Film: "Frankenstein" (1931)

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in the 1931 film production of "Frankenstein", directed by James Whale, religion is a prevailing theme; as the movie begins, a narrator introduces the theme of creation relating that Dr. Frankenstein wants to create a man after his own image. The author points out that the movie portrays a society with a rigid set of behavior, values and roles, such as when evil lurks, women cringe and hide but men conquer over evil. The paper states that the film settings in which the various scenes take place are very clear as to which are good and which are bad, such as the laboratory is portrayed as a dark, ominous place but the wedding of Dr. Frankenstein and Elizabeth is set in a sunny location.

From the Paper:

"The servants knew their place, provide food and refreshment to the upper classes, the common class to follow the instructions of those above them, and the upper class to provide the wisdom, bravery, and leadership to confront evil. Occupations played a role in class formation. The farmer and laborer comprised the commoners. Those in government, perceived as the leaders and having the best interest of society in mind, are the upper class. Those occupations involving the medical sciences were elevated, but feared and created suspicion, based on the ignorance of the commoner and the religious values, which were threatened by the doctor's attempts at "playing" God."

More papers on Film: "Frankenstein" (1931):

• Film Review # 68673 : "Film: "Frankenstein" (1931)"
• Film Review # 133276 : "James Whale's Frankenstein (1931)"
• Analytical Essay # 3400 : "Frankenstein"

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