Levinas in that way: when you behold the face of the other, you can’t murder them.” However, this shift also means that some of the Creature’s iconic violence and rampage are toned down.
“I do really like that he humanizes the Creature and does a lot more with face-to-face communication. It’s almost like Levinas in that way: when you behold the face of the other, you can’t murder them,” Carlson noted.
Capturing Shelley’s Social Critique
Mary Shelley’s original novel delves deeply into themes of social oppression and violence against women. While del Toro’s adaptation touches on these issues, it does so in a more nuanced manner than some previous film versions. “The film downplays what was so strong in Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’: the social critique,” Carlson explained. “It’s more about war, militarism, capitalism— which is fine, I mean that is something we need to be worried about.”
Final Thoughts: A Faithful and Innovative Adaptation
Overall, del Toro’s adaptation of “Frankenstein” stands as both a faithful homage to Mary Shelley’s original text and an innovative take on the story. By focusing on the human spirit and forgiveness rather than scientific hubris, the film offers a fresh perspective that resonates with contemporary audiences while staying true to the core themes of its source material.
“This conversation has been edited and condensed,” concludes Carlson, highlighting the importance of maintaining fidelity to both the book and Shelley herself.
