Movie Review: Frankenstein and Pride and Prejudice

Movie review: Frankenstein and Pride and Prejudice 

This blog task is assigned by Megha trivedi ma'am, as part of Movie review of Frankenstein by Mery Shelley and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. 

              

Introduction :

 Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) 

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, directed by Kenneth Branagh, and Pride & Prejudice, directed by Joe Wright, offer radically different cinematic experiences, yet both delve into profound themes of ambition, humanity, love, and the constraints imposed by society. Each director brings a unique vision that resonates emotionally and visually, drawing audiences into the world of classic literature in powerful, enduring ways.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) – A Gothic Tragedy of Ambition and Isolation

Directed by - Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh’s Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a visceral and intense adaptation that stays close to the dark spirit of Shelley’s novel, capturing the tormented bond between creator and creation. With sweeping Gothic visuals, the film tackles the dangers of unchecked ambition, the complexities of scientific discovery, and the deep loneliness of isolation.

Victor Frankenstein’s Fatal Obsession

Branagh’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein is marked by a relentless drive to conquer mortality itself. Victor’s ambition isn’t mere curiosity; it’s an obsession that consumes him entirely. His choice to create life is both an act of arrogance and a misguided desire to control fate. One of the most telling lines, delivered with a mix of pride and fear, is:

“I have discovered how to create life. But there are things that mortals should never seek to know.”

This line foreshadows the catastrophic consequences of Victor’s actions. His words serve as both a confession and a warning, encapsulating the film’s theme that scientific pursuit, when detached from morality and responsibility, can become a path to ruin. Branagh’s intense portrayal of Victor illustrates the psychological and ethical turmoil that accompany his journey. His laboratory scenes complete with flashing lights, flickering machinery, and Victor’s manic energy feel like a descent into madness, highlighting the fevered intensity that leads him to “play God” without considering the repercussions.

 The Creature’s Humanity and Quest for Acceptance

Robert De Niro’s performance as the Creature is one of profound sadness and vulnerability. Branagh’s adaptation emphasizes the tragedy of the Creature, portraying him not as a mere horror figure but as a deeply misunderstood soul, yearning for acceptance and purpose. When the Creature confronts Victor, he utters a line that pierces to the core of his suffering:

“I was meant to be your Adam, but instead I am your fallen angel.”

This line, a reference to Paradise Lost, is a powerful reminder that the Creature sees himself not as a monster, but as someone who was betrayed by his creator. He was abandoned, cast aside without guidance or love, and as a result, he is condemned to a life of solitude and bitterness. De Niro brings a quiet sensitivity to the Creature’s role, making his loneliness palpable. His voice, filled with sorrow, reflects the immense isolation he endures simply because he was made to look different.

In scenes where he interacts with nature, the Creature displays an innocent wonder, showing his capacity for goodness and beauty. However, society’s rejection twists this potential for goodness into despair and violence. His lament,

 “I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me,”

encapsulates the pain of his existence. This line isn’t just an observation; it’s a plea, a desperate cry from a soul yearning for companionship but doomed to be forever outcast.

Gothic Visuals and Atmosphere

Visually, Branagh’s film is steeped in Gothic style, using dark, oppressive landscapes, shadowy castles, and intense lighting to create a mood of dread and isolation. Branagh’s direction amplifies the horror elements of the story, making the settings as bleak and haunting as the story itself. One of the film’s most powerful lines, delivered by Victor’s friend Henry Clerval, perfectly captures the film’s atmosphere:

“This is a world filled with darkness, Victor. And it’s not only you who suffers in it.”

This line highlights the pervasive sense of despair that affects not only Victor and the Creature but the entire world they inhabit. The stormy skies, decaying buildings, and shadowy forests mirror the darkness of Victor’s soul and the consequences of his ambition. Branagh’s use of set design, lighting, and color conveys a world haunted by death and regret, reinforcing the theme that the boundaries of nature and mortality are not to be crossed without a heavy price.

