To Be a Monster: Why Jacob Elordi's Frankenstein Must Embrace the Grotesque

So, Jacob Elordi, huh? The internet’s abuzz with talk of him potentially donning the bolts and stitches as Frankenstein’s Monster. And, well, it’s certainly a casting choice that gets people talking, isn't it? But here’s the thing, the real thing, you could say: if this project moves forward, if Elordi truly steps into those colossal, cobbled boots, then we — the audience, the purists, the folks who actually read Shelley — we need more than just a handsome face smudged with a bit of green paint. We need a monster. A genuine, visceral, unsettling creature of nightmares.

Because, honestly, let's look at the cinematic history of poor old Frankenstein’s Monster. It’s a tragic tale, really, one of constant dilution. From Boris Karloff’s iconic but ultimately more sympathetic portrayal to Robert De Niro’s surprisingly eloquent, yet still rather human-looking, version, Hollywood has, for the most part, consistently shied away from Mary Shelley’s original vision. Her Monster wasn't just misunderstood; he was, in her own words, a ‘wretch,’ a ‘demon,’ a patchwork of human remains so hideous it repulsed his own creator at first glance. Think about that for a moment: absolute, primal revulsion.

And yet, how often do we see that on screen? Far too often, the Creature becomes just a slightly scarred, brooding, tragically handsome figure, a canvas for an actor’s pained emoting rather than a testament to horrific reanimation. It’s almost as if filmmakers are afraid to commit to the sheer, unadulterated grotesqueness that defines the character's profound loneliness and rage. And that’s a pity, a real missed opportunity for truly impactful storytelling.

Which brings us back to Elordi. He’s a charismatic, undeniably attractive actor, a fact that could, ironically, make his transformation into a true monster all the more potent. The juxtaposition, you see, between the audience’s expectation of his inherent handsomeness and the utterly horrifying reality of the Creature, could be — for once — genuinely shocking. But this hinges entirely on the commitment of the creative team, especially when it comes to creature design. This isn't just about makeup; it's about the very soul of the visual storytelling.

We need practical effects, you know? The kind that make you feel the weight, the texture, the sheer presence of the creature on screen. There’s a certain tactile horror that CGI, as brilliant as it can be, often struggles to replicate. A digital monster, for all its intricate detail, sometimes just doesn't feel quite there, quite real. Think of Guillermo del Toro’s masterful work, how his creatures feel utterly tangible, almost breathing the same air as the actors. That's the kind of dedication required here.

So, if Elordi does indeed take on this legendary role, let’s hope the filmmakers have the courage to make him a proper wretch. Not just a pretty boy with some minor prosthetics, but a genuine, bone-chilling, heart-wrenching monstrosity. Because only then can we truly understand the horror of his existence, the tragedy of his creation, and the enduring power of Shelley’s timeless tale. And wouldn’t that be something?