FRANKENSTEIN (1931)

Directed by: James Whale
Written by: Francis Edward Faragoh, Garrett Fort
Studio: Universal Pictures
Starring: Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, John Boles, Boris Karloff
Rated: Not Rated

About the film:
A scientist discovers the process of “creating” life but his experiment results in a horror that will prove disastrous for all living beings.

Movie Quote:
“Where should we be if no one tried to find out what lies beyond? Have you never wanted to look beyond the clouds and the stars, or to know what causes the trees to bud? And what changes the darkness into light?”
Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) in Frankenstein (1931)

Bible Quote:
“Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound – who can discover it? So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.”
Ecclesiastes 7:24-25 (NIV)


Commentary:
In the cited quote from Frankenstein, the doctor is rationalizing his experiments and explaining his obsession. His curiosity is both understandable and natural. God made us curious for a reason. But Dr. Frankenstein is misguided in where he is letting his curiosity take him.

The world is full of secrets: Unexplained objects, unseen events resulting in visible phenomenon. It is natural for man to be curious about that which he does not know or understand. It is also understandable that we seek to satisfy our curiosity.

This is exactly what Solomon, the “Preacher” of Ecclesiastes, set out to do. He learned, after subjecting himself to a myriad of experiences (both good and bad), the greatest truth of all:

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear (Respect) God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)

God built into us an inquisitive nature. He did this because He wants us to ask the questions and seek the answers regarding life and living. He knows that as we do, we will inevitably be led to Him. Answers are available. We just need to know where to look.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What kind of “creator” did Dr. Frankenstein turn out to be? How does he differ from our Creator?
2. How can we best channel our natural curiosity into productive and profitable areas? How do we avoid the folly of pursuing knowledge that is unavailable to us?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com