Del Toro’s Creature: A Misunderstood Being in Mary Shelley’s Novel
Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, has captured the hearts and minds of readers for centuries. It is a timeless tale of creation, abandonment, and the consequences of playing God. One of the most intriguing characters in the novel is the Creature, created by Victor Frankenstein. However, in Guillermo del Toro’s recent adaptation, the Creature is portrayed in a different light. Contrary to popular belief, the Creature carries out barely any of the deeds that paint him as a monster in the novel. Del Toro’s interpretation of the Creature sheds light on the misunderstood being and challenges the notion of what truly makes a monster.
In Shelley’s novel, the Creature is depicted as a hideous and monstrous being, rejected by his creator and society. He is driven to seek revenge on his creator and those who have wronged him. However, in Del Toro’s adaptation, the Creature is shown as a gentle and compassionate being, capable of love and empathy. He is not driven by a desire for revenge but rather a longing for acceptance and understanding.
One of the most significant differences between the novel and the film is the Creature’s relationship with the De Lacey family. In the novel, the Creature observes the family from afar and eventually reveals himself to them. However, his appearance causes them to reject and attack him, leading to his vengeful actions. In Del Toro’s version, the Creature is welcomed into the family and forms a bond with them. He learns about love, kindness, and compassion from them, which makes his eventual rejection and abandonment even more heartbreaking.
Furthermore, in the novel, the Creature is responsible for the deaths of several characters, including Victor’s brother William and his friend Henry. However, in the film, the Creature is not directly responsible for these deaths. He may have been present at the scene, but he does not actively harm anyone. In fact, he tries to save Henry’s life but is unable to do so. This highlights the difference between the novel’s portrayal of the Creature as a ruthless killer and Del Toro’s interpretation of him as a misunderstood being.
Another significant difference is the Creature’s relationship with Victor. In the novel, the Creature is consumed by hatred and a desire for revenge towards his creator. He blames Victor for his miserable existence and seeks to make him suffer. However, in the film, the Creature’s feelings towards Victor are more complex. He still holds him responsible for his creation, but he also longs for a father-son relationship with him. He seeks Victor’s love and acceptance, but his attempts are met with rejection and violence.
Del Toro’s interpretation of the Creature challenges the traditional notion of what makes a monster. In the novel, the Creature’s physical appearance is what makes him a monster in the eyes of society. However, in the film, his appearance is not the defining factor. It is his actions and the way he is treated by others that ultimately shape his character. This highlights the idea that it is not one’s appearance but rather their actions and treatment by others that determine their true nature.
Moreover, Del Toro’s Creature is not driven by a desire for revenge, but rather a longing for love and acceptance. This challenges the idea that a monster is inherently evil and incapable of love. The Creature’s actions are a result of his experiences and treatment by others, rather than his inherent nature.
In conclusion, Del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel presents a different perspective on the Creature. He is not the ruthless killer and monster portrayed in the novel, but rather a misunderstood being seeking love and acceptance. Del Toro’s interpretation challenges the traditional notions of what makes a monster and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding towards those who may appear different. It is a thought-provoking and poignant portrayal of the Creature, making us question who the real monsters are in this story.
