The Monster In the Closet: A Film Essay

So a few months ago, I did an article for The Brattle Theatre's blog on Vertigo that examined the role of driving. I rather enjoyed the process of writing a film essay and recently, I had another opportunity to do so recently and this one was on Gods and Monsters.

I don't know if it's because I better understand the editorial process at Brattle or because I felt more confident and comfortable with this film or because I just hit upon something that spoke to me more coherently, but I found the process of writing one much easier and it came together much more coherently (at least for me--please let me know what you think!).  I mean, I've certainly talked about films on this blog, including my top 100 films series or when I explored horror tropes within the film, The Orphan, or even the two pieces I wrote about seeing movies at the Cabot (Catching a Classic at the Cabot and Cabot Offers Magical Experience).  However, I feel like I was able to write a film essay that delves deeps into the film's essence and context in a way that is enlightening or beneficial for readers and viewers.  (Of course, if I entirely missed the mark, let me know!).

A photo from the set of Frankenstein with the monster (Karloff) facing the director, James Whale.
Source:  Wikimedia

Here's the opening paragraph, but be sure to pass through to read the full essay:

"Hollywood never goes too long without holding up a mirror to itself. Biopics like Ed Wood or Hollywoodland explore (somewhat) true stories of Hollywood. Other films explore Hollywood through a more fictional lens and include King Kong, Sunset Boulevard, Singin’ In the Rain, The Day of the Locust, Sunset, Get Shorty, and Adaptation. God’s and Monsters, a film adapted from the novel, The Father of Frankenstein by Christopher Bram, does both, offering a fictional take on the final days of James Whale, who directed Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. But in choosing a fictional account of James Whale’s life for the silver screen, Hollywood perpetuated its troubled relationship with queer identities that it has grappled with since the birth of film."

After reading it, be sure to comment on the Brattle Theatre's blog or even here to share your thoughts!

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