Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: Movie Review

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Megha Ma'am(Department of English, MKBU). 

Movie Review: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a 1994 science fiction horror film directed by Kenneth Branagh who also stars as Victor Frankenstein, with Robert De Niro portraying Frankenstein's monster (called The Creation in the film), and co-stars Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Ian Holm, John Cleese, Richard Briers and Aidan Quinn. Considered the most faithful film adaptation of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, despite several differences and additions in plot from the novel, the film follows a medical student named Victor Frankenstein who creates new life in the form of a monster composed of various corpses' body parts.

Directed by:    Kenneth Branagh

Screenplay by:  Steph Lady, Frank Darabont

Based on: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Produced by:     Francis Ford Coppola, James V. Hart, John Veitch

Starring: Robert De Niro Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Aidan Quinn, Ian Holm, John Cleese

Cinematography: Roger Pratt

Edited by: Andrew Marcus

Music by: Patrick Doyle

Production companies : TriStar Pictures, Japan Satellite Broadcasting, Inc., The IndieProd Company, American Zoetrope

Distributed by: TriStar Pictures

Release dates: November 3, 1994 (London Film Festival)[1]

November 4, 1994 (United States)

Running time: 123 minutes[2]

Countries: United States

Language:  English

Budget :     $45 million[4]

Box office: $112 million[4]

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, is a captivating and faithful adaptation of the classic novel that has haunted our imaginations for centuries. This 1994 film manages to breathe new life into the timeless tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation while staying true to the essence of Mary Shelley's original work.

Branagh, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Steph Lady, skillfully captures the gothic atmosphere and deep moral questions that permeate Shelley's novel. The film opens with an ambitious explorer, Captain Walton (played by Aidan Quinn), on an Arctic expedition, who stumbles upon Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) in his desperate pursuit to achieve the unattainable – reanimating life. Through a series of flashbacks, we witness Victor's obsession with creating life from death and the tragic consequences that follow.

Victor Frankenstein

One of the film's greatest strengths is its character development. Branagh delivers a stellar performance as Victor Frankenstein, portraying him as a complex, tortured genius driven by his desire to conquer death itself. Robert De Niro shines as the Creature, bringing a depth and sympathy to the role that is often overlooked in other adaptations. His portrayal captures the heartbreak and loneliness of a being rejected by society, ultimately turning into a vengeful outcast.

Creature(Monster)

Helena Bonham Carter is enchanting as Elizabeth, Victor's fiancée, and Tom Hulce adds a layer of moral ambiguity as Henry Clerval, Victor's best friend and confidant. The supporting cast, including Ian Holm and John Cleese, also delivers exceptional performances that enhance the film's emotional depth.

Elizabeth

Branagh's direction infuses the film with a palpable sense of horror and tragedy. The gothic sets, sweeping landscapes, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography by Roger Pratt create a visually stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. Patrick Doyle's haunting score adds to the film's atmosphere, accentuating the emotional highs and lows of the story.

One of the film's most compelling aspects is its exploration of ethical and moral dilemmas. It delves into themes of scientific hubris, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the nature of humanity. Branagh's adaptation doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the story, making it a thought-provoking and unsettling experience.

While Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a remarkable adaptation, it's not without its flaws. Some may find the film's pacing uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed while others linger too long. Additionally, purists of the novel may take issue with the liberties taken with the source material, but Branagh's interpretation remains true to the spirit of Shelley's original vision.

Few more aspects about the movie:

1. The Romantic Element: One unique feature of Branagh's adaptation is the emphasis on the romantic aspect of the story. The love between Victor and Elizabeth is portrayed as a central force, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. The film explores how Victor's obsession with creating life puts his love for Elizabeth in jeopardy, highlighting the tragic consequences of his ambition.

2. The Makeup and Special Effects: The film's makeup and special effects team deserve special mention for their work in transforming Robert De Niro into the Creature. De Niro's physical transformation is striking, and the prosthetic makeup used to create his appearance is both convincing and unsettling. The practical effects used to bring the Creature to life are impressive, adding to the film's overall authenticity.

3. Exploration of Moral Ambiguity: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein doesn't present a clear-cut hero or villain. Instead, it delves into the moral ambiguity of its characters. Victor's descent into madness and obsession is portrayed with complexity, leaving audiences to grapple with questions about the nature of good and evil. This nuanced approach adds depth to the film's narrative and character development.

