I absolutely agree. When the monster does kill, even in the Bride of Frankenstein, it is usually because people are attacking him first and he is defending himself. And even as you said with little Maria, it was accidental. In the real world, there's always the idea of intent. Did the monster intend to kill these people? No. He was simply defending himself. And in the case of little maria, it was accidental. Henry Frankenstein is the true monster. And I love how you incorporate the Jurassic Park quote of just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. As always another great video with deep thought and insight.
I believe the "monster" in the movie to be anyone lacking empathy. Stephen Crane, the author of "The Red Badge of Courage", wrote a novella called "The Monster" (1898) which is well worth reading. That too, is about lack of empathy.
The real monster is the mob. Karloff's creature is heartbreaking in the windmill as the crowd comes to destroy him. Mankind ruled by anger without compassion for the outsider is always the real villain.
Going by the novel, we're always to view Victor (Henry in the movie) as the true monster. There's a romanticizing that happens in the film that gives Henry a more gentle appearance, but even then, he's still the real monster.
I need to carve out some time to read the entire book front to back so I can do a true comparison of the book and movie and how the characters are portrayed.
Waldman is the biggest monster of them all. While Victor Frankenstein did outright abandon his creation in the novel, Henry Frankenstein goes out of his way to defend the creature more than once. Even when Waldman tells him that it was a criminal's brain, Henry wants to give his creation a chance. Waldman though, is relentless in his desire to destroy the creature and browbeats Henry to convince him to destroy it even before meeting it. He calls it evil, again, even before seeing it and wants the creature shot to death when it reacts in fear to Fritz's torch fire. Henry is very gentle with the creature in their initial interaction defends it until it ultimately kills Fritz. Waldman takes advantage of Henry's incapacitation and tells the weakened Henry that he will deal with the creature without telling him about the horrific vivisection that he has in mind. Henry, to me, is more of an Icarus...he flew too close to the sun without thinking it through and it led to his own demise.
Gosh, so many of the characters in the movies are monsters! Henry for abandoning his creation, Waldman for assuming the monster is evil, and Fritz for cruelly tormenting him. And the mob, too. The monster is innocent of actually murdering Maria but of course they dont care! I think this is why so many kids love this movie, they know what the monster is going through. I've known plenty of Fritz's in my life!!!!
I've always been on the Creature's side in both of Whale's Frankenstein movies, he's a lost, lonely, & confused soul constantly on the defense against the so-called "normal" people. Thanks for the video, I love your insight into your families' famous body of work!
Perfect analysis. Henry abandoned the creature, his own "child"... leaving him alone in the world to defend himself. Waldman was no better; after all, he was going to eviscerate the creature while he laid there on the table... still alive. Both were monsters in their own way. Despite being quite sadistically cruel, himself, to the creature, Fritz was probably, also, a broken soul with issues of his own... taking out his frustrations with the world on to the creature. I will add, though, that throughout the years, many have viewed the creature as being a soul that deserves sympathy... especially children. While many adults were indeed, horrified, over Karloff's portrayal of the creature, children were curiously drawn to him... relating to him on many levels. A testament to a gifted director and actor!
I love stories of children who loved the monster. And I love it more remembering that he later had a kid's radio show and played the Grinch, truly becoming a beloved children's character!
I was really looking forward to this video! I wholeheartedly agree that Dr. Frankenstein and the public are the true monsters of the story. I just feel sympathy for the creature both in the film and in the original novel. Dare I say, if he was real, I’d want to be his friend just so he has a connection to someone. Also, I definitely feel like Jurassic Park took inspiration from this film because they’re both about bringing creatures back from the dead and both stories are where humans don’t question if it’s a good idea to bring something back from the dead and face disastrous consequences.
I personally think Colin Clive's character as Henry Frankenstein and Boris Karloff's character as "the monster" dictate who the true Frankenstein is. Credits list this as well. I am writing this as I watch this video without hearing out what Ms. Carlotta has to say. Just to show that I'm basing this on my own personal thoughts. A staple in literary and movie history nonetheless! Thank you Ms. Carlotta!
So one thing always bothered me. When the Monster meets poor little Maria and then they cut the scene short, I always assumed he killed her. The next time we see her is when her father is carrying her dead body. But cutting the scene that showed him throwing her in water actually makes the scene worse!! I assumed he choked her to Death. It wasn't until years later I saw the whole scene and it made a lot more sense.
@jamesholland8057 "threw". And yes just like a flower. I think keeping the scene in would make the monster more sympathetic. Its obvious as day he didnt mean to hurt her!!
@@AntoniaCarlotta That's why I prefer horror movies with the violent scenes left to our imaginations! I'm so glad they were able to restore the full scene, Karloff is so moving with his child-like glee turning to panic after he throws her in.
I’m the film I would say more Colin Clive’s Frankenstein is a monster even more then I’m the novel.As Boris Karloff’s monster was purely unable to control his actions and just reacted to the cruelty he suffered.also Frankenstein seemed not really to regret his actions just disappointed they didn’t go to plan
James Whale, a gay man (when being out could be dangerous), had an empathy for the Monster and even Dr. Frankenstein. The Monster had no choice in his ‘birth’ and was out place in the world he found himself. The Dr wasn’t much better- he too was out of place. There is a great depth to these movies, which we can feel and why we relate and love them so much. I believe the true Monsters were the village mob and their misunderstandings.
