Watching both clips I noticed there are many differences between the two and also Shelly’s original novel. The first I noticed was how much longer the creation of Frankenstein was exaggerated in both movies compared to the novel. The novel seems to focus more on the technicalities of the creation, materials and how the scientist will successfully bring the man back to life whereas the movies focus on how one man has the power to bring back life, both lengths are testimonial to how the director wants his audience to feel after watching the movie.
The second and most obvious attribute I noticed is the absence of words in Branagh’s rendition of the movie compared to Whale’s. The use of music and sound affects creates much more of a exciting experience and borderline scary, which I’m sure Shelly would be proud of. The tempo is fast and seems to speed up towards the end of the scene, the feeling it gives me from listening is adventurous, by the end of the scene I feel I have made it to the top of a mountain, ironically the scientist at the end of the scene is standing proudly on top of his creation. Whale’s rendition seems to focus on the scientist himself and how he single handed brought a dying man back to life, he even claims himself as God by the end of the clip. Generally Whale’s Frankenstein is not as exciting as Branagh’s and sways away from the novel itself.
Thirdly I notice the Creature’s body and face is left a mystery in both clips but particularly Branagh’s film, it is to create suspense for the viewer. By revealing his face at the end of the clip we are more convinced by what a miracle the scientist has done without actually proclaiming himself as God.
Sarah Boateng
You are absolutely right about how the music makes a big difference. It’s amazing how the music can control the vibe of a movie. Imagine a horror movie without the scary background music? It would be a comedy.
I had a similar understanding of the importance of the music in Branagh’s clip. I agree that it completely changes the feel of the scene and adds to suspense as well as making it much more interesting to watch. I think each rendition is trying to fit in with the era in which it was created. I also think your point about showing Frankenstein’s face only at the end of the clip is spot on. I didn’t notice that when I first watched the clips!