Ranking Frankenstein Movies by How Faithfully They Adapt Mary Shelley’s Novel

Mary Shelley’s novel, “Frankenstein,” has inspired numerous film adaptations. Each portrayal varies in how closely it aligns with the original story. Below, we examine several key adaptations, ranking them by their fidelity to Shelley’s themes and characters.

Ranking Frankenstein Movies by Adaptation Fidelity

1. Frankenstein (1910)

This short film, produced by Thomas Edison, is notable for being the first screen adaptation of Shelley’s work. Running just about 13 minutes, it presents a fairly faithful retelling of the original story.

• Victor Frankenstein (Augustus Phillips): A medical student obsessed with creating life.
• The Creature (Charles Ogle): Made through a mix of chemicals and mysticism, resembling Shelley’s description.
• Plot Points: The monster seeks acceptance, ultimately fading into non-existence, highlighting themes of creation and abandonment.

2. Frankenstein: The True Story (1973)

This two-part television film, while titled misleadingly, offers an engaging adaptation. It features a strong cast and a unique interpretation of the characters.

• Victor Frankenstein (Leonard Whiting): Driven and obsessive in his quest.
• Dr. Henry Clerval (David McCallum): A misanthropic figure supporting Victor’s experiments.
• The Monster (Michael Sarrazin): Begins as a beautiful being but becomes vengeful after betrayal.
• James Mason: Striking as Dr. Polidori, a character inspired by one of Shelley’s contemporaries.

3. Frankenstein (1931)

Directed by James Whale, this classic film features iconic performances and imagery. Yet, it diverges significantly from the source material.

• Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive): An older character who captures the arrogance present in the novel.
• The Creature (Boris Karloff): Portrayed as a mute monstrosity, missing Shelley’s philosophical depth.
• Ending: The film notably forces a happy conclusion, despite dark moments earlier.

Conclusion

These adaptations illustrate a spectrum of fidelity to Mary Shelley’s original narrative. Each version brings its own interpretation, reflecting the enduring legacy of “Frankenstein” and its themes of creation, monstrosity, and human nature. While some adaptations stay closer to the essence of the novel, others take creative liberties that shape their unique storytelling approach.