4. The Film's Legacy: Despite mixed critical reviews upon its release, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has gained a dedicated following over the years. It is appreciated by those who admire its faithfulness to the source material and its commitment to exploring the novel's philosophical themes. The film's enduring appeal is a testament to its ability to capture the essence of Mary Shelley's work.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is a multi-faceted adaptation that successfully brings the classic novel to life on the big screen. With its powerful performances, gothic atmosphere, exploration of moral dilemmas, and emphasis on the romantic elements of the story, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. While it may not be without its flaws, it stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with the story of Victor Frankenstein and his tragic creation.

"Pamela" by Samuel Richardson

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Vaidehi Ma'am(Department of English, MKBU). In this blog we will discuss character of Pamela from the novel of 'Pamela' written by Samuel Richardson. For more information about this blog click here.

Samuel Richardson

Richardson is credited with writing the first modern novel. He was the son of a London joiner, who, for economy's sake, resided in some unknown town in Derbyshire, where Samuel was born in 1689. The boy received very little education, but he had a natural talent for writing letters, and even as a boy we find him frequently employed by working girls to write their love letters for them. This early experience, together with his fondness for the society of "his dearest ladies" rather than of men, gave him that intimate knowledge of the hearts of sentimental and uneducated women which is manifest in all his work. Moreover, he was a keen observer of manners, and his surprisingly accurate descriptions often compel us to listen, even when he is most tedious. At seventeen years of age he went to London and learned the printer's trade, which he followed to the end of his life.

'Pamela' Novel:

When fifty years of age he had a small reputation as a writer of elegant epistles, and this reputation led certain publishers to approach him with a proposal that he write a series of Familiar Letters, which could be used as models by people unused to writing. Richardson gladly accepted the proposal, and had the happy inspiration to make these letters tell the connected story of a girl's life. Defoe had told an adventure story of human life on a desert island, but Richardson would tell the story of a girl's inner life in the midst of English neighbors. That sounds simple enough now, but it marked an epoch in the history of literature. Like every other great and simple discovery, it makes us wonder why some one had not thought of it before.

Q: 1.) If Pamela was in the contemporary time, will the story take any changes?

In the novel we find Pamela is a virtuous woman who is being harassed by her employer. In novel written in the 18th century we find a character Pamela, believing blindly in Mr.B, she does not take stand for herself and does not fight with others for wrong doing. That's why she suffers a lot. If she were in contemporary time she would not endure any licentious behaviour of Mr.B rather she would fight against him.

At that time we also found that the legal rights of women were not as well known in the contemporary world. In this period Pamela would take legal actions against Mr.B's miss behaviours. In the novel we also find that Pamela accepts the marriage proposal of Mr.B after so much pain she suffers through because of him, In present time the modern woman would never accept such a man at any cost rather she would hate him and take legal action against him.

In the novel even Pamela's parents also neglect in taking care of Pamela or they don’t even inquire about her after she lost for so many days. In contemporary times parents would not neglect in such a manner and they would try to find their daughter by taking help from police. And in present world we also have legal rights for the servant especially for the women employees, so there are less chances that women would endure such a thing.

In the present time we also find a high level of education women have so they know what is right and wrong for themselves. Modern women will never follow their employer’s order blindly and she would deny to stuck with such work.

Mary Shelley's Frankeinstein

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Megha Ma'am(Department of English, MKBU). In this blog we will four questions related to the novel 'Frankenstein' written by Mary Shelley.

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (30 August 1797 – 1 February 1851) was an English novelist who wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818), which is considered an early example of science fiction. She also edited and promoted the works of her husband, the Romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley. Her father was the political philosopher William Godwin and her mother was the philosopher and women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft.

Que-1: What are some major differences between the movie and the novel Frankenstein?

Ans.

If we compare the movie adaptations of the novel Frankenstein with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein movie. It is a 1994 science fiction horror film directed by Kenneth Branagh who also stars as Victor Frankenstein, with Robert De Niro portraying Frankenstein's monster (called The Creation in the film), and co-stars Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Ian Holm, John Cleese, Richard Briers and Aidan Quinn, then we find these difference.

The 1994 film "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein," directed by Kenneth Branagh, is an adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus." While the movie follows the general storyline of the novel, there are several notable differences and adaptations made for cinematic purposes. Here are some key differences between the novel and the 1994 film:

1. Character Changes:

   - In the novel, Victor Frankenstein is portrayed as a morally conflicted and tormented scientist. In the film, Victor is still depicted as a scientist, but his character is given more emotional depth and his motivations are explored in greater detail.

