Essay Comparing Frankenstein And Branagh's Frankenstein

While Shelley describes Victor as a highly self-absorbed and obsessive scientist, Kenneth Branagh develops a more humane character, whose pain and emotions transform him into a delusional man. In the novel, Dr. Frankenstein often acts out of pure selfishness. For instance, Victor remains silent to save his reputation and lets Justine die on the morrow for a murder she didn’t commit (Shelley 59). He is even convinced that “[the] poor victim . . . [feels] not, as [he does], such deep and bitter agony” (Shelley 59). Because he deflects the suffering on himself, he proves once again that he is self-absorbed. However, Branagh’s Victor is more considerate of the people around him, as he tries to make his way through the villagers to stop Justine’s

lynching (Branagh 1:19:20). Moreover, in the book, when the Creature threatens him to be with him on his wedding night, it doesn’t occur to Frankenstein that Elizabeth might in danger.

Indeed, this scientist advances the sole idea that his creation “[has] determined to consummate his crimes by [his] death,” thus showing that he thinks the world revolves around him (Shelley 139). Conversely, in Branagh’s adaptation, Victor is concerned for Elizabeth since he tells her to lock the door before going out to kill the Creature (Branagh 1:39:40). Shelley also uses a foil character to further emphasize on Frankenstein’s arrogance. She contrasts this man’s self-regard with the benevolence of his friend, Henry Clerval. For instance, when Victor becomes ill, Clerval decides to take care of him, therefore putting his companion’s health before his studies and life (Shelley 39). This man even writes letters to his friend’s family, task that Victor has neglected for two years due to his obsession with his own projects (Shelley 29, 35). Similarly, Branagh reveals the main character’s obsessiveness through an over-the-shoulder shot of Elizabeth when she visits her lover in his laboratory. By doing so, he allows the audience to perceive Frankenstein from her point of

view. He draws attention to his dirty fingers, filthy hair and unshaven beard, which reveal his deprivation of rest (Branagh 00:41:00). As for the creation scene, a fast-paced music, along with rapid camera movements, hints at Victor’s determination and passion. Furthermore, when this scientist reanimates Elizabeth and dances with her, the music reflects his madness as it becomes more and more discordant (Branagh 01:47:00). Branagh also uses high-key lighting, for the flashbacks from a former ball scene, and contrasts it with the low-key lighting of their macabre dance (01:48:00). In addition, Henry once again embodies what Victor lacks by acting as his moral compass. In fact, Clerval disapproves his companion’s wishes to go beyond the boundaries between life and death, as he tells him that “[he has] gone too far. There's only one God” (Branagh 00:31:00). To summarize, Branagh’s portrayal of Victor is more palatable to the audience ______.