The X-Files: I Want To Believe - Vrach Frankenshteyn Review: A Disappointing Director's Cut
The X-Files franchise has always been a beloved science fiction series, and the 2008 sequel, "I Want To Believe," was a much-anticipated addition. However, the recent release of the director's cut, "Vrach Frankenshteyn," has left fans disappointed. This review delves into the reasons why this cut falls short of the original vision, and why it might be the most useless revision of a film ever.
The original film was a mediocre entry in the franchise, but the director's cut adds nothing new to the plot. The cuts and additions made by writer/director Chris Carter seem more like an exercise in technicalities imposed by the Motion Picture Association's puritanical control of film ratings. The film is ten minutes shorter, with the biggest cuts coming early on, removing two brief scenes that added to the Mulder-Scully dynamic. The remaining changes are minimal, with the biggest difference being the editing of scenes featuring the organ-harvesting surgeries.
The lack of profanity in the new cut leaves the film no more gory or disturbing than the average episode of NCIS or CSI. The promise of Chris Carter to restore the horror elements to his original vision should have come with more disclaimers as to what he was actually restoring. The longer title is the only thing that was actually added to this cut of the film.
As a lifelong fan of The X-Files, it pains me to write this review. I wanted so badly for the director's cut to be a redemption for the underwhelming sequel. However, the new cut falls short of the original vision, and it seems that Chris Carter might not be the strongest filmmaker for the franchise. With Ryan Coogler's new take on The X-Files next up for the franchise, I hope that there is still room for David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson's iconic duo to return in some capacity.
In my opinion, the director's cut of "I Want To Believe" is a missed opportunity. It fails to capture the horror and suspense that the original film had, and it seems more like a technical exercise than a true restoration of the original vision. The truth is out there, but it isn't in this movie.