   - The character of Elizabeth, Victor's fiancée, has a more prominent role in the film, and her relationship with Victor is explored in greater depth.

2. Additional Characters:

   - The film introduces characters and subplots that are not present in the novel, such as the character of Professor Waldman, who has a more significant role in the film's narrative.

3. Setting:

   - The film includes more elaborate and visually stunning settings than the novel. It takes advantage of the cinematic medium to create grand and atmospheric scenes.

4. Creature's Appearance:

   - The portrayal of the Creature in the film differs from the novel. In the novel, the Creature is described as hideous and inhuman, while in the film, the Creature's appearance is somewhat more sympathetic and human-like.

5. Scientific Process:

   - The film provides more detailed and dramatic depictions of Victor's scientific experiments and the process of creating the Creature.

6. Narrative Framing:

   - The film uses a narrative framing device similar to the novel, with Captain Walton writing letters to his sister. However, the film adds some additional scenes and interactions between Walton and Victor.

7. Tone and Emphasis:

   - The film places a greater emphasis on the romantic and emotional aspects of the story, including Victor's love for Elizabeth and his guilt over the Creature's creation.

8. Conclusion:

- The film has a more dramatic and action-oriented conclusion compared to the novel, with a climactic confrontation between Victor and the Creature.

Que-2 : Who do you think is the real monster?

Ans. When we study characters and storyline thoroughly, we can find out that the actual monster is not a real monster. But because of lack of knowledge and care he behaves as a monster. The monster is not a monster by birth but by the behavior of the society he reflects in the same manner towards the society, then he becomes a monster by nature.

In the real sense society itself is a monster that can not see the real nature of a monster but he was treated as a strange creature so he becomes the one and in the eyes of people he is seen as a monster.

Que-3 : Do you think the search for knowledge is dangerous and destructive?

Ans.

I think search for knowledge is a good thing. That is the reason behind all the discoveries that have been made over the centuries. But when one pursues knowledge one has to be very careful about the path one chooses, because there are many ways to achieve knowledge, there are shortcuts but when that could be dangerous or destructive. One should always know the path to attain knowledge in a right way, otherwise it could be destructive.

Q-4: Do you think Victor Frankenstein's creature was inherently or did society's rejection and mistreatment turn him into a monster?

Ans.

I think It is society's rejection and mistreatment that turns a creature into a monster because as we see in the novel, in the beginning he just tries to help other people and wants human affection but his strange look makes him unwanted. In society there are criteria in which we judge people. The first thing we consider is the looks of someone else and in this very first criteria creature mismatch so society hates him and in return so called "monster" becomes evil by nature. I think it is just a reflection of the society that monster shows, It shows us the mirror that what we are actually. So we can say the monster is made by the society.

Q-5: Should there be limits on scientific exploration? Is so what should that limits be?

Ans.

There must be a limit to scientific exploration. It depends on the morals, If that scientific exploration is harmful to human beings, how can be say that as an exploration, It would become rather than the destruction that we create. It is always necessary that we stop somewhere. For example in novels we see monsters created with the body parts of different people. So using human parts and organs without any permission directly collecting it from graveyards, so there must be a limit. And scientific creation has its motive behind creating so that motive must be clear and the responsibility of that scientific research should be taken by someone.

Impact of French Revoluation in Wordsworth's poetry

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Dilip Barad sir (Department of English, MKBU). For more details of the task click here. In this blog we will discuss how french Revolution influenced Wordsworth's romanticism.

William Wordsworth (7 April 1770 – 23 April 1850) was an English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication Lyrical Ballads (1798).Wordsworth was Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death from pleurisy on 23 April 1850.

Q: How French Revolution influenced Wordsworth's poetry?

Ans:

The French Revolution had a significant influence on William Wordsworth's romanticism. Wordsworth was a prominent English Romantic poet, and the events of the French Revolution, which began in 1789, had a profound impact on his literary and philosophical outlook. Here's how it influenced him:

1. Idealism and Liberty: The ideals of the French Revolution, such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, resonated with Wordsworth's own beliefs about the importance of individual freedom and the innate goodness of humanity. He saw the revolution as a source of hope and inspiration for a better world.

