Movie Critique: Frankenstein

The movie Frankenstein, directed by James Whale holds many interesting and questionable connotations as a film.   While this movie on the surface may seem like a horror, sci-fi, or even a drama, the context and timeframe in which it is presented may suggest its different influences come from that of religious ones or even just an expression of love.

The idea of man creating another human life is something that even today we obsess over. This idea has not diminished.  During this time period religious influences may have had an effect on how the film was created.  In a biblical context the creation of mankind has only been a thing that God could do.  But for a film to show that mankind is indeed capable of that same creation can bring to mind many questions about the purpose of this film.  In the film Dr. Frankenstein explicitly states that he “knows what it feels like to be God.”   This is interesting in the sense that perhaps this film’s underlying purpose is to reject the idea of creation even happening by an all powerful God.  From the beginning of the movie to the time of creation Dr. Frankenstein seems fully obsessed with the idea that he can be as powerful as God by creating something from his “own hands,” as he states.  His obsession seems suppressed as he comes to terms with his creation and he returns to his normal lifestyle.  This may be due to the fact that perhaps his creation was not as perfect as he had pictured.  Imaginably he is not fully satisfied with his abnormal creation and loses hope in his endeavors. His attitude toward the subject can be interpreted in many different ways.

Additionally, the love connection he has between him and his wife plays another major role in this film’s direction.  This typical love connection seen in many films is almost pivotal to the entire story. His fiancé shows much influence in Dr. Frankenstein’s work. While Dr. Frankenstein is truly obsessed with his creation at first, he then soon realizes where his love truly lies.  That is, his love does not lie in the power of being like God, but rather in his personal relationship with the woman he loves.  This can be another purpose of the film’s plot.  The idea that love is more powerful than any other satisfaction this life can bring has been a common theme throughout the history of film. 

Overall, the story of Dr. Frankenstein displays erratic emotions of love, obsession, fear, and anger. All of these however bring together a classic and well-developed story that brings the viewer closer and connects with its audience in an emotional way.