Frankenstein...Then and Now
This month is Boris Karloff month on Shudder, and with it came the OG Frankenstein! I have seen Frankenstein as a side character in modern movies but never his own story. I searched Roku to see if I could find any modern remakes of the film and found the silent film version! So of course, start with the oldest....
I LOVE SILENT FILMS. The only problem with silent films is that you have to pay attention to them but really, when did movies become “background noise”? And really, you have to give them so much credit. They have pace and great use of music and acting has to go so much further in a silent film. Pace in this particular movie is great. Jumps right in to a doctor making Frankenstein. It is a short little one but such a gem. Found on Classic Movie Vault on Roku.Â
First off, just look how much we had improved technology between 1910 and 1931. Really only 21 years and yet...man you would of thought there was more time between each of these films. Think about it, did I do anything that life changing by the time I was 21? No. But in 21 years, society feels worlds apart. This is Boris Karloff’s big break in Hollywood, even though he worked his entire life and I personally think all of his work is amazing. I love how it feels so much more like its source material and is really a timeless film. Found on Shudder.Â
I was interested to see how this translated into modern day. This is, in my opinion, trying too hard to be scary. The Frankenstein story is scary but its built into the story not needed to be amped up? It is not bad, its the same essence in modern day. I don’t like it as much as the other films myself. But its great if you like modern stuff.Â
The book itself is so ground breaking...from everything that has spread since its being written, to the shock of a young 18 year old woman writing it. Looking to see the many flavors of Frankenstein? Find more information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein_(film.  Best thing to do after this? Not only watch the films, but watch the horror movie about Marie Shelley herself writing the novel that started it all! For youngsters, watch Frankenweenie...its adorable!