2. Nature and Emotion: Wordsworth's poetry often celebrated the beauty of nature and the emotions it evoked in individuals. The upheaval of the French Revolution led him to reflect on the relationship between nature, human emotions, and societal change. His poems, like "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey," reflect this connection.

3. Individual Experience: Wordsworth's romanticism emphasized the importance of individual experience and emotions. The tumultuous and transformative nature of the French Revolution reinforced his belief in the power of personal experiences to shape one's perspective and understanding of the world.

4. Critique of Industrialization: Wordsworth, along with fellow Romantic poets like Coleridge, was critical of the industrialization and urbanization of society during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The social and economic changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution were, in part, a response to the political and ideological shifts associated with the French Revolution.

5. Return to Simplicity: In response to the complex and often violent events of the revolution, Wordsworth and other Romantic poets sought solace in the simplicity and tranquility of rural life. This is evident in many of Wordsworth's poems, where he often depicted the beauty and peace of the natural world.

In summary, the French Revolution influenced Wordsworth's romanticism by shaping his views on individualism, nature, and the human spirit's capacity for change and renewal. It played a pivotal role in the development of his poetic themes and philosophy during a time of significant historical and social upheaval.

Absalom and Achitophel

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Dilip Barad sir (Department of English, MKBU). For more details of the task click here. This blog is about poem Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden. Here few beginning lines from the poem and critical analysis of the same are discussed with the help of chat GPT.

Few lines from the beginning of the poem.

Critical Analysis:

The opening lines of John Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" are a masterful example of satirical wit and historical commentary. Here's a critique of these lines:

1. Satirical Tone: Dryden employs a satirical tone from the very beginning. He subtly mocks the shifting moral and religious standards over time by describing an era "ere priest-craft did begin" when polygamy was acceptable, contrasting it with the contemporary view that condemns it as a sin. This sets the stage for the satirical exploration of hypocrisy and political maneuvering.

2. Historical and Biblical Allusion: Dryden effectively uses historical and biblical allusions to draw parallels between the past and the present. By referencing King David as "Israel's monarch" and portraying him as a figure who had multiple wives and concubines, Dryden creates a satirical commentary on the changing moral landscape of both biblical and contemporary society.

3. Critique of Religious and Political Hypocrisy: These lines serve as a critique of religious and political hypocrisy. Dryden implies that moral standards are subject to manipulation and change based on political motivations and religious interests. The condemnation of polygamy in his contemporary society, while it was accepted in biblical times, highlights the malleability of moral principles.

4. Exploration of Succession and Legitimacy: Dryden subtly raises questions about the legitimacy of heirs and succession. He hints that the offspring of King David's numerous unions may not be considered legitimate successors due to evolving societal norms. This underscores the arbitrary nature of determining legitimacy in both political and religious contexts.

5. Irony and Social Commentary: Dryden uses irony to highlight the irony of shifting moral values and the role of political and religious authorities in shaping those values. His commentary extends beyond biblical history to address the political and religious climate of his own time, where moral standards were influenced by political power struggles.

In summary, these opening lines of "Absalom and Achitophel" effectively set the stage for the satirical exploration of shifting moral values, religious and political hypocrisy, and the arbitrary nature of legitimacy. Dryden's use of wit, historical references, and irony engages the reader in a thought-provoking critique of both past and contemporary society.

Work Cited:

“Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden | Poetry Foundation.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44172/absalom-and-achitophel.

Barad, Dilip. Absalom and Achitophel: Worksheet. blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/01/absalom-and-achitophel-worksheet.html. Poetry Foundation. 

OpenAI. "Critique of the Opening Lines in 'Absalom and Achitophel' by John Dryden." ChatGPT, 17 September 2023.

Thinking Activity (Keats)

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Megha Ma'am (Department of English, MKBU). In this blog, a question is discussed related to the Keats writing as a part of the paper 'Romantic Era'.

Que : What is negative capability? Explain with the example of Keats' one of the poems.

Ans. 

John Keats was born in London on October 31, 1795, the eldest of Thomas and Frances Jennings Keats’s four children. Although he died at the age of twenty-five, Keats had perhaps the most remarkable career of any English poet. He published only fifty-four poems in three slim volumes and a few magazines. But over his short development, he took on the challenges of a wide range of poetic forms, from the sonnet to the Spenserian romance to the Miltonic epic, defining anew their possibilities with his own distinctive fusion of earnest energy, control of conflicting perspectives and forces, poetic self-consciousness, and, occasionally, dry ironic wit.

