3. Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
The archetypal monster story, Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is one of the most famous gothic novels ever written. Frankenstein is sometimes thought to be the name of the monster, but is actually the name of the monsters creator. The question of which character is the true 'monster' in the story is a central theme of the novel. Is it the Creature? Or is it Victor Frankenstein himself, who naively creates life and then cruelly rejects it? The idea that there is very little separating humanity from monstrosity is a weighty theme, which could make for dramatic and thought-provoking viewing in a modern-day movie. The theme of science versus morality is so incredibly current that it is difficult to believe Frankenstein was written almost two hundred years ago. The scientific aspect of the story would arguably work better set in 2013 than in 1818. The scientific advancements that have occurred since 1818 mean it is now much easier to believe a scientist could successfully create life. Danny Boyle, director of cult hit Trainspotting and more recently the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, directed a production of Frankenstein in London in 2011. This production still set the story in 1811, but Boyles twist was to have stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternate the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. By doing so, Boyle further emphasised the questionability of the identity of the real monster. The popularity of Boyle's production is proof of the enduring popularity of Shelleys novel: it would be perfect as a modernised movie.