Every
work of fiction has an identity; this identity can be defined by the
characters, the theme, the plot and the tone. The title of the
stories, or sometimes the names of the main characters, are the
labels or shorthand ways to refer to these identifying
characteristics. However, if those characteristics have been changed,
if the characters are rewritten, or if the plot or the theme or the
tone is altered significantly, those labels are misleading.
Frequently, so-called film adaptations are anything except true
reflections, of the fiction that bears the same name; that's
something that's as true today, as it was in the early twentieth
century.
Classic
Movie Trailers - Frankenstein (1931)
"Frankenstein,
or The Modern Prometheus", is one of the few novels I've read
more than once. I can say honestly, that a third read through is
likely during my lifetime. Before curiosity compelled me to pick up
the book for the first time, my only understanding of 'The Monster'
or 'Creature', was that it was a big, dumb flat-headed brute, with
bolts in its neck. That mental image, the popular image of
Frankenstein's Monster, dates back to this film and Boris Karloff's
performance.
James
Whale's "Frankenstein" is not the story from Mary Shelley's
novel. It isn't an adaptation and it's so "loosely-based".
that I would argue it's a different animal altogether; but it is also
a piece of cinematic history and it would be foolish to deny it.
Every October before Halloween, Frankenstein's Monster dresses the
windows of every costume shop, every Haunted House and every isle of
candy, in every retail store. The flat head, the enlarged brow, the
bolts, they're all there.
But
have you seen the film? Have you seen Boris Karloff's performance?
It's brilliant and it's definitely worth watching. Karloff didn't
need words to portray his character; he had expressions and movement
and feeling. The rest of the performances also come off well.
As
for the film itself, it seems as if it was rushed and just left
unfinished. An on-stage announcer blatantly points out the moral of
the picture, before it even begins and this is good, because you
could never gain that knowledge from watching it. A subplot involving
a young victim, propels the movie to it's conclusion, but it does
this so rapidly, that it drags the quality of the movie down. It's an
abrupt end, that leaves the wrong questions unanswered.
There
is enough still there, to justify the film's influence. Frankenstein
is the original mad scientist, but the actor keeps him believable, as
a character. The machines, the storm, the hunchback assistant and the
entire process of bringing the creature to life, is fun to see play
out, as it does here for the first time.
Don't
expect the novel and not even the spirit of it, as it's arguably not
present in this movie. Do expect a studio's heavy-handed message,
slapped onto a film that doesn't support it. Do expect a short ride,
as long as seventy minutes takes. Do expect good performances and for
better or worse, cinematic history.
It's
history that has implanted the likeness and manner of one actor, into
the popular culture of America. Over eighty years later,
Frankenstein's Monster is still Boris Karloff. That's a hell of an
accomplishment and I can't overstate it. Ultimately,however, as a fan
I'm reminded that a fictional property is more than just a name, and
that this film failed to capture the fiction it claimed to aim for.
So
take care reader. Whenever you enter a movie theater, expecting to
see some resemblance of a story you know and love, remember how
Hollywood works. Remember that the most important thing in film
making, is money making, not artistic integrity and not obedience to
another work of art, even if it's superior. After all, it's just a
licensed property, a name that's been bought and sold.
Once
that deal is signed, the studio is free to take and leave what they
like. They have your attention already, just with the name. They can
play with this world you adore so much, but unlike you, they don't
have to care about it.
@ChannelSeals
http://youtu.be/p5HCmd-Rjvc