Posthumous portrait of Keats by William Hilton, National Portrait Gallery, London (c. 1822)

Keats has that quality of negative capability, which means he could create something good out of the great sorrow. Negative capability means when a person becomes undisturbed by the surrounding environment of life and doesn't seek an answer to the question or escape from the pain but rather accepts things as they are. Keats wrote his best poetry during the days when he was suffering great pain, but still, he wrote the best work of his life.

In his poem 'Ode to the Autumn', he describes autumn as a lively season, but in literature, autumn is considered a season of sadness and melancholy. So in this poem, he describes how autumn is beautiful with its dried leaves, flowers, and ripened fruits. He describes the beauty of autumn. It has its own place in all seasons. In the poem, the poet finds beauty even in the season, which is considered a negative one. Here we can find the use of the poet's negative capability to create something creative out of a gloomy environment.

The Rape of Lock

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Vaidehi Ma'am (Department of English, MKBU). In this blog, four questions are discussed related to the poem "The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope. For more details about the blog Click Here.

Q-1: According to you, who is the protagonist of the poem, Clarissa or Belinda? Why? Give your answer with logical reasons.

Ans.

According to me, the protagonist of the poem 'The Rape of the Lock' is Clarissa. This work is written as a satire of a higher-class society. When we go through the work, we find that Belinda is just a showcase of the higher-class society; she does not have the qualities that are needed as a protagonist, but to make the point and to describe the high-class life, Pope portrayed her as a tool. But in a real sense, Clarissa is the protagonist. When we see the speech given by Clarissa, we find that she is speaking what Pope tries to convey through this work, and that really makes sense and gives us a clear view of the real beauty and misconceptions about beauty.

Q-2: What is beauty? Write your views about it.

Ans.

Beauty is perception. Beauty is everywhere, and everything is beauty; it depends on how we see it. Each and everyone has their own concept of beauty, but does beauty have any relation to the word itself, 'beauty'? For me, this word is kind of a mystery; maybe we have misconceptions about beauty.

For example, we all find beauty in nature, right? We all like trees, birds, mountains, rivers, and so on. We find beauty in butterflies, don't we? But when we see cockroaches, we say it's disgusting. When we see a beautiful dog that is healthy,well fed, and full of fur, we find it beautiful, but when we see a street dog with no beautiful fur and who is sick, we say it's not beautiful. See our perspective on how it is based on the object. When we put something in criteria that this is beauty and this is not, we lose sight of the real beauty. I say real beauty is inside; when we see something, we see something with beauty; when we speak, we speak it with beauty; then we change the concept and our conditioning with the word itself. Now we are the beauty, and the world is also full of beauty.

Q-3: Find out about a research paper on "The Rape of the Lock". Give the details of the paper and write down in brief what it says about the poem by Alexander Pope.

Ans.

“‘the Rape of the Lock’ by Alexander Pope Review - 1891 Words | Research Paper Example.” IvyPanda, 30 Apr. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/the-rape-of-the-lock-by-alexander-pope-review.

According to the paper, Pope has portrayed the high-class society of his contemporary time. Through mocking the class system, Pope tries to convey the trivial idea of how much emphasis is placed on just a lock of the hair. Belinda, the Baron, and the society they represent are obsessed with material things, such as the lock and self-worship. Pope suggests that attention to spiritual matters, the strengthening of character, and the development or value of inner beauty are matters to which society does not properly attend. This attention to the material and tendency to give in to worldly temptations indicate a frivolous aristocracy that lacks virtue and morality.

The poem satirises the trivialities of fashionable life as a commentary on the distorted moral values of polite society and as a criticism of human pride. The world of The Rape of the Lock is an artificial one, a trivial realm of calm and decorum sustained by the strict observance of rigorous rules, a microcosm in which very real and very powerful human emotions and passions have been ignored.

Q-4: Write your views about the significance of hair. Is it symbolic?

Ans.

Since ancient times, hair has had its own significance. In society, women have much more significance than keeping long hair. It symbolises women's pride and beauty. In the poem 'The Rape of the Lock', the lock of hair is much more symbolised with pride. In the poem, hair is more emphasised, which becomes a really huge matter. The cutting of the lock is compared with the 'rape' word, which has much more importance in society. When Belinda's lock of hair is cut, she behaves like she lost everything in her life, making it a really huge matter, like she behaves as if she lost her virginity. So, in today's society, much more importance is placed on hair.