Mid-October saw the release of Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic, “Frankenstein,” starring Oscar Isaac and Mia Goth. The movie utilized the plot from the original gothic horror novel released in 1818. It began streaming on Netflix November 7th, with critics having nothing but positive comments about the movie, and fans online praising the film for its casting and plot. The novel is taught by English teachers across America for its themes of overstepping the bounds of scientific exploration and parenthood. Although fans of the novel may have enjoyed the movie, what did English teachers think of the adaptation?
Glen Rock High School AP Literature teacher Ms. Wetchler went into detail about her opinions of the casting, calling Isaac “fantastic,” and saying that the older casting choice “gave a little more authenticity to [the movie].” Goth has starred in other popular horror films like “Pearl,” and is widely known on social media as a “scream queen,” and Wetchler stated that her approach to Elizabeth gave the character more depth than in the novel. Her newfound love for insects and interest in science made her relationship with Victor more profound, as they were now given things to converse about. In doing this, del Toro transformed Elizabeth into much more than Victor’s love interest.
Structurally, “Frankenstein” changes the perspective of the characters telling the story, using an epistolary format, a technique also used in the novel. However, del Toro took it upon himself to make strategic changes that succeeded in enhancing themes throughout. For example, Victor being interested in life from a young age, rather than a 20-year-old in college who can suddenly create it, only made the character all the more intelligent and ambitious. It made the movie more realistic, according to Wetchler, especially in the modern era.
“I feel like the heart of what Mary Shelley was saying about scientific advancement, about what she was saying, I think, relationships and familial relationships and companionship and even love. I think all of those things were taken into the consciousness of the modern viewer, which is such a feat for Guillermo del Toro to have achieved,” states Wetchler
“Frankenstein” should be considered a truehearted adaptation of Mary Shelley’s work because of its spot on casting and intended message. The film utilizes Shelley’s writing and creates something equally as unique to the original story.
