"Monster": Rewriting Queer Romance

Kristoffer 2021-12-25 08:01:41

For the first time after watching it, I felt it was a pity that the movie did not make good use of the classic IP of "Frankenstein", but after thinking about it, the adaptation of the screenwriter Max Landis is actually very interesting. He used monsters and queer Connection is the starting point, and rewrite a queer romance.

In heterosexual romances, the heroine is usually an ignorant virgin, waiting for the hero's salvation or guidance to grow. In "Monster", the camel played by Daniel Radcliffe is like a woman in a patriarchal family. He is the property of the head of the group; without a name, he is like an object, not a person. . When the scientist Vidor Frankenstein, played by James McAvoy, broke into the circus and rescued the camel, he immediately became a prince. He successfully rescued the princess trapped in the castle tower and gave him a name: Yi fruit. Although Yiguo has medical talents, he does not have special books and research equipment to improve himself; in other words, he can still be regarded as "ignorant." And Widow provided him with these resources, allowing him to go deeper into the scientific field. If you take Anna and Gray as examples, Yigo is Anna, and Victor is Gray, leading him to explore himself (knowledge, lust), and then grow.

However, the positions of Anna and Gray are not so absolute. Active/passive and S/M always swing back and forth between them. Gray controls Anna, and Anna controls Gray. The same is true for the relationship between Widow and Yigo; although Widow does not say anything, his behavior always reveals the feeling that Yigo is a "created object" of him. In the story, the crazy Widow is like an out-of-control and derailed train, constantly rushing toward his beliefs, regardless of the possible harm and consequences; while Yiguo was dragged forward by him, but always tried to step on the brakes. , Hold Widow. Regardless of the result, the pulling and releasing between the two forms an interesting rhythm, and at the same time allows them to create a subtle and close connection.

Queer images in the movie can be seen everywhere, but the most interesting is undoubtedly the scene where Widow corrects the figure of the hunchback. After bringing the hunchback home from the circus, Widow forced the hunchback on the pillar, tore his shirt, used a large syringe to poke the tumor on his back, and drew white liquid from his mouth. Although there is no sexual behavior in this scene, it is full of sexual metaphors. However, what is intriguing is that after this intense "male-male love", the hunchback turns from a freak into a human being; a "normal person" who has an upright body and can walk freely. This is a disenchantment for queer people, just like what Cai Kangyong said, "We are not monsters," or does it just imply that Widow, who lives under the huge shadow of his father, must forcibly correct his lust and live as a "normal person"? still?

It is said that "Monster" is only the beginning of the story. As a "Byronian hero", the shadow of the past borne by Victor, although Yigo has solved the mystery, it seems that this heavy shackle has not been completely solved. There should be many stories to tell about Vidor's father and brother, Inspector Telpin, and the monster jointly created by Vidor and Yigo.

Written on 2015/11/27

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Extended Reading
  • Rickey 2021-12-25 08:01:41

    This plot is basically just a prequel to the original. The poor old monster was killed as soon as he was created, and he couldn't even count as a supernatural martial arts show. But the rivalry between Yimei and Mo Niang is very exciting! I found that Yimi’s acting skills are great and his costume looks very handsome! Seeing Tywin Lannister and Michael both come to hang out, my glasses are about to drop

  • Laura 2022-03-26 09:01:09

    This monster is a monster, and it is not scary. If this monster can be a little more human, it is a real monster.

Victor Frankenstein quotes

  • Victor Von Frankenstein: Oh my brother Henry forgive me. I have wronged you, for this is not life. This is not life. You are not live. Live.

  • Inspector Turpin: [bellows to Victor] You'll burn in hell for what you've done