Top 10 Badass Reimaginings of Classic Monsters
5) Victor Frankenstein:
As iconic as the Monster he created, Victor Frankenstein is what it means to be a mad scientist blinded by his own ambition. While it is hard to capture all of his nuance, personality, failings, and struggles in a reimagining, the core of the character has been redone several times. These two characters best represent a permutation of this vision, an original take that brought the character into new realms.
Dr. Herbert West:
Star of the Re-Animator series, Doctor West is the kind of mad scientist that makes us envious and creeped out at the same time. While his scientific genius is unrivaled, his mastery of the interpersonal arts leaves much to be desired. He’s no pencil pusher, though, and is equally comfortable taking an axe to his creations as a needle when they get unruly. Single-mindedly driven by his dream to reanimate dead life, he will accomplish his goal no matter the cost (or ghoulishness of his creations).
Dr. Frank N. Furter:
Wait, really? That guy from The Rocky Horror Picture Show? Yes, that guy from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. You might have missed it between all that being a “sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania,” but Frank N. Furter’s goal is to create the perfect man with the perfect parts. A subversion of the classic mad scientist, Frank N. Furter is anything but oblivious to the carnal needs of the body. Genre stereotypes aren’t the only role this movie is subverting, and it stays relevant to this day as a body-positive expression of sexuality and gender identity. It’s probably still playing at an indie theater near you every Sunday night, so why don’t you put on your high heels and give it a shot? I know you must be waiting with antici…
Victor Frankenstein (2015):
With Victor Frankenstein just around the corner, I wonder if James McAvoy is up to the task of depicting the titanic character. He’s already conquered roles like Charles Xavier, so expectations are high. Daniel Radcliffe is likely to be the best Igor since Marty Feldman, as his varied acting career and starring role in “A Young Doctor’s Notebook” (2012- ) prove he has the chops for some medical drama/comedy. We’ll have to wait until November 25th to see for sure, but I for one will be checking it out opening day.
What do you think of the list? Can you think of a better take on Victor Frankenstein? How about the other monsters on the list? Are you also excited for Victor Frankenstein? Let me know below!