I think it's neither.. Waldman. Henry may have created the monster and then allowed him to be abused. Henry is egotistical and arrogant, but not a monster. He asked Waldman to please do something about the creature, he didn't abandon him. But Dr Waldman lied directly to Henry about that the monster would be humanely destroyed. Then when you read the notes he is taking, he has drugged the monster to do a live vivisection on him, and attempts to do so. For those who don't know it means dissecting him while he's alive to see how is his made. That's extremely cruel and the monster is only unconscious without pain killers of any kind. Also Henry's best friend Victor is a total jerk, putting the moves on his former girlfriend now engaged to Henry. Scummy move.
I agree that the doctor is the REAL monster. The creation didn't really want to be reanimated, especially from parts assembled from several people. Plus, the doctor was a bit incompetent apparently. The Grandpa from "The Munsters" did a better job with Herman after all. Also, I noticed the clips you included were cropped for 16:9. I have the films on Blu-ray in their original 4:3 format. However, it seems from the clips, if done right, like those were, the film might fit well in a 16:9 format. I'll always prefer the original format, but a choice of 16:9 might make the films more appealing to a more modern, younger audience. I haven't been modern or young for ages.
There are some ET races that produce bodies for themselves, transferring their consciousness from one to the next as the old one wears out. We need look no further than our own "Greek gods" for an example. So buff!
I absolutely agree. When the monster does kill, even in the Bride of Frankenstein, it is usually because people are attacking him first and he is defending himself. And even as you said with little Maria, it was accidental. In the real world, there's always the idea of intent. Did the monster intend to kill these people? No. He was simply defending himself. And in the case of little maria, it was accidental. Henry Frankenstein is the true monster. And I love how you incorporate the Jurassic Park quote of just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. As always another great video with deep thought and insight.
I believe the "monster" in the movie to be anyone lacking empathy. Stephen Crane, the author of "The Red Badge of Courage", wrote a novella called "The Monster" (1898) which is well worth reading. That too, is about lack of empathy.
The Frankenstein Monster makeup is still creepy and effective till this day.
Jack Pierce was a genius, and Boris Karloff a trooper for sitting in the makeup chair so long each day.
The real monster is the mob. Karloff's creature is heartbreaking in the windmill as the crowd comes to destroy him. Mankind ruled by anger without compassion for the outsider is always the real villain.
Well said👏👏
Pennywise lied to Franky when he told him that “she will float.”
Going by the novel, we're always to view Victor (Henry in the movie) as the true monster. There's a romanticizing that happens in the film that gives Henry a more gentle appearance, but even then, he's still the real monster.
I need to carve out some time to read the entire book front to back so I can do a true comparison of the book and movie and how the characters are portrayed.
Waldman is the biggest monster of them all. While Victor Frankenstein did outright abandon his creation in the novel, Henry Frankenstein goes out of his way to defend the creature more than once. Even when Waldman tells him that it was a criminal's brain, Henry wants to give his creation a chance. Waldman though, is relentless in his desire to destroy the creature and browbeats Henry to convince him to destroy it even before meeting it. He calls it evil, again, even before seeing it and wants the creature shot to death when it reacts in fear to Fritz's torch fire. Henry is very gentle with the creature in their initial interaction defends it until it ultimately kills Fritz. Waldman takes advantage of Henry's incapacitation and tells the weakened Henry that he will deal with the creature without telling him about the horrific vivisection that he has in mind. Henry, to me, is more of an Icarus...he flew too close to the sun without thinking it through and it led to his own demise.
Maybe Part 2 of this video will be deciding if the biggest monster is Fritz or Waldman. You make some very strong arguments for Waldman to "win."
Gosh, so many of the characters in the movies are monsters! Henry for abandoning his creation, Waldman for assuming the monster is evil, and Fritz for cruelly tormenting him. And the mob, too. The monster is innocent of actually murdering Maria but of course they dont care! I think this is why so many kids love this movie, they know what the monster is going through. I've known plenty of Fritz's in my life!!!!
I've always been on the Creature's side in both of Whale's Frankenstein movies, he's a lost, lonely, & confused soul constantly on the defense against the so-called "normal" people. Thanks for the video, I love your insight into your families' famous body of work!
Yes. Boris Karloff and Colin Clive were the best in Frankenstein (1931).
Perfect analysis. Henry abandoned the creature, his own "child"... leaving him alone in the world to defend himself. Waldman was no better; after all, he was going to eviscerate the creature while he laid there on the table... still alive. Both were monsters in their own way. Despite being quite sadistically cruel, himself, to the creature, Fritz was probably, also, a broken soul with issues of his own... taking out his frustrations with the world on to the creature. I will add, though, that throughout the years, many have viewed the creature as being a soul that deserves sympathy... especially children. While many adults were indeed, horrified, over Karloff's portrayal of the creature, children were curiously drawn to him... relating to him on many levels. A testament to a gifted director and actor!
