Frankenstein is a staple of science fiction. Originally a novel by Mary Shelley, first published in 1818, it tells a timeless tale of an ambitious scientist playing God. Victor Frankenstein stitches various human parts together and brings the body to life through unspecified scientific means. This accomplishment is impressive, but he fails to consider the consequences of such hubris. The resulting fallout robs Victor of everything he holds dear, fueling powerful themes about unchecked power and the responsible use of knowledge. This premise has naturally inspired countless adaptations, but not all filmmakers stick to the script.
Certain versions subvert the Frankenstein story for a radical reimagining. Rather than follow Shelley’s plot, the filmmakers pluck characters, concepts, or other elements from the source. They then repurpose these pieces for their own narratives. Loyalists may balk at such drastic changes, but it’s hard to deny the novelty. You can’t ask much more from a tale this old and iconic.
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10 Young Frankenstein
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Clip – “It’s Alive!” (1974) Gene Wilder
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