Frankenstein

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2002

Movies and TV

Unlicensed figure based on Universal Studios' "Frankenstein"

Frankenstein's Monster, often mistakenly called "Frankenstein," is a fictional construct born from the pages of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. He has been portrayed countless times in movies and television, often diverging significantly from the source material.

Across various cinematic interpretations, the Monster is consistently depicted as a reanimated being, assembled from disparate body parts by the ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein. While Shelley's creature is articulate and deeply philosophical, film versions typically present him as mute or possessing limited speech, relying on his imposing physical presence and guttural sounds for expression.

Characterizations vary. Some portray him as a tragic figure, driven to violence by societal rejection and his own monstrous appearance. Others depict him as a purely malevolent force, a mindless killing machine brought to life by hubris. Key actors who have portrayed the Monster include Boris Karloff, whose iconic portrayal defined the popular image, and Christopher Lee, among many others.

Despite variations, the core of the character remains consistent: a being brought into existence through unnatural means, struggling with identity, acceptance, and the consequences of his creation. His image is one of the most recognizable in popular culture.