The classical novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelby was published in 1818 and has been adapted into multiple different films throughout the years. One of the earliest cinematic adaptation of this novel was created around a century after the release of the book. It was directed by James Whale. This film adaptation of the novel offers an intriguing perspective of critical disability studies within the movie and the protagonist.

“Frankenstein” tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist consumed by the idea of creating life. He manages to give life to a creature composed from other people’s body parts. Therefore he ended up looking abnormal. This becomes a problem in the movie because his monstrous appearance shocks him and leads him to have a low self-esteem. His appearance also became an issue when socializing with other people since they would get scared and disgusted. Throughout the movie we can see the constant struggle the creature, known as Frankenstein’s monster had to deal with due to his looks and also the rejection and mistreatment he received from society. The story explores themes of creation, accountability, and rejection.

As a result Frankenstein ends up isolating himself from the rest as he realizes the significantly contrast between his own existence and the accepted norms of society. He felt pretty lonely, misunderstood, unlovable. Inevitable this made him question his existence and the purpose of his life. Victor Frankenstein didn’t think of the consequences that would come with creating life because he focused too much on that, that he forgot about the actual life he was creating and that it was going to have feelings like all of us. Overall I think this film makes us reflect on the consequences of our actions, and how selfishness can cause severe pain to others.