I’m sure you know the tale of a mad scientist and his monster known as Frankenstein, but do you know the original story? This popular tale evolved from the classic novel called Frankenstein published in the 1800s. The author, Mary Shelley, wrote a mature and heartfelt book that was twisted into the fun and silly form that’s popular today. This modernized story has developed into countless movies, children’s books, and even songs. Ignoring the truth behind the character, people have molded Frankenstein into another common monster of Halloween. People have grown accustomed to this contemporary version and are unaware of its roots. Current generations miss out on the deep themes and character developments from the book that challenge traditional ideas. These concepts are further explored in the recently released movie directed by Guillermo del Toro titled Frankenstein. The film depicts scenes from the book and displays many contrasts and similarities with the original novel. The actors starring in Frankenstein worked hard to accurately impersonate their role with the help of meaningful costumes and makeup. Jacob Elordi, Oscar Issac, and Mia Goth performed as the lead parts that contributed to the magic of the film. This new movie has resurrected the true characters with deep pasts, complex relationships, and internal conflict that help them discover their identities and purposes in life.
There are many existing versions of this classic story, but most know this iconic monster as Frankenstein, yet this is a common misconception. The monster is actually called “creature” or “wretch”, and his creator is named Victor Frankenstein. The film, directed by Guillermo del Toro, honors this truth and many other details from the original. This new movie is largely based on Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, but the director incorporates his own unique revisions to the plot, along with added character traits. He reimagines the creature with a sense of vulnerability and trauma, unlike the wretch in the book who was motivated by self-hatred and misery. Both versions of the monster develop intelligence, demand companionship, and desire revenge. Yet one major difference is that the movie’s creature has conquered immortality, which is the root of his loneliness. Additionally, the steps that lead up to the ending differ between works. While the movie depicts the book in a very impactful way, the novel still goes into much more detail of the monster’s perspective and planned attacks. Mary Shelley pays more attention to the aftermath of the unnatural operation, whereas the movie includes the elaborate process Victor took to construct the wretch. The Victor in the book treated his creation as a demon, he felt immense guilt and regret for causing such suffering. Whilst the Victor by Guillermo del Toro felt his monster was more of a failed experiment due to his impatience. The relationship between Victor and the monster, between creator and creation, displays a complex bond that grows throughout both the novel and the film. There is an overall questioning of “playing God” by unnaturally creating a living being. Both works challenge the unholiness of bringing life to death.
This incredible motion picture, Frankenstein, is nothing without the talented actors that took on the powerful roles of these characters. During filming, Guillermo del Toro made precise and purposeful decisions that further developed the story and added foreshadowing. There are subtle symbols using props, makeup, color scheme, and setting that further pose for a suspenseful and intense mood. Jacob Elordi, who played the monster, said that he spent more than eleven hours being assisted with makeup. The artists perfected this revived, unnatural look of the creature by applying a pasty white skin tone along with a wig of long red hair. While the character Victor Frankenstein, performed by Oscar Issac, was developed more by his outfits and props. Mia Goth starred as Elizabeth Lavenza, she wore vibrant jewelry and dresses to portray nature and beauty in a gloomy world. These intentional additions to the movie create a true masterpiece in honoring the original book.
Overall, Guillermo del Toro does a fantastic job of bringing this book to life, creating an award worthy movie with the help of skilled actors and the basis of Mary Shelley’s work. Watch now on Netflix to be immersed into this reality of amazing discoveries, conflicting ideas, and strong bonds between the complex characters of Frankenstein.