What Are the Differences Between the Frankenstein Films and Mary Shelley’s Novel?

As a lifelong fan of classic horror films and literature, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate dance between truth and fiction that surrounds Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and its cinematic adaptations.

In common understanding, the name “Frankenstein” evokes a particular image. This widely recognized depiction of Frankenstein’s monster is largely influenced by the movies produced by Universal Pictures, rather than the original 1818 novel by Mary Shelley.

Between the 1930s and 1940s, Universal Studios produced eight films centered around Frankenstein’s monster. Although many interpretations of Frankenstein have followed since then, these classic monster movies are widely regarded as the quintessential portrayal of the story. However, while these films are revered as horror classics, they bear little resemblance to Shelley’s original gothic novel, especially the later “monster mash-up” films that combined Frankenstein’s monster, Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, and others in shared narratives.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share some intriguing insights about the adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” into the iconic films directed by James Whale. Interestingly, only the initial two Universal productions, namely the 1931 original (available for streaming on Peacock) and the 1935 sequel, “Bride of Frankenstein” (also on Peacock), maintain a narrative lineage faithful to the novel. Pondering over this, one may wonder what transformations occurred between the revered literature and these cinematic masterpieces?

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How Frankenstein’s Monster is different from the book to the movies

As a gamer, I’d say: In the classic movies, the iconic monster, played by Boris Karloff in the initial three films, boasts a boxy head, thick brows, and neck bolts. Though often perceived as green-skinned, it seems more likely that he was intended to be pasty – the greenish makeup appearing lighter on black-and-white film reels. Contrastingly, Mary Shelley’s original novel depicts the creature with flowing black tresses, striking features, and a yellowish complexion. The miniseries currently streaming on Peacock from 2004, however, seems to align more closely with the book’s description.

In addition to depicting the creature as towering over 8 feet, Shelley portrays it as a product of Victor Frankenstein’s ambition to craft something extraordinary. Despite Boris Karloff giving an intimidating performance, he himself was only about 6 feet tall. However, his character’s stature was amplified with high-heeled boots. Unlike Karloff’s creature, which moves stiffly and slowly, Shelley’s creation is not only stronger but also more agile and swift than an average human.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase that into:

The movie’s monster exhibits a starkly contrasting character compared to its literary counterpart. While it evolves throughout the series, the creature initially communicates through growls and brief utterances, seldom forming full sentences. Conversely, in the book, the monster is portrayed as highly intelligent and cunning. Not only does he possess the ability to speak, but he is quite eloquent, often delivering elaborate monologues expressing his sense of solitude and the paradox of his existence.

Dr. Frankenstein’s name and personality

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In the book, the main character who goes by Dr. Victor Frankenstein changes to Henry in the movies. Interestingly, in the book, Victor’s friend is Henry, but in the movies, it’s the other way around – Henry’s friend is named Victor.

Colin Clive’s characterization of Henry Frankenstein in the movie version is legendary and paved the way for the mad scientist stereotype. He exhibits an intense, energetic demeanor and is known for memorable lines like “it’s alive!” and “now I know what it feels like to be God!”. On the other hand, Victor Frankenstein in the novel is a more somber character, who harbors fear, disgust, and immense regret towards his creation.

Igor was created for the Frankenstein movies… kind of

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Igor, the hunchbacked assistant often associated with Frankenstein, is a well-known figure in popular culture. However, this character doesn’t make an appearance in either Mary Shelley’s novel or the original Universal films. Instead, Victor Frankenstein works independently, concealing his experiments. In the movies, while there is an assistant, he goes by the name Fritz, not Igor as commonly believed. The confusion might stem from viewers mistaking Fritz for Ygor, the sinister character played by Bela Lugosi in “Son of Frankenstein” and “The Ghost of Frankenstein.” You can watch these films featuring the iconic Dracula star on Peacock here.

Another Frankenstein character invented for the movies

In the classic movie “Bride of Frankenstein,” Dr. Pretorius, played by Ernest Thesiger, stands out as an unforgettable character. His portrayal is a mix of amusingly over-the-top and ominously sinister, making him pivotal to the storyline. He persuades Frankenstein to create a mate for his monster, but it’s important to note that Pretorius is a cinematic creation; there’s no equivalent character in Mary Shelley’s novel. However, some elements of the Monster’s manipulative nature might have influenced the creation of Dr. Pretorius.

Here comes the Bride of Frankenstein

In the movie “Bride of Frankenstein,” Elsa Lanchester’s portrayal of the title character left a lasting impact, even though she appeared only briefly. This character, like many in the films, has roots in Mary Shelley’s novel. In both the book and the film, Victor Frankenstein is driven to create a female version of his monster. However, in the novel, it’s the monster who asks Frankenstein to make him a mate, while in the movie, this idea comes from Pretorius.

In the story “Frankenstein”, the scientist decides against completing his project, demolishing the almost finished bride due to concerns that his inventions might multiply and bring forth a horde of monsters upon the earth. The creature swears vengeance on the inventor for condemning him to loneliness and carries out his threat by killing the fiancée of the inventor, leading to a pursuit ending at the Arctic Circle.

In the movie, the character called the Bride is miraculously revived. Yet, she expresses intense fear and hatred towards the Monster, emitting harsh hisses and screams at him. This response deeply saddens the Monster, leading him to believe he’ll never be accepted. Despairingly, he manipulates a lever to bring down Frankenstein’s lab, resulting in the deaths of the Bride, Pretorius, and himself. As he takes his final breath, he pleads with Victor Frankenstein and Elizabeth to flee and start anew.

As a passionate gamer, let me tell you that Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein” and Whale’s films from the 1930s are not just masterpieces but cultural touchstones. While they carry the same title and share some common elements, they’re unique in their essence. If you’ve watched the movie, it doesn’t compare to reading the book; conversely, if you’ve read the book, the movie experience is a whole new ballgame. My advice? Immerse yourself in both worlds for a truly enriching experience.

2024-10-24 22:01