Mary Shellys Frankenstein

How has the Frankenstein franchise changed from Whale’s until Branagh’s version?


Both Frankenstein films differ in different ways. Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein had a lot more money put into it, there are many reasons for this, one is that its modern day, and there is a lot of money within the film studios. Another reason is that back then whilst making ‘ the bridge of Frankenstein ‘ there was a recession, therefore there was a lack of money whilst making the film. The plot and storyline differs in each of the two films and its not a sequel. The Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein is in colour, in comparison to the black and white film ‘ the bridge of Frankenstein ‘. The shooting is very similar to the original, and the way in which some of the scenes were shot are almost the same. This film fits in the horror genre, it also fits in the romance genre because victor Frankenstein and Elizabeth experience many problems during their relationship. The narrative has changed because there is a combination of both films within the narrative region. The attitudes towards Frankenstein are the same because it still makes us think that society inflicts terror and fear upon the lives of innocent people.
The audiences expectations change over time because they will be expecting more impressive visual techniques because of the advanced technology. For example, in the original Frankenstein the story ended with the castle falling down, but in Mary Shellys Frankenstein, they use pyrotechnics to create a more realistic ending to the story. It ends with Elizabeth running down the hall on fire with nearby explosions. The pyrotechnical effects really add suspense and create a intense atmosphere to the mise en scene. It makes us feel like we are actually there at times, and draws the audiences attention more frequently. The actors are against type because the plot/storyline is different from the original, which means the actors almost have different roles. In the bridge of Frankenstein, Frankenstein himself was always nervous and unsure of things, like creating a female ' monster ' for the ' monster ' himself. However in Mary Shellys Frankenstein, he is always certain of things and is always keeping a positive attitude on things, there was no draw backs on anything, he always followed his plans. The monster is alot different in Mary Shellys Frankenstein in comparison to the original, he looks too human to be a monster, where as in the original he had the long forehead and drowsy eyes. I think the original monster definitely appeals to more merchandise, like clothing, masks posters etc.
The technology is obviously alot better than the technology used in the old film. For example, the cameras used in Mary Shellys Frankenstein are alot more advanced, therefore it enhances the aesthetics of the film, like the camera shots, angles, pixels etc.