 The Tragic Finale: Consequences of Hubris

As the film reaches its tragic conclusion, Victor finally realizes the enormity of his mistake. In a heart-wrenching moment, he addresses the Creature with the words:

“You are my creation. I am the cause of your suffering.”

This line is both an admission of guilt and an expression of remorse. It’s a stark reminder of the responsibility Victor shirked in his ambition to defy nature. The film ends on a somber note, with Victor and the Creature locked in a cycle of vengeance and regret, a tragic end to a relationship that could have been one of guidance and empathy. The finale underscores Shelley’s warning: that the quest for power, when divorced from compassion and responsibility, leads not to greatness but to ruin.

Pride & Prejudice (2005) – Love, Pride, and Societal Constraints

Directed by : Joe Wright

In Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen’s beloved novel comes to life with a vibrant energy that balances romance with social critique. Wright’s adaptation is a visual feast, capturing the beauty of the English countryside while exploring themes of love, pride, and the societal limitations placed on individuals.

Elizabeth Bennet: Wit and Independence

Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennet is a character of fierce intelligence and independence, challenging the social norms of her time. Her first refusal of Mr. Darcy’s proposal is one of the film’s standout moments. When she tells him:

“From the very beginning your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others have built an immovable dislike.”

Elizabeth’s words reveal her unwavering sense of self-respect. She isn’t willing to compromise her principles, even for a man of Darcy’s wealth and status. This line encapsulates Elizabeth’s strength, making her a heroine who values respect and equality over financial security. Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth brings out her wit and resilience, making her one of Austen’s most compelling characters.

Mr. Darcy’s Transformation and Vulnerability

Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Mr. Darcy captures a quieter, more introspective Darcy than audiences might expect. His initial arrogance is softened by a deep vulnerability, which is most apparent during his second proposal. Standing in a misty field, he confesses:

“You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.”

Darcy’s repetition of “I love you” underscores the intensity of his emotions, laying bare his transformation. No longer the proud aristocrat, he’s now a man humbled by love, willing to risk rejection to express his true feelings. This moment, shot in a single take with minimal dialogue, feels deeply intimate, emphasizing the connection between the two characters.

Macfadyen’s performance gives Darcy a tenderness that contrasts with his initial pride. His vulnerability is moving, making his character’s journey from aloof aristocrat to devoted lover all the more impactful. Wright’s direction emphasizes this transformation, using quiet, contemplative scenes to reveal Darcy’s inner struggle and his gradual realization of Elizabeth’s worth.

Visual Storytelling: Nature and Atmosphere

Joe Wright’s use of natural landscapes and light gives Pride & Prejudice a timeless, ethereal quality. The English countryside, with its open fields, rolling hills, and misty mornings, reflects the emotions of the characters. Elizabeth’s line,

“What are men to rocks and mountains?”

captures her connection to nature and her desire for authenticity. This line, spoken as Elizabeth surveys the landscape, reflects her longing for freedom from societal expectations. Nature serves as a refuge for Elizabeth, a place where she can be herself, away from the rigid constraints of her social world.

Wright’s cinematography heightens the emotional depth of the film, using lingering shots of natural scenery to reflect the characters’ inner lives. The scenes of Elizabeth walking through fields or Darcy striding across the moors in the early morning mist add a poetic quality to the film, grounding their love story in a world that feels real yet timeless.

Unspoken Connection: The Power of Silence

One of the most striking aspects of Wright’s adaptation is his use of silence and subtle gestures to convey emotion. The charged glances, fleeting touches, and moments of silence between Elizabeth and Darcy create an intimacy that words alone cannot express. In a scene where Darcy helps Elizabeth into a carriage, the brief touch of their hands speaks volumes about their attraction.

Later, Darcy’s heartfelt words are ,

“You must know… surely, you must know it was all for you.”

reveal the depth of his love, casting aside any remaining pride. This line, delivered with quiet sincerity, marks Darcy’s complete transformation and his willingness to admit his feelings openly. It’s a moment of vulnerability and honesty, making their eventual union feel all the more deserved.

References 

https://www.deseret.com/1994/11/8/20088104/film-review-mary-shelley-s-frankenstein/