If you’re drawn to Gothic stories, fascinated by Mary Shelley and Guillermo del Toro, obsessed with film costumes and props and want to see the Creature up close then this exhibition is the one for you. You not only get to see the Creature but also see his body lying open on the table mid-creation surrounded by all the sketches and props.
I love learning the behind-the-scenes facts that you wouldn’t know just by watching the film. So when I saw online that there’s a FREE Frankenstein: Crafting a Tale Eternal Exhibition at The Old Selfridges Hotel I knew I had to go. If you have seen the film or not you should still check it out as it reveals so much about the film. So here are five things that stood out to me during my visit:
1. Mia Goth appears as both Elizabeth and Claire, Victor’s mother
While this might be something you might have already known about I completely missed this when I was watching the film. I was too distracted by her studding dress, the hat and the veil. When I read it at the exhibition I was so shocked I had to re-read it again to make sure I read it right. I found that to be so haunting since both Claire and Elizabeth are so maternal and have a strong bond with Victor.
2.The Creature’s makeup is truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship
I can’t be the only one who couldn’t stop wondering how they created the Creature. Was it one prosthetic? How long did it take? Why was the Creature created like this? Well the exhibition answered all those questions while revealing more about the process. I won’t go into too much detail but the makeup is not just one piece, it’s forty-two silicone rubber sections that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Twelve for the head and thirty for the body. Can you imagine the patience, precision and artistry? Mind-blowing and so interesting. I have to give credit to the team and Mike Hill for creating the Creature and to Jacob for enduring those long application hours to bring the Creature to life.
3. The production had 112 filming locations
Yes, you read that right 112! They were around Scotland, England and Toronto and seeing this at the exhibition I thought it was a typo. It also made me appreciate the film even more as I could only imagine the work that the team must have done. I wish we could have the chance to visit sets in real life and step into those worlds. If you could visit any film in real life which one would it be?
4. The Arctic Ship was REAL no CGI or AI generated
The massive Arctic ship I thought because of its size could not be real was in fact real as they built it up. We live in a time where CGI and AI are used and to know it was real made me appreciate it more although I understand that sometimes GCI is best for some projects.
5. The sets were built for every stage of Victor’s lab
While this might not be as shocking as the other it really stuck with me because imagine the team building different versions of Victor’s lab that show not only how his lab grew but also his obsession. I am always in awe of the hard work that goes behind the scenes.
While I loved the exhibition and wish more films and TV shows would do this I have one thing that disappointed me. The merchandise prices. I know it’s a free exhibition but the £45 for a tote bag and nearly £100 for a T-shirt or hoodie was too much for me. Still this exhibition is one to see as you get to see and learn so much. Trust me there were more facts that I could have added but I didn’t want to spoil it all.
Remember to book your tickets:
🎟️ Entry: FREE
📍Where : The Old Selfridges Hotel
🗓️When: Until 9th November
Click here to read my ‘Frankenstein’ Reveiw!
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