by his work on deadly weapons.

Roger Corman was making his first film in many years having previously made his name as producer of hundreds of cheap B grade films about bikers, monsters, rock & roll and drugs. A great many of his classics like The Trip and The Wild Angels starred Brigit Fonda's father Peter Fonda.

Corman was also known for his ability to discover talent like Francis Coppola, George Lucas and Jack Nicholson to name just a few.

"I think it turned out okay," said Hutchence of his performance. "It was a strange kind of thing to be plunged into. Roger is in his sixties but he's still very young, he's got a very wild eye. This is the first time he's had a lot of money for a film and he was like a kid with a lot of new toys. I think it's going to look fantastic."

"We were sitting around in this church where a scene was being shot and on one side I've got John Hurt who is classically trained and can recite Byron and Shelley beautifully and understands it all. On the other side there is Brigit Fonda, Hollywood brat, chewing gum in a 19th century gown. When it came to do a take she put her chewing gum under the table and slipped into a brilliant character and then they'd stop the take and she would slip back into Hollywood speak, 'So uncle Roger, how was that?"

"There was a serious amount of method acting going on when the cameras weren't running. The thing I learnt was that there are no rules. You just have to get out and do it," explains Hutchence.

The film lasts 82 minutes and Hutchence, although his role not a major one, has an impact on a film with a different angle on Frankenstein.

Directed by: Roger Corman
Written by:.. Roger Corman, Brian Aldiss, Mary Shelley and Edward Neumeier
Music by:.... Carl Davis (I)
Produced by: Roger Corman, Jay Cassidy, Kobi Jaeger, Laura Medina and Thom Mount
Film Editing: Mary Bauer and Jay Cassidy
Costumes: ... Franca Zucchelli

Cast:
John Hurt ................... Buchanan
Raul Julia ................... Victor Frankenstein
Nick Brimble .............. The Monster
Brigit Fonda ............... Mary
Catherine Rabett ....... Elizabeth
Jason Patric ............... Lord Byron
Michael Hutchence ... Percy Bysshe Shelley
Catherine Corman .... Justine Moritz
William Geiger ............ Lab Technician
Mickey Knox .............. General Reade
Myriam Cyr ................. Information Officer
Cynthia Allison .......... Newswoman
Isabella Rocchietta .. . Dorrie
Geoffrey Copleston ... Innkeeper
John Karlsen ............... Parson
Donald Hodson .......... Old Man
Bruce McGuire .......... . Prosecutor
Grady Clarkson .......... Judge
Andrew Newton .......... Head Juror
Paul Weston ................ Watchman