Adaptations and Retellings: Frankenstein Films

This week we are finishing up our look at Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Below is a link to a list of some of the most popular, but it is 19 years out of date (and thus incomplete). Take a look at U Penn's list to get a good sampling of the range out there. http://knarf.english.upenn.edu/Pop/filmlist.html

Let's use the blog this week to compile a list of the best/most important/zaniest Frankenstein movies, aiming for a collection of information that can help us make a top ten list of Frankenstein movies in class. Which ones on the list above seem noteworthy? Which one is your favorite? Which ones have you seen? Which one has the most outlandish premise? What do you think the adaptation/retelling brings out of/adds to the original? Everyone should try to investigate/comment on a different film so we can have a strong final list of films, but you should feel free to comment/expand on someone else's post in addition. Good luck and happy Googling!

1960s poster for 1931 Universal Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein

Still from 1931 Universal film Frankenstein

In class this week we began discussing Victor Frankenstein and his disastrous creation, and our conversation turned toward ethics. Now that you have read more of the novel, what do you make of Frankenstein's motivations and choices? What is the novel saying about education and the pursuit of science? Are there lines that science and human ambition cannot or should not cross? What significance do you give the title in its entirety (Frankenstein: A Modern Prometheus)? Be sure to use textual evidence from the novel to back up your position.

1831 Frontispiece of Frankenstein: A Modern Prometheus

Byronic Heros: A Pop Culture Trope?

In class last week we discussed Lord Byron, and how hugely popular he was in his day despite (and because of) his behavior. Byron is arguably the first modern celebrity, and his self-promotion rivals that of contemporary rockstar. A Byronic hero is thought to be dark and handsome, magnetically attractive, and is conflicted and complicated. He may have a mysterious (and possibly dangerous past). He could also be melancholy, cynical, charismatic, sophisticated, rebellious, and world-weary. A Byronic hero usually doesn't respect conventional morality and often seems to lack integrity, but does uphold a personal code of conduct.

To what extent do you think this Romantic superstar has influenced the last 200 years of popular culture? Does it sound similar to the hero or protagonist/antagonist from any movies or books? How pervasive has the idea of a Byronic Hero become culturally?  Can you think of any characters from past or present popular culture who shows the influence of a Byronic Hero?

George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron by Richard Westall (date unknown) wikiimages