Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein received its first teaser trailer. The direct-to-streaming film looks stunning but seems to miss the point of the source material.
The Oscar Issac led film is said to be a more faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s original novel, however elements of the teaser point towards the contrary.
Perhaps the clearest difference when it comes to Del Toro’s take on the classic story is how unique the film looks. Del Toro has clearly taken care when it comes to constructing the sets and some of the shot compositions are truly jaw dropping.
Only the most basic plot points are shown within the teaser, we’re introduced to Oscar Issac as Victor Frankenstein, he talks cryptically about an experiment he has conducted and how he has found a way to create life, and death. Mia Goth is briefly spotted, she’s set to play Frankenstein’s fiance, Elizabeth.
Most controversially the teaser avoids directly showing the audience Frankenstein’s monster, assumed to be played by Jacob Elordi. What is shown of him is disappointing for die-hard Frankenstein fans as the monster is fully in ragged clothing, completely hiding his appearance.
The one scene that is shown of Frankenstein’s monster is confusing as the scene shows the monster climbing on board a ship his creator is on, and engaging in a fist fight with a member of the ship’s crew.
Violence is central to the monster but in both Shelley and Whale’s take on him, it’s never done with the intent of harm. He is an innocent who doesn’t understand what he is doing, but feels remorse for the mistakes.
Del Toro’s monster seems to seek out violence as a means of retribution which completely goes against the original themes of Shelley’s novel.
It’s likely more of the monster will be shown as more trailers are released, or Netflix could go the Nosferatu route of hiding the monster until the film is fully released.
Del Toro’s Frankenstein is set to release this November.
Stay tuned to Brig as we continue to cover news about the upcoming film.
Featured Image Credit: Netflix