Robert Eggers Reflects on Failed Frankenstein Adaptation
Despite solidifying his reputation as a prominent modern horror filmmaker, Robert Eggers, known for the acclaimed The Witch and The Lighthouse, faced challenges when attempting to adapt another iconic horror character: Frankenstein. After gaining success with The Northman, Eggers dedicated nearly a decade to developing his version of Nosferatu, which marks his first-ever remake and has already received critical acclaim and box office success.
Insights from Eggers on Project Selection
In a recent interview with Curzon discussing the release of Nosferatu, Eggers shared his creative process and selection criteria for projects. During this conversation, he opened up about his brief exploration of a Frankenstein adaptation, inspired by the birth of his child. However, after just two weeks of writing, he realized his approach fell short and decided to set it aside. Below is Eggers’ candid reflection:
Sometimes you know you’ve got a dud. I’m super, super excited for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, but when my son was born, I had an unconscious urge, I’m sure because of that, but as I started writing, I was like, “Oh yeah, this is why,” but as I started to try to do Frankenstein, which after two weeks, I was like, “There’s no way I can do this, it’s impossible.” It definitely sucked, I’ll tell you that.
Exploring Eggers’ Creative Journey
Eggers’ willingness to acknowledge his shortcomings in his Frankenstein adaptation speaks volumes about his artistic integrity. Fans of Eggers are likely to disagree with his assessment that his vision for Frankenstein was subpar. Despite the mixed reviews The Witch received upon its initial release, it has since gained recognition, along with his subsequent films, consistently achieving impressive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
| Title | RT Critic Score | RT Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| The Witch | 91% | 60% |
| The Lighthouse | 90% | 72% |
| The Northman | 90% | 64% |
| Nosferatu | 85% | 75% |
The Current Landscape of Frankenstein Adaptations
If Eggers had chosen to pursue his take on Mary Shelley’s classic, he would not have been alone; various adaptations of Frankenstein have emerged in recent years, albeit with varying degrees of success. For instance, Diablo Cody’s Lisa Frankenstein received a mixed response similar to her cult classic Jennifer’s Body. Conversely, indie films like The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster and Poor Things, featuring Emma Stone, have been praised by critics. Additionally, 2025 will see the release of two significant adaptations: Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!.
Is a Future Frankenstein Adaptation Still Possible?
While Eggers expresses doubt in his initial vision for Frankenstein, this does not preclude him from revisiting the story in the future. His commitment to creating a fresh version of Nosferatu, which he started long before his first feature film, illustrates his dedication and interest in passionate projects. Should he feel compelled to take another stab at this iconic tale, his adaptation might capture the same fervor that surrounded his recent works.
Final Thoughts: Eggers’ Potential in the Horror Genre
Despite his uncertainties about adapting Shelley’s narrative, it could be more beneficial for Eggers to invest his efforts in projects that inspire him. Nevertheless, the triumph of Nosferatu suggests that exploring a tale such as The Bride of Frankenstein could be an intriguing prospect, especially given his successful handling of Romantic elements in his films. His inclination to highlight strong female characters resonates perfectly with the themes in the Bride’s story.
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Source: Screen Rant | Images from various sources
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