I love stories of children who loved the monster. And I love it more remembering that he later had a kid's radio show and played the Grinch, truly becoming a beloved children's character!
Frankenstein made a man and Fritz created a monster, He is a completely different person after Fritz torments him.
Just like bullies do.
Really enjoying your videos, Antonia. Thank you for honoring the legacy of your family!
I love your work antonia! Super relevant and interesting!
I was really looking forward to this video! I wholeheartedly agree that Dr. Frankenstein and the public are the true monsters of the story.
I just feel sympathy for the creature both in the film and in the original novel. Dare I say, if he was real, I’d want to be his friend just so he has a connection to someone.
Also, I definitely feel like Jurassic Park took inspiration from this film because they’re both about bringing creatures back from the dead and both stories are where humans don’t question if it’s a good idea to bring something back from the dead and face disastrous consequences.
I'M LITERALLY WRITING A VIDEO COMPARING FRANKENSTEIN AND JURASSIC PARK RIGHT NOW! How crazy you said that haha
Brilliant insight! Thank you! 👏🏻
@@AntoniaCarlotta Looking forward to that video! I can’t wait!
Its definetly Dr F, and Frankenstein is the King of Horror.
I personally think Colin Clive's character as Henry Frankenstein and Boris Karloff's character as "the monster" dictate who the true Frankenstein is. Credits list this as well. I am writing this as I watch this video without hearing out what Ms. Carlotta has to say. Just to show that I'm basing this on my own personal thoughts. A staple in literary and movie history nonetheless! Thank you Ms. Carlotta!
So one thing always bothered me. When the Monster meets poor little Maria and then they cut the scene short, I always assumed he killed her. The next time we see her is when her father is carrying her dead body. But cutting the scene that showed him throwing her in water actually makes the scene worse!! I assumed he choked her to Death. It wasn't until years later I saw the whole scene and it made a lot more sense.
It was a total misjudgment to remove that scene! Our imaginations are often worse than the real thing...
He through her in the water like a flower.
@jamesholland8057 "threw". And yes just like a flower. I think keeping the scene in would make the monster more sympathetic. Its obvious as day he didnt mean to hurt her!!
@@AntoniaCarlotta That's why I prefer horror movies with the violent scenes left to our imaginations! I'm so glad they were able to restore the full scene, Karloff is so moving with his child-like glee turning to panic after he throws her in.
I’m the film I would say more Colin Clive’s Frankenstein is a monster even more then I’m the novel.As Boris Karloff’s monster was purely unable to control his actions and just reacted to the cruelty he suffered.also Frankenstein seemed not really to regret his actions just disappointed they didn’t go to plan
James Whale, a gay man (when being out could be dangerous), had an empathy for the Monster and even Dr. Frankenstein. The Monster had no choice in his ‘birth’ and was out place in the world he found himself. The Dr wasn’t much better- he too was out of place. There is a great depth to these movies, which we can feel and why we relate and love them so much.
I believe the true Monsters were the village mob and their misunderstandings.
I would have to say it was the Doctor. It wasn’t the monster fault. Keep on sharing your videos. Take care.
(rick in San Diego)🎬🎬
I think it's neither.. Waldman. Henry may have created the monster and then allowed him to be abused. Henry is egotistical and arrogant, but not a monster.
He asked Waldman to please do something about the creature, he didn't abandon him.
But Dr Waldman lied directly to Henry about that the monster would be humanely destroyed. Then when you read the notes he is taking, he has drugged the monster to do a live vivisection on him, and attempts to do so. For those who don't know it means dissecting him while he's alive to see how is his made. That's extremely cruel and the monster is only unconscious without pain killers of any kind. Also Henry's best friend Victor is a total jerk, putting the moves on his former girlfriend now engaged to Henry. Scummy move.
Did the monster have a soul?
The town’s people.
The Monster is a combination of the Creature and the scientist and the bad luck that came out of playing God!
fritz ..... he stole the brain
Pitchforks. The real monsters hold the pitchforks.
Dr Frankenstien.
I agree that the doctor is the REAL monster. The creation didn't really want to be reanimated, especially from parts assembled from several people. Plus, the doctor was a bit incompetent apparently. The Grandpa from "The Munsters" did a better job with Herman after all. Also, I noticed the clips you included were cropped for 16:9. I have the films on Blu-ray in their original 4:3 format. However, it seems from the clips, if done right, like those were, the film might fit well in a 16:9 format. I'll always prefer the original format, but a choice of 16:9 might make the films more appealing to a more modern, younger audience. I haven't been modern or young for ages.
I almost always crop clips so they fit the screen, but that means they aren't usually in their originally intended format
@@AntoniaCarlotta Still, the way you cropped them, it looked natural. You did a great job framing. 🙂
Its the doctor.
Was he a doctor in the movie? I thought he was always referred to as Henry?
There are some ET races that produce bodies for themselves, transferring their consciousness from one to the next as the old one wears out. We need look no further than our own "Greek gods" for an example. So buff!
This is why unregulated AI is bad.