FRANKENSTEIN
by
Guillermo del Toro
Based on the novel
by
Mary Shelley
Directed by
Guillermo del Toro
FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 2024
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 1.
DARKNESS
Over a BLACK screen, music begins-
A SIGN ONSCREEN: OVERTURE
EXT. FROZEN LANDSCAPE - DAY
A WHITE LIMBO OF MIST. A SNOWSTORM. White flakes rush by the
lens.
CAMERA creeps in on a VAST landscape. The sound of ICE PICKS-
dozens of them: hard at work. A few lanterns and bonfires
pepper the white canvas.
The SUN shines, high above: a hazy crown of light.
Super: NORTH POLE, 1857.
Within this frozen limbo- a dark, massive shape-- the ship
HORISONT.
A Three Mast ship, its hull encased, embedded, in fact, in
the ice, firmly in the grasp of a sheet of blue, rigid,
crystalline ice claws, connecting to what seems like a
continent of it.
Its hull is pierced and wedged in the translucent grip.
SAILORS work hard to liberate it.
CAPTAIN ALFRED ANDERSON: A powerful Danish Seaman, chiseled
and distant. Unwavering. He inspects the work.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON approaches the ship's stern. Massive
KEROSENE bonfires burn there, illuminating CANVAS TENTS as
sailors warm themselves and trade equipment- all under the
watchful eye of CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN.
[Note: The dialogue between DANISH CHARACTERS is in Danish,
subtitled.]
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
Captain- the men are hungry, and
exhausted- we cannot keep up this pace
without consequence...
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
The more we delay the labor, the firmer
the grasp of the ice will become.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 2.
CONTINUED:
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
Respectfully, Sir, the men need
assurances-
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Assurances?
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
Yes, Sir- that we will head back to St.
Petersburg once we free the ship. They
don't think we'll be seaworthy for long-
and they want to know-
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
It is not their place- or yours- to
think- or determine our course. We
signed up for a mission and we will see
it to completion. We will reach the
furthest North. No other choice.
(beat)
Rotate each group: two hour shifts to
eat and sleep.
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
Aye, aye, Sir-
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Howl in the Ice
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Captain Anderson- shoeless and exhausted- squeezes ice water
out of his socks.
The tip of his toes are inflamed and have turned almost
entirely black. He dries them. Wincing in pain as he does
so.
An EXPLOSION is heard. He gets up.
EXT. SHIP'S DECK - BOW - NIGHT
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
What was that?
TORFUSSEN
An explosion, Sir- about two miles away-
The Second Mate (TORFUSSEN) hands him a SPYGLASS.
POV through the lens of a spyglass: Anderson tries to
encompass the vast and irregular plains of ice, which seem
to have no end.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 3.
CONTINUED:
But, sure enough, there is a small fire light- flickering.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Get the men, and Doctor Udsen-
EXT. FROZEN LANDSCAPE - NIGHT
CAMP at night: Bonfires.
Carrying LIT TORCHES, Captain Anderson, Larsen, and A GROUP
OF MEN, including Torfussen, and DOCTOR UDSEN leave the ship
encampment.
EXT. ICE FIELD - NIGHT
The Men traverse the ice field. The BONFIRES recede.
EXT. ICE MOUND - NIGHT
They see an abandoned CAMP-
There, a TENT is burning - there is an ABANDONED SLED.
A HUGE STAIN OF BLOOD across the snow.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
What happened here?
Then- a BLOOD-CURDLING HOWL-
DOCTOR UDSEN
Captain- there-
They move towards a MAN, injured, emaciated and bearded at
the base of a jutting mound.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Wolf attack?
DOCTOR UDSEN
Knife wound on the shoulder. And his
hand- is crushed...
Then they see the man's leg: bent- broken, snapped- blood
everywhere-
Doctor Udsen pulls a CURVED LEATHER KNIFE-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 4.
CONTINUED:
DOCTOR UDSEN (CONT'D)
Remove his shoe, Larsen-
Larsen obeys: The boot reveals a SILVER FOOT and then-
A PROSTHETIC LEG.
The Man clings to the Doctor's arm, trembling in fear-
DOCTOR UDSEN (CONT'D)
Shhh- Shhh- Calm down- Calm down...
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
We should take him to the ship...
LARSEN looks at the Captain- "are you sure?"
A HOWLING- a blood-curdling scream!! And then a horrible
voice- not quite human, not quite animal- a guttural,
beastly roar:
VOICE
Bring him to me!!
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
To the ship- now!
They put the Man on a stretcher.
Captain Anderson looks back-
-and sees, a LUMBERING, ENORMOUS CREATURE rising over a
mound!!! Backlit by the moon- smoke and steam engulf and
trail its body!!!
Genres:
["Historical","Horror","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Creature's Assault
EXT. SHIP'S DECK / FROZEN LANDSCAPE - NIGHT
The injured Man is being loaded onto the ship, pulleys haul
his stretcher up!
They hear that accursed HOWLING again-
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Ready the Weapons! On my command!
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
There, Sir!
They see THE CREATURE- rapidly advancing upon them-
They hear that accursed HOWLING again- and an unearthly
voice:
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 5.
CONTINUED:
CREATURE
Bring him to me!!!
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Fire!
Three men open fire at the Creature-- it falters but doesn't
stop, in fact- it charges!!
