Frankenstein, “…wasn't expected to be a popular film, much less a breakout role for the unknown actor”, Boris Karloff, also known as Frankenstein (Biography.com). James Whale, and starred Colin Clive and Mae Clarke, which is based on the best-selling novel, Frankenstein, written by Shelley, released Frankenstein in 1931. It is a story of a young scientist trying to create life after one has died and the struggles and drama that come along with that. Even after 86 years, Frankenstein is still remembered as the best horror film of that time because of the impressive story of the monster who came alive, the astounding set design, and the incredible acting done by the actors like Boris Karloff as Frankenstein, Colin Clive as Henry Frankenstein,
…show more content…
Although the film had its similarities it also had a number a differences the director, James Whale, adapted to the film. One of the first major differences of the book and film were the names of the main characters. In the book, we see Frankenstein’s name is Victor and the friend Henry but in the film, the director switched the two. At first, it was confusing, but in time is understood. In addition, one scene that was different from the book was the killing of a young child. The book has Frankenstein’s younger brother, William, strangled to death by the monster intentionally and the film has a young girl, Maria, thrown into the lake with an accidental drowning. Proof of this is seen in the book in a letter from Victor’s father stating, “William’s is dead! -- that sweet child, whose smiles delighted and warmed my heart, who was so gentle, yet so gay! Victor, he is murdered!” (Shelly 64). In the film, a killing of an innocent child by the monster is portrayed through the young girl being thrown into a lake and drowning. A similarity of these two scenes is the monster feeling some remorse after the incidents. One more similarity seen in both book and film is the monster showing up to Frankenstein and Elizabeth’s wedding and then terrorizing Elizabeth. This scene however ends differently by Elizabeth dying in the book and living in the film. The film and …show more content…
At first, it appeared to them to be not be a well-put together film but it had to be remembered that it was early film with early uses of sound. After realizing this the quality of the film was outstanding for this time of production. Reviewers of the film were very impressed with the use of sound, which was a new concept during this period. One reviewer, James Berardinelli, applauded its use when saying, “His use of sound – various thuds, nags, and assorted odd noises – pushed the envelope of the time and must have been exceptionally effective during the early “talkie” era…” (Berardinelli). As one can see, the sound was exceptional through the film, making for an unforgettable horror film. In addition reviewers of the film thought the cast did an amazing job at portraying true horror. Boris Karloff did a tremendous job in his role as Frankenstein giving off a creepy and evil yet misunderstood vibe. One who has reviewed the film would recommend all people see it as it a milestone for horror. This is where special effect sounds were introduced to entice horror in viewers. Without the film Frankenstein, movies wouldn’t be the same today reviewers claim. It is a definite must see for those interests I older films and origins or making of early horror
Although the film had its similarities it also had a number a differences the director, James Whale, adapted to the film. One of the first major differences of the book and film were the names of the main characters. In the book, we see Frankenstein’s name is Victor and the friend Henry but in the film, the director switched the two. At first, it was confusing, but in time is understood. In addition, one scene that was different from the book was the killing of a young child. The book has Frankenstein’s younger brother, William, strangled to death by the monster intentionally and the film has a young girl, Maria, thrown into the lake with an accidental drowning. Proof of this is seen in the book in a letter from Victor’s father stating, “William’s is dead! -- that sweet child, whose smiles delighted and warmed my heart, who was so gentle, yet so gay! Victor, he is murdered!” (Shelly 64). In the film, a killing of an innocent child by the monster is portrayed through the young girl being thrown into a lake and drowning. A similarity of these two scenes is the monster feeling some remorse after the incidents. One more similarity seen in both book and film is the monster showing up to Frankenstein and Elizabeth’s wedding and then terrorizing Elizabeth. This scene however ends differently by Elizabeth dying in the book and living in the film. The film and …show more content…
At first, it appeared to them to be not be a well-put together film but it had to be remembered that it was early film with early uses of sound. After realizing this the quality of the film was outstanding for this time of production. Reviewers of the film were very impressed with the use of sound, which was a new concept during this period. One reviewer, James Berardinelli, applauded its use when saying, “His use of sound – various thuds, nags, and assorted odd noises – pushed the envelope of the time and must have been exceptionally effective during the early “talkie” era…” (Berardinelli). As one can see, the sound was exceptional through the film, making for an unforgettable horror film. In addition reviewers of the film thought the cast did an amazing job at portraying true horror. Boris Karloff did a tremendous job in his role as Frankenstein giving off a creepy and evil yet misunderstood vibe. One who has reviewed the film would recommend all people see it as it a milestone for horror. This is where special effect sounds were introduced to entice horror in viewers. Without the film Frankenstein, movies wouldn’t be the same today reviewers claim. It is a definite must see for those interests I older films and origins or making of early horror