The Black and White of Frankenstein

Young Frankenstein, is a parody on old horror movies, especially old Frankenstein horror movies. Despite being filmed in the 1970’s the film is in black and white and follows a similar pattern as movies from earlier in the century.  The credits fade in and out in the opening sequence while soft orchestral music plays. Even the music is a throwback to older movies. Loud lightning strikes accompany shocking moments and, at times, even the acting seems a bit over emphatic in a way that reminds me of the characters in Modern Times. The characters themselves parody old characters. Igor, despite his looks, seems like a relatively normal human being, but he is made to be Frankenstein’s henchman. The creature, created by Frederick, is very much the typical Frankenstein’s monster. He is huge and inarticulate with a stiff-limbed walk and a ring of stitches around his skull. Within this parody of older horror films, Young Frankenstein addresses issues such as the connection between identity and societal acceptance, and the idea of good versus bad.

There are many characters in this film who are at odds with their identities. Frederick Frankenstein is the most obvious. He refuses to accept his grandfather’s family name, constantly correcting other’s pronunciation of it. Because of his grandfather, Victor’s, reputation he rejects any idea even similar to Victor’s, saying that he is not interested in curing death, but prolonging life. He does so to prove that he is different so that society will accept him. Igor seems to realize this right away when Frederick corrects his pronunciation of his surname. In response he tells Frankenstein that his name is actually “Eye-gor” in order to make fun of him. However, his obsession with the brain and science works against his as Frau Blücher leads him to his grandfather’s book and laboratory, both of which excite the scientific mind in Frederick. Frankenstein’s vehement rejection of his family name is amusing in the beginning, as is his eccentric behavior when he finally accepts his “fate.” The monster’s identity issues are, in some ways, very similar to Frankenstein’s. Because of what he is and who created him he is loathed. People fear him because of his appearance and wish him dead, when all he really wants is to inspire love and acceptance in others. The creature desires compassion more than anything, yet people deny him that courtesy. When Frankenstein allows part of his mind to be swapped with the monster’s, to fix its brain, he gives it the ability to be articulate and to communicate intelligently. As soon as the townspeople hear the monster speak, and do not feel threatened by him, they simply leave him be, allowing the creature to finally feel accepted. These instances illustrate the connection between identity and acceptance and criticizes the fact that people often times have to change or pretend to be someone they are not in order to be accepted.

The movie also criticizes the ideas of “good” and “bad.” Frederick is seen as bad because he is related to Victor Frankenstein, who did something very twisted that ended poorly. The creature is also seen as evil because he is huge and frightening. In truth he is the kindest person in the film, desiring love and companionship. He only seems evil because he has trouble controlling his strength and anger due to his rotten brain. Oddly enough the townspeople follow Inspector Kemp who they seem to hold in high regard, believing that he is good simply because there exists the assumption that police men are virtuous people. Ironically, he is actually the one causing them all their anxiety, by telling them that they are in danger and Frankenstein cannot be trusted. He also puts them in danger by gathering a mob and going to confront the creature and his creator. The humorous inaccuracy in the perceptions of what is good and evil in the movie reflect the ways in which real people decide what is good or not. The movie criticizes this by showing that the thing that people may see as evil is really gentle and kind and the thing they think is good is really placing them in danger. 

While the format of the movie emulates early black and white horror films, the issues presented are entirely universal, as they can be applied to society far in the past as well as in the immediate present. Individuals tend to form identities specifically for the purpose of social acceptance, often times losing sight of who they are in order to be accepted. The use of black and white also provides a commentary on those, who even in contemporary times, choose to perceive the world as black and white with no grey areas. For them something can only be right or wrong, good or bad, black or white. I really enjoyed this movie. I found myself being very empathetic toward Frederick and his monster. I feel like I know very narrow-minded people like the townspeople, yet I am friends with those whom they do not like: The Fredericks, Creatures, and odd yet loveable Igors of the world.