Frankenstein, directed by James Whales, is based on the story of the same name by Mary Shelley. The film is a prime example of Gothic horror. Gothic horror often contains elements of romance in addition to horror and is largely characterized by the atmosphere of the film. Often times, films that make use of monsters or supernatural creatures like the Frankenstein monster or Dracula are considered to be or contain elements of Gothic horror.
From the moments the film begins we can already see glimpses of such horror. As a funeral service commences, the scientist Frankenstein and his henchman Fritz look on from behind a tombstone. After stealing the coffin from its grave and another body hanging from the gallows, Frankensteins claims that the brains are not useful, and they must find a proper brain for the experiment. It is when the return to Frankenstein's laboratory that the true horror of the situation can be felt. The castle-like tower, resting high upon the cliff, surrounded by dark storm clouds and thunder are all staples of Gothic horror. The atmosphere lays the pretense for the horror that is to come.
Frankenstein's fiance, Elizabeth, expresses her worries over her husband's absence to her friend, Victor Moritz. They go to Dr. Waldman, Frankenstein's old medical professor, to ask what Frankenstein has been up to. After revealing that he is trying to create life from the dead, the three travel to Frankenstein's laboratory. Reluctantly letting them in, Frankenstein leads Elizabeth and the gentlemen to the room in which the monster is to be born. Through an over-the-top sequence the platform upon which the future monster rests is raised into the sky. Electric nodes and other technological marvels flash as lightning strikes the beast into life. Another element of Gothic horror, the extravagant show serves to wow the audience and strike awe in such a way that it can soon thereafter be converted into fear. Indeed, as the Frankenstein monster comes to life, it appears to be docile at first. But at the incompetence of Fritz the monster panics in fear, which is appears to be an act of aggression to its onlookers.
The monster is locked in a dungeon, where he later strangles Fritz. Frankenstein, after realizing the horror of his experiment, drugs the monster along with Dr. Waldman, almost dying in the process. After Frankenstein leaves to prepare for his wedding, Dr. Waldman begins to operate on the monster and unexpectedly awakens him. The Frankenstein monster strangles Dr. Waldman and escapes into the countryside.
In what may arguably be the best moment of the movie, the monster happens upon a young girl named Maria who wants to play with the beast. Maria shows him how the flowers float when thrown into the water. The creature becomes excited and in its blindness throws the young girl into the water, hoping to see her float. When the girl does not return to the surface, the monster runs in agony towards the city. This moment is so crucial to the portrayal of the monster-- in the flash from peaceful playtime to pure horror it is revealed that the monster "knows not what it does."
With preparations of his wedding complete, Frankenstein and Elizabeth wait happily for the arrival of Dr. Waldman. Victor rushes in and informs the couple of the doctor's death. After Maria's father arrives with his child's dead body, Frankenstein's suspicions about the monster's involvement are confirmed. Along with an angry mob of townsfolk, Frankenstein rushes off into the mountains to find the creature.
After being split from the group, Frankenstein comes face to face with his creation. After a short standoff, the monster knocks Frankenstein unconscious and carries him to the top of an old wood mill while being chased by the villagers. Blinded by rage and fear, the monster tosses the body of Frankenstein from atop the mill. The fall is broken by the windmill planes and Frankenstein is carried back to the city. The remaining villagers burn the windmill to the ground with the monster inside.
Frankenstein truly stands the test of time, even in this day and age. There may be a few slow moments but the majority of the film flows between tension and awe at the new life that has been created. What's most remarkable is how, by the end of the film, the audience may even feel pity for the creature, who was truly misunderstood from the moment it was born.
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