(Illustration by Wrightson)
When I moved to the United States, I was introduced to the genre of 'horror', and one of the most intriguing themes in all of these classic films and literature, were the monsters, especially the concept of the 'tragic monster'. They fascinated me. In a strange way I could relate to them. Reading Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly, in high-school, was really eye opening for me. I gained an understanding of why authors in horror create the characters and depictions they do.
The story of Frankenstein really pushes the reader to think about, and identify, who is actually the monster in these stories. This theme has been heavily influential adapted and recreated in movies today. A director/producer who I have noticed turns to this theme quite often is Tim Burton. "Edward Scissorhands" and "Frankenweenie" are almost the exact story of Frankenstein readapted into modern films with dark and stylized imagery. Edward is created by his 'Father' played by Vincent Price, and is not finished, so he is left with scissor-hands and is left to live alone in his father's creepy mansion overlooking a colorful and perfect town. When he is discovered, he is accepted at first, but then rejected by society because he can't help the position he's in and is banished back to the place he came from, left to be forgotten. As the viewer, I have always been able to relate and sympathize with the 'monster'. Because of the way they are created, they are misjudged and rejected, humiliated, banished, and one must question who is actually the antagonist: the 'monsters', or the people?
The story of Frankenstein really pushes the reader to think about, and identify, who is actually the monster in these stories. This theme has been heavily influential adapted and recreated in movies today. A director/producer who I have noticed turns to this theme quite often is Tim Burton. "Edward Scissorhands" and "Frankenweenie" are almost the exact story of Frankenstein readapted into modern films with dark and stylized imagery. Edward is created by his 'Father' played by Vincent Price, and is not finished, so he is left with scissor-hands and is left to live alone in his father's creepy mansion overlooking a colorful and perfect town. When he is discovered, he is accepted at first, but then rejected by society because he can't help the position he's in and is banished back to the place he came from, left to be forgotten. As the viewer, I have always been able to relate and sympathize with the 'monster'. Because of the way they are created, they are misjudged and rejected, humiliated, banished, and one must question who is actually the antagonist: the 'monsters', or the people?
In "Frankenstein", a creature that is brought to life by Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, a young man studying natural science. He believes he has the skill-set to bring the dead or the inanimate, to life. He succeeds in creating life where there wasn't, but his creation frightens him, forcing him to flee. Throughout the story, we find that the monster he has created, is in fact quite kind and intelligent. He is interested in learning and is very articulate. He studies and has the desire to learn as most humans would. Despite his good intentions and his intelligence, society rejects him because he appears monstrous and terrifying. The combination of Victor's neglect and the rejection from society drive the monster to kill Victor's wife and friends, and of course, this makes him appear more monstrous and ferocious to the public eye. In reality, Victor was responsible for the creation, and is to blame for these acts of rage and sadness.
(Illustration by Wrightson)
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