Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein

Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein

What about the film makes it fit within the horror genre?

The film fits within the horror genre. Many features of the horror genre appear in the film, for instance thunder and lightning. This appears in the film when Frankenstein was creating the monster. Another feature of horror films, monsters. Frankenstein made a monster and the monster murders people. In the film there is also ‘blood and guts’ which are perfect for a horror film.. The music is also suitable for the horror genre.

This film could also be put into other genres. There is romance in the film. Also Frankenstein would also fit into the sci – fi genre. The film is about a man creating life from the dead using different experiments.

Who produced the film and what were the circumstances in which it was made?

The film was directed by Kenneth Branagh and produced by Francis Ford Coppola. It was released in 1994. The reason for the film (and other remakes) is to make money. As the original Frankenstein films were a success and made money therefore the remake should have a similar result.

From a modern day viewpoint how do you feel about the film?

People would have grown up with the original Frankenstein films. People would go watch this one and compare it to the original.. From a modern day viewpoint the film isn’t as scary as it would have been when released. This is because features of horror films have been too overused resulting in them not seeming as scary. This version of Frankenstein seems more realistic than the Bride of Frankenstein which we have watched. Although there are many parts in the film that are unrealistic, for example the fire. – ‘Elizabeth’ sets herself on fire then runs through the hall way resulting in the whole house catching fire immediately.

How would the audience of the 1994 enjoyed the film?

The audience of 1994 would probably of seen the original Frankenstein films, therefore while watching this film they would be constantly comparing and judging it against the originals. As well as comparing it to the film, the audience would of compared and judged it with the book. This film follows the book closer than the other films. The audience, I think, would of enjoyed the film

What are the links to the social / technological environment are there?

Around the time this film was made there were many break throughs with science. For examle Dolly the sheep has been cloned. Also now special effects were alot better and could make the film become even more realistic. 

What is the benefit of the genre to audiences?

The benefit of the horror genre strive to make the audience feel fear, horror and terror. The audience will go and see horror films as it gives them the trill of being scared. Horror films can get the heart racing and adrenaline rushing, this is why people enjoy them.

What is the benefits of the genre to producers.

The benefits of the horror genre to producers is that they are easy and cheap to make. Horror films are very similar and therefore use similar shots and scenes. This is good because producers can reuse sets, instead of making new ones all the time.