Week 3 - Double Feature. Frankenstein (1931)

3 STARS - GOOD SHOW!

“Poor Frankenstein!  They were so mean to him!” --Kenzie

The Film:  The familiar story, of course:  Brilliant, driven scientist creates life from death, but something goes horribly awry, and no one is prepared to deal with the tragic consequences.  The movie and the monster, sympathetically played by Boris Karloff, was much imitated for years to come, even by the comedic re-make, “Young Frankenstein” (1974).  It’s interesting that “Frankenstein” and “Dracula” were so popular in this Depression year.  It was an era dominated by rich vs. poor comedies, crime thrillers, and horror flicks--all good ways to deal with the tough times created by high finance.   The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Society:  Obviously, every kid knows all about Frankenstein, but the surprise was what a sympathetic character he was.  Sure, he did some awful destructive things, but not out of anger or evil intent, but out of ignorance or fear.  We all probably responded better to this than “Dracula,” except Syd, but she doesn’t seem to be quite sold, yet, on these old, black and white movies.  Every week she asks if the movie will be in color, yet.  Sorry, babe.  We have a long way to go before we get much color.  Maybe we just need more child-appealing fare.

The Family Vote:

Kenz - 5 Stars - Poor Frankenstein!  They were so mean to him!  I think the movie shows more of human abomination and our desire to step in as God, but how quickly we abandon responsibility.

Syd - 1 Star - I left because it was way too scary.  They should have another version when he gets the right brain.

Kayla - 3 Stars - It was a horror, but it wasn’t very scary.

Stacy - 3 Stars - Gave me more understanding of “Young Frankenstein,” which I love, and the spoofs that were taken from the original.  Poor Franky!!  It was not his fault.

Ladd - 3 Stars - This story is about us--we are the monster, constantly demanding evermore technological progress, but often ill-prepared to handle the fallout.  Global warming, anybody?  Nuclear proliferation?  Oil wells polluting the coastline?  Mary Shelley was way ahead of her time.