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It’s Alive: Best Frankenstein Movies (From the Camera’s Perspective)

With the recent trailer for the upcoming ‘Victor Frankenstein’ being released, it got us thinking about the use of cameras in film and how far they’ve come. While you might be wondering what the connection is between Frankenstein and cameras, you might be surprised to find out that both share an interesting history. As Camera’s got further in development, so did the Frankenstein films and you can credit nearly every camera in the history of film making being used to make one. So we thought, ‘hey why not pick a few faves and spotlight them here?’ So that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Here are the best Frankenstein films (from a camera perspective). 

Thomas Edison’s Frankenstein (1910)

We bet you had no idea about this one (not many people do) but all the way back in 1910, Thomas Edison’s studio company produced the first ever Frankenstein film, with the simple title of ‘Frankenstein’. That’s right, when he wasn’t inventing world-changing creations, Edison was lending his studio in the Bronx out to film-makers. Made with the cheapest Kodak of the time, this primitive and at times strange adaptation is filled with early practical effects that are better than some of the computer generated stuff we’d see today (at least they’re real right?) and some pyrotechnic effects that look incredibly dangerous. While this is by no measure one of the most stunning films to look at, it holds up surprisingly well considering it was made with one of the earliest cameras.

You can watch the full version here.

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

While this film is just as good as its predecessor (considering it was made with sound, a relatively new idea at the time), Bride of Frankenstein makes this list for being one of the first films to use camera angle techniques as a means of story-telling. Throughout the film, there are various shots to emphasize the horror of the situation- there is a good tilted, angel shot in which victor and the evil doctor Pretorius face up against each other. It works well to symbolise the similarities and differences of the two characters as well as give today’s movie goers a brief history lesson in cameras being used for more than capturing an image.

The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

The first colour entry of Hammer’s vast library of horror films, Curse of Frankenstein makes its way onto the list not only for that, but also because it’s simply gorgeous to look at. A look which the 1970’s would duplicate for artistic effect, this film emphasizes every bit of colour on the screen, from the opening scene in the prison, to all those cheesy blood effects. This film is a feast for the eyes that really shows the beauty a camera can capture.

That’s it for our camera themed Frankenstein list (bet you’d never think you’d hear that phrase!) but to really get a feel for how far cameras have come, take a look at these films for yourself. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the trailer for ‘Victor Frankenstein’

Here at Camera Exchange, we’re not only mad about everything cameras. From seeing how they’re used in movies to being able to provide the means for people to sell used cameras for cash. If you have an old camera that you don’t use any more, or maybe you simply want the funds for a newer model, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us here at Camera Exchange Store or call us today on 0208 371 4179 and one of our dedicated team members will be more than happy to help you.

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