“Frankenstein” is a horror film directed by James Whale in 1931. A theme that can be discussed about the film is critical disability studies. The Monster was treated differently because of how he looked. While the Monster was feared by some, he was neglected and rejected. The Monster didn’t fit in with the other people around him and it was hard for him to communicate. The Monster had similar struggles that many disabled people have.

During the film, the Monster can be seen as an outcast due to his physical appearance being different from societal norms. People with disabilities have been excluded simply due to their disability, the Monster’s appearance was seen as a disability and he was alienated. Furthermore, the Monster couldn’t communicate his feelings or thoughts which is also seen with disabled people in society. The Monster was just afraid like any other person but because he was treated like he was disabled, he was misunderstood. The film highlights the importance of isolation and societal attitudes towards disabled people. 

 The film also sheds light onto the moral problems of treatment of disabled people during scientific experiments. Dr. Frankenstein wanted to create life and was obsessed. He was so blinded with his goal that he didn’t recognize what he was doing. This unhealthy obsession of science experiments with no repercussions or consequences can correlate to the immoral treatment of people with disabilities. This is a prime example of how the critical disability theory is portrayed throughout the film.

The genre of horror has gained popularity over the last century for many reasons. Firstly, horror films are a gateway for us to face our deepest fears. We can confront our fears in a more comfortable and entertaining way through horror films. Furthermore, horror films allow us to be vulnerable because it is more common to show emotional responses during these films. Lastly, the genre of horror has continuously evolved and changed with society, which is shown in the horror culture and its movies. 

In my opinion, considering something if something is scary or not is purely subjective. But I do believe that everyone equates fear with entertainment because they are polar opposites. Fear is supposed to have you scared and entertainment is supposed to have you excited. Horror films combine both fear and entertainment so well because it allows you to experience fear, which can be entertaining. Your heartbeat racing and adrenaline rushing is just the tip of the iceberg for the beautiful genre of horror.