Frankenstein's Monster, also known as The Monster, is a character in the short film Frankenstein (1910). The film departs significantly from the novel’s tragic and violent ending. Instead of wreaking havoc or killing Frankenstein’s loved ones, the monster is overcome by its own horrifying appearance.
Background[]
Frankenstein (1910) is an American silent horror short film produced by Edison Studios and directed by J. Searle Dawley, who also crafted the screenplay. The film is a one-reeler loosely inspired by Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Recognized as the first cinematic adaptation of Shelley's groundbreaking work, this production reimagines the story through a unique lens, diverging significantly from the original text.
The film was both produced and distributed by the Edison Manufacturing Company
Appearance[]
Biography[]
The young Frankenstein, (whose first name is never mentioned), discovers the "mystery of life" after two years of study at university. Using a process involving the mixing of various chemicals, he brings to life a grotesque and malformed creature, intended to be the pinnacle of human perfection. The monster, however, turns out to be a horrifying representation of Frankenstein's flawed ambition.
After its creation, the monster follows Frankenstein back to his parents' home, becoming a constant presence in his life. Unlike Shelley's novel, the creature's actions are less focused on revenge and more on reflecting Frankenstein's internal struggles and moral failings.
Seeing its reflection in a mirror, it disappears, symbolically representing the resolution of Frankenstein’s internal conflict and his redemption through love and purity.
Copyright[]
This iteration of the character is in the public domain.