I’m listening to Frankenstein.
I’m listening to Frankenstein. Much better book than Dracula. And as much as I like the classic Universal Frankenstein’s monster, I like the book monster more. He’s huge, strong, fast, agile, and smart. With all his physical power, he’s still cunning enough to frame a girl for a murder he committed. That’s pretty terrifying.
I suppose Penny Dreadful’s monster is the most accurate I’ve seen on screen in attitude, but I’ve wished he was bigger and less whiny.
Also note how quickly Shelley's monster can learn. Victor's fear that a race of those creatures could overtake man's place at the top of the pyramid is pretty well-founded, heh.
ReplyDeleteIt also surprised me that Victor instantly nopes out on his creation. The second it opens its eyes, he's like, "Fuck this, I'm out."
ReplyDeleteOh yeah. There's a whole genre of sci-fi/horror story about "science has meddled with the human soul! and this is what happens!" which are cribbed straight from Frankenstein.
ReplyDeleteThe original arguably remains the only one that is good.
Totally agree on Penny Dreadful's version of the monster. I did like the idea of "Proteus", though.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Victor is about...21(?) when he creates the monster?
ReplyDeleteRe: Penny Dreadful's monster - it's based on the critical reading of the monster and Victor both being a critique of the male Romantics (whiny, petulant, self-absorbed) that Mary was surrounded by. Percy, Byron, et al. were exactly the type to go on about their own anguish and creativity while conveniently forgetting to, you know, care for their families.
ReplyDeleteDamn, I need to reread this.
ReplyDeleteIntelligence is knowing Frankenstein is not the monster. Wisdom is knowing that Frankenstein is the monster.
ReplyDeleteAlso, no better way to experience the book than with Bernie Wrightson's illustrations. s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com - s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f4/ab/9c/f4ab9c2ef7ec9b3979871960a181933b.jpg
ReplyDeleteJack Shear I knew you'd be along to correct my opinion! ;)
ReplyDeleteI was hoping Jack's Goth-dar would be pinging.
ReplyDeletePaul V. Well, not so much a correction as an addition. I think the character was portrayed as whiny on purpose is all.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually considering writing a critical analysis of Penny Dreadful. Already did a course on it, so I should have enough material kicking around.
Victor realizes he fucked up real bad
ReplyDeleteExcept that he didn't, really. He only fucked up once he abandoned the monster, and the monster became a monster.
Christopher Weeks There is an excellent point there. For proof that he hasn't learned anything, look at the speech he gives the sailors who want to turn back from their expedition. Even at the end, when his actions have resulted in catastrophe, he still thinks charging ahead with an obsession is a great idea.
ReplyDeletePeter Boyle is my favorite.
ReplyDeletePUTTIN' ONNA REEEEEEETZ
ReplyDeleteMemories of watching Roger Corman's Frankenstein Unbound just came flooding back. Need to watch that again I think.
ReplyDelete