Frankenstein: Who's the Real Monster?

Nothing beats the experience of live theater. But the Royal National Theatre is quickly proving that the next best thing is watching broadcasts of their most acclaimed productions in movie theaters across the globe. That is how I got to watch the incredible 2011 production of Frankenstein, Nick Dear's adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch.

One of the unique features of this production was that Cumberbatch and Miller alternated playing Victor Frankenstein and his Creature for every performance. I saw the version with Cumberbatch as Frankenstein and Miller as the Creature. You don't have to watch for long to understand why they were jointly awarded the Olivier Award for Best Actor. Miller's performance as the Creature is mesmerizing. The opening ten minutes feature him slithering and stumbling across the stage, learning how to use his re-animated limbs. And the first half of the play focuses entirely on his foray into the real world after he is abandoned by Frankenstein, who is repulsed by his creation.

The Creature spends a year with a blind old man who teaches him how to speak and read great works of literature. However, the Creature's horrific appearance makes it impossible for him to assimilate into society, leading him to murderous acts. He finally finds his maker in Geneva and begs him to make him a bride to end his loneliness. Their exchange makes it apparent that while the world might think the Creature is a monster, Frankenstein is deeply inhuman himself and driven by egomania. Cumberbatch imbues the scientist with a single-minded drive to establish himself as a scientific genius among "the little people" who know nothing about electricity, galvanics, and the assorted horrors that have brought his Creature to life. Engaged to be married, Frankenstein brusquely postpones his wedding and leaves his family to go build a Creature who will be far superior to this awful creation.

This production of Frankenstein is simply astonishing. The sets are elaborate, the music is electrifying, the acting is superb. Despite the dark and ominous material, there are hilarious moments, particularly when the Creature uses logic and reason to argue with the humans rather than brute strength. Of course, there is plenty of violence and tragedy, and in the end you have to decide for yourself whether Frankenstein or his Creature is the true monster.

Due to the popularity of this production, National Theatre Live is broadcasting it worldwide in cinemas during November. Look up showtimes in your area and watch this play immediately. It's an unmissable opportunity.