Singing Opera With Joy

As a foreigner from a different generation, I never had the pleasure to watch either the 1930's horror classic Frankenstein, or its 1974's parody Young Frankenstein, by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder. As I write, I remember my parents talking about films such as Modern Times and Frankenstein and how they enjoyed these types of films as teenagers. But it always made me question, "how could anyone enjoy a film in black and white." After watching the progression of films in our English 220 class I have been able to appreciate the artistry and though behind these classics. Young Frankenstein is a timeless classic that not only spins the horror of its 1930's inspiration, but also makes honor to the elements of artistry and creativity of James Whale.

Young Frankenstein not only made my Friday night a moment of laughter, but also opened my eyes to the fact that parodies, although sometimes cheesy, can also be of good quality and make honor of an older film. Gene Wilder, and Mel Brooks strive to make out of their comedy a film that reflects the elements of mise-en-scène of Frankenstein. The elements created by Kenneth Strickfaden for the 1931's classic where also used in the Mel Brooks' comedy. The lab equipment, and many other elements in the castle where almost an exact copy in both films. This effort to recreate a classic in such a detailed manner, added to the quality of Young Frankenstein. I not only enjoyed the humor and mise-en-scène, but also the frames and shots that sought to recreate the style of 1930's cinematography.

The shots, transitions, and opening credits not only placed me as a viewer in the 1930's, but also contrasted with the type of humor prevalent during the sexual revolution of the 70's. Fade to black transitions, wipe outs, among others effects reflect the film rhythm of the past and complete the intention of using black and white to reflect the elements of Frankenstein. At the same time, many sexual innuendos reflect a change on the culture during the seventies, where women clearly seem to choose what the find pleasing in an open manner.

Brooks' film not only contains comic text involving sex and good quality mise-en-scène, but also seems to make fun of the serious and sometimes overtly god-like self proclaimed image of the scientific community. In my opinion, the scientific community seeks to control nature and attain life giving qualities, but often times ignores the complexity of such ventures. These intends to control nature are reflected in the destruction of the environment today. Desires of self recognition, mixed with disproportionate greed, are reflected in the environmental dilemma we sleep with today. Just like Frankenstein, we have created a monster that is out of control. A dilemma that is also not only disproportionate in size, but also keeps business leaders singing Opera with joy.