Spark of genius

Young Frankenstein is a really hilarious movie that also has a lot to teach us as well.  For instance, the movie has a lot to say about finding one’s purpose, happiness, and fulfillment in life.  Dr. Frankenstein in the beginning is constantly trying to find his identity and separate himself from the infamy of the name Frankenstein, he even “washes his hands” of the name as he expresses his disdain for it.  As the story progresses our Fredrick Frankenstein comes to embrace the name and its reputation.  At this point the notoriety and the prestige of being a scientist means nothing to him.  Fredrick completes his grandfather’s experiment and even comes to perfect it.  This brings point to the old time proverb, “you cannot know where you are going until you know where you have been.” 

Another recurring theme is the difference between lust and love.  This is not only prevalent in the obvious situation of Fredrick’s fiancé and his lab assistant, but also in the in the line of work.  He lusts after making a name for himself, he craves and desires it; that is until he finds his “love” in this case, his grandfather’s work.  This is paralleled in Fredrick’s feelings first for his fiancé, and then later the assistant.  The first was what he desires, it is for show and for prestige, but it is not what he loves.  She will not even let him kiss her at the risk of smearing her lipstick for a party she is attending later.

Each of the main support characters has recurring jokes throughout the film giving them each their own style.  Through out the movie, the sexual jokes and innuendos are plenty throughout the movie, but most of which come from the ditzy assistant.  Through out the movie Inga is either makes a sexual joke without noticing it, or mistakes something someone else says as being sexual.  The next one is fairly obvious, but must be stated.  Frau Blucher has a name that whenever said causes lightning and the horses to become frightened.  Igor is special in that he has two recurring jokes.  The fist of which is the hump moving from side to side on his back.  This becomes more and more comical with each instance as he appears to not even be aware that it is even there in the first place so bringing it to his attention is out of the question.  Igor also frequently breaks the fourth wall and talking to the viewers. 

All these elements contribute to making the film a true comedy that truly has more to offer than meets the eye.