Opening Sequences of Frankenstein by James Whale and Kenneth Branagh

Opening Sequences of Frankenstein by James Whale and Kenneth Branagh

"Frankenstein"

Compare the opening sequences of Mary Shelley's novel 'Frankenstein'

filmed by James Whale (1931) and Kenneth Branagh (1994). Describe and

account for the major differences and similarities between the

versions.

The gothic horror novel, 'Frankenstein', was written by Mary Shelley

during the Industrial Revolution, which was a period of dramatic

change. It was a groundbreaking and controversial novel, exploring

subjects previously considered taboo and even more shocking was that

this was done by a female author. 'Frankenstein' is a very complex

novel illustrating the disastrous consequences when man messes with

nature. It is about a young Swiss student who discovers the secret of

creating life and, by assembling body parts, creates a monster that

vows revenge on his creator after being rejected from society. It

begins with letters from the English explorer, Robert Walton, to his

sister, Margaret Saville, explaining of his situation and the problems

he encounters during his voyage. One day, when the ship is surrounded

by ice, a man in a bad way is found and taken aboard. He is later

revealed as Victor Frankenstein and tells Walton his story.

Frankenstein grew up in Geneva with an orphan, Elizabeth, who his

parents took pity on. He was very possessive of Elizabeth and felt

that she was his possession to love and protect and she is described

as his 'more than sister'. Frankenstein became interested in natural

philosophy, electricity, chemistry and mathematics at the age of

nineteen and, after the death of his mother, moved to Inglostadt,

Germany, to develop his interests. He became obsessed with natural

philosophy an...

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...assic film and I think that no one could represent the monster

better than Boris Karloff. Although I find Branagh's 1994 film

interpretation more watchable, this is probably only because this

style of film and filming is what I am used to. On greater inspection

James Whale's 1931 adaptation cannot fail to amaze the viewer with its

ability to still captivate the modern viewer. However I would have

liked to see more character depth, as I believe that is a vital part

of Mary Shelley's novel.

'Frankenstein' is a very clever and complicated novel and I think that

both directors have done admirably to successfully adapt it for a film

and convey they moral aspects. However, I consider both adaptations

inferior to Mary Shelley's book but the film adaptations, although

very different, both contain powerful images that create a lasting

impression on the viewer.