Dybbuk
Shared on Thu, 03/29/2007 - 09:36In the book, we learn that Frankenstein mixes science with witchcraft to create the Creature, but the process for creation is never revealed—a strict contrast to the scientific explanations for the fantasy provided in the works of Wells, Verne, and even the later Frankenstein films. Shelley ignores the science and is seemingly more interested in Victor’s fate for toiling with dark, unknown arts. It is interesting to note that this original Frankenstein film understood this, whereas the later versions apparently forgot it. As the science of Frankenstein grows more and more outlandish as each new version is made (the most recent theatrical version features the Creature entombed in a metal coffin filled with amniotic fluid while sting-rays bite him, charging him into existence).
Frankenstein gives us insight into the earliest chapters of cinema and the horror genre, before the archetypal, Hollywood Frankenstein clichés existed. Viewing Frankenstein today, it is difficult to give it a fair review. It is certainly crude filmaking, made in a time when cameras had to be operated manually and Nickelodeons where part of the new, technological rave.The story is confined to one set stage at a time, that all fits into the unmoving camera, and the actors are all filmed in long shots with no close-ups or edits.
Also more of an observation than a criticism; unlike Frankenstein’s monster, the film is certainly a successful experiment. Of greatest interest here is the extended scene where Frankenstein “creates” the monster. Like A Trip To The Moon’s immortal shot of the man in the moon, this sequence features one of the great early special effects (simple by today’s standards, but downright brilliant at the time) when the monster is “born” out of a vat of chemicals. In reality, a human-like figure was created out of synthetic material, burned, and the footage played in reverse, creating an eerie image of a bone and flesh accruing even as flames mysteriously engulf them. We could create a more wondrous image with today’s computers, but this miniature time capsule, narratively deficient as it may be, still tops the majority of them for pure creativity.
I will end with some questions about why this and other stories endured for so many generations. The story of Frankenstein has been told and retold for almost 200 years. Its inspiration the Jewish folk story of the Golem has been with us over 2400 years. why do we continue to retell this and other stories around the cathode ray campfire. I also find it interesting that with the rise of MMO's and co-op gaming we are returning to the participatory experience of campfire storytelling.
Next a Trip to the Moon....
Frankenstein gives us insight into the earliest chapters of cinema and the horror genre, before the archetypal, Hollywood Frankenstein clichés existed. Viewing Frankenstein today, it is difficult to give it a fair review. It is certainly crude filmaking, made in a time when cameras had to be operated manually and Nickelodeons where part of the new, technological rave.The story is confined to one set stage at a time, that all fits into the unmoving camera, and the actors are all filmed in long shots with no close-ups or edits.
Also more of an observation than a criticism; unlike Frankenstein’s monster, the film is certainly a successful experiment. Of greatest interest here is the extended scene where Frankenstein “creates” the monster. Like A Trip To The Moon’s immortal shot of the man in the moon, this sequence features one of the great early special effects (simple by today’s standards, but downright brilliant at the time) when the monster is “born” out of a vat of chemicals. In reality, a human-like figure was created out of synthetic material, burned, and the footage played in reverse, creating an eerie image of a bone and flesh accruing even as flames mysteriously engulf them. We could create a more wondrous image with today’s computers, but this miniature time capsule, narratively deficient as it may be, still tops the majority of them for pure creativity.
I will end with some questions about why this and other stories endured for so many generations. The story of Frankenstein has been told and retold for almost 200 years. Its inspiration the Jewish folk story of the Golem has been with us over 2400 years. why do we continue to retell this and other stories around the cathode ray campfire. I also find it interesting that with the rise of MMO's and co-op gaming we are returning to the participatory experience of campfire storytelling.
Next a Trip to the Moon....
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Submitted by Deman267 on Thu, 03/29/2007 - 10:36
Submitted by Kawlija on Thu, 04/05/2007 - 07:24
Submitted by Eviluncle on Fri, 03/30/2007 - 11:18