The Underestimated Male: An Analysis of the Other in the Disney Adaptations of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus.

Abstract

Unforgettable gothic novels such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus and Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame have been adapted to the screen numerous times with various depictions of its deformed characters namely, the Creature and Quasimodo. Most of these depictions were intended to convey their horrific appearance from its source, the books, to the cinemas. Their horrifying and striking physiognomy transformed from the imagination of the readers to the visual construction by the directors and actors. The portrayal of physical deformity based on these novels changed gradually as the adaptations modernized; clearly, the intended audience has to be taken into consideration therefore the depiction of these unusual gothic characters has altered and modernized as well. These novels were originally meant to explore the dark and antagonistic side of human nature by depicting the lives of deformed characters and their treatment by other characters, which was often demeaning and horrendous. In contemporary cinema however there have even been film adaptations of these gothic novels which are intended for children. These classic novels of horror and suspense have been transformed into Disney films and productions. Yet it might be interesting to investigate the extent of the adaptation and if the reception and depiction of the physically deformed characters has changed. Especially the cause of alteration might not merely be adapting to the audience; indeed, the process of leading to such a contrasting depiction is complex and intriguing. Researching the complete transformation of medium and genre might demonstrate or disprove the complete internal and external transformation of these unique characters, viz., Quasimodo and the Creature of the memorable gothic novels.