Key Highlights
- Jacob Elordi portrays Frankenstein’s monster in a new adaptation with a more modern and appealing look.
- The film’s makeup designer Mike Hill worked to create a seamless, man-made appearance that diverges from traditional depictions of the creature.
- Critics debate whether this departure from Mary Shelley’s original story is a step forward or a misstep in interpretation.
- The new take on Frankenstein’s monster reflects modern aesthetics and challenges Hollywood’s tendency to make villains uglier over time.
New Interpretation of Frankenstein’s Monster
Actor Jacob Elordi takes on the role of Frankenstein’s monster in a fresh adaptation, bringing a new perspective to one of cinema’s most enduring characters. Departing from the traditional green-skinned and bolt-necked portrayal, Elordi’s version is characterized by sculpted cheekbones, pouty lips, and white alabaster skin.
Mike Hill, the visual effects makeup artist and creature designer, worked tirelessly to create this vision. “I spent decades wondering how I would do this character in my own version of this,” Hill shared with CNN. His design aimed for a more flattering look that diverges from the iconic 1931 Universal Studios creation by Jack Pierce.
Evolution of Frankenstein’s Monster
The original depiction of the monster, famously portrayed by Boris Karloff in 1931, was characterized by its drooping eyelids and protruding neck plugs. This version, however, became somewhat dated due to its garish appearance and limited creative freedom for subsequent filmmakers.
“Everyone’s trying to outdo what has been done before,” Hill explained. Del Toro and his team opted for a more seamless look, eschewing visible stitches in favor of subtle contour lines inspired by alabaster statues. “We didn’t want this creature to be too garish; we wanted it to look like something that could have been created by Victor Frankenstein himself,” said Hill.
Challenges and Controversies
The new interpretation has faced criticism from some quarters for straying from the original script. Dr. Jeanne Tiehen, a professor at University College Dublin, suggests that this modernization could be seen as a reflection of contemporary societal values. “The story of Frankenstein is often one that I consider a question about scientific progress,” she noted.
Others like Eleanor Johnson, author of “Scream with Me: Horror Films and the Rise of American Feminism,” argue that this new take challenges traditional Hollywood tropes. “Hollywood, because it likes an ugly villain, has gone out of its way to make the creature uglier and uglier over time,” she said in a phone interview. “What I like a lot about the casting of Jacob Elordi is that it leaves room for us to see the creature as a creature, and not just as a pure monster.”
Conclusion
“Frankenstein” brings a fresh perspective to one of literature’s most iconic characters. While some may find this new interpretation a departure from the original story, it offers a modern take that reflects contemporary aesthetics and challenges traditional Hollywood practices. As audiences embrace this new version, the legacy of Mary Shelley’s creation continues to evolve in fascinating ways.