CAPTAIN ANDERSON (CONT'D)
You missed!
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
We did not!
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Three more!
CREATURE
Bring- him to me!!!
THREE MORE SAILORS step in, aim and-
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Fire!
The Creature is upon them!
It TOSSES THE MEN like rag dolls. Kills them instantly and
effortlessly.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON (CONT'D)
Everyone- to the deck!!
They flee for the ship, in a panic now-
The Captain climbs up- The Creature close in pursuit- it
takes the deck!
And spots the injured Man, rescued-
The Creature's visage is visible for the first time: Pale-
oh, so pale- the palest of skins- oyster-grey, in fact-
almost pearlescent, with a single gleaming yellow eye-
veined in red, and almost beaming in the semi-darkness of a
hood! The other eye- an empty socket!
He ROARS- charges!!! SAILORS go for him- attack-
Harpoons, clubs! Shots fired at him!
They are dispatched quickly overboard!!
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 6.
CONTINUED: (2)
The tall, gaunt Creature advances-
Larsen opens a side chest, and retrieves a massive BLUNDER-
BUSS-style three-barreled gun.
The Creature is heading for the injured Man- torches and
lanterns project shadows everywhere, adding to the chaos.
Larsen unloads THREE BARRELS of the Volley gun-
The Creature is blown back and staggers over the railing-
- falling backwards-
- fifteen feet down onto the ice!
The ice CRACKS- the FIRELIGHT illuminates the scene.
The Creature goes for the ladder, which gets retrieved just
in time!!!
Furious, the Creature starts banging at the hull!!!
His astounding strength makes THE SHIP ROCK back and
forth!!!
Freeing it from the ice partially.
The ship rocks!
BAMMM!! The Creature rocks the ship again.
His feet exert pressure against the ice, cracking under-
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
It's gonna break through the hull, Sir-
she can't take it much more.
THREE MORE SAILORS peer over the edge of the ship and fire-
The ice splatters with crimson blood but the Creature
carries on!!!
The ice breaks further-
The ship rocks-
They all peer over the edge-
The ice cracks under The Creature's pressure- the ship
TILTS, everyone tries to hang on to the railing-
TWO SAILORS shoot at the creature's feet!!! The ICE CRACKS!!
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 7.
CONTINUED: (3)
The ship rocks! Almost upended!!
And then-
Captain Anderson takes the BLUNDERBUSS from LARSEN and
climbs his way back to the side-
-He fires the LAST CHAMBER LOAD!!
BREAKING THE ICE by the Creatures's feet!!! The fracture
line runs freely now- completing a circle around the
Creature!
The ICE GIVES, the Creature turns to see the ice break and
turn sideways- the Creature slides into the frigid waters-
He battles gravity for a moment, but the slippery ice
surface betrays his grip and seals itself again!
The Creature sinks--
EXT. THE SHIP - NIGHT
The ship rights itself up- slowly-
Everyone regains composure.
EXT. UNDERWATER - NIGHT
The Creature sinks heavily as if loaded with stones-
Soon, it disappears in the polar waters, and into the
darkness of the ocean.
EXT. THE SHIP - NIGHT
CAMERA CRANES UP, seeing the ship in its totality, the
encampment, the steel gray sky.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Horror","Adventure","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Awakening of Victor Frankenstein
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAWN
Doctor Udsen readies his instruments on a surgical table.
We are in a somewhat ample and- by comparison- luxurious
cabin: maps, charts and instruments litter the space. An
ample CIRCULAR window and bunk-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 8.
CONTINUED:
On it lies the injured Man: limbs are blackened and
desiccated- blood congealed and skin consumed by frostbite.
They REMOVE THE PROTHETIC LEG, reveal a STUMP.
DOCTOR UDSEN
An old wound. The stump has healed, scar
even hardened.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
War?
DOCTOR UDSEN
Whatever war this man fought- he lost.
His body is dreadfully emaciated.
He examines the patient.
DOCTOR UDSEN (CONT'D)
Cyanosis spots on his chest- there's
liquid in his lungs- he does not have
long...
He cuts some bloody bandages and reveals the Man's hands-
frostbitten and black.
DOCTOR UDSEN (CONT'D)
His right hand is crushed. I will do my
best- but eventually...
MAN
What- are you doing-
The Doctor and the Captain turn- the Man is leaning on an
injured elbow as he climbs out of the bed, ever so weakly.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
English- can you understand English?
The Man nods.
DOCTOR UDSEN
We are trying to save you, my good man.
MAN
Where am I?
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
You are on the Danish Royal Ship
Horisont. My name is Captain Alfred
Anderson
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 9.
CONTINUED: (2)
MAN
Put me back on the ice.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
I don't understand.
MAN
How many of your men did it kill?
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Three.
Doctor Udsen hands him a drink.
MAN
It will come back and kill many more. All
of you, if necessary- unless you put me
back on the ice and let it take me.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
It's over. The body sank- in the frozen
waters- carried away, probably miles away-
by the very current that wedges this ship
into the ice. It is dead.
The Man SMASHES the glass against the wall.
MAN
It is not! It cannot die! I should know!
I have tried to destroy it- time and
again!
(beat)
Whether you believe me or not- it will
come back for me. And you have to promise
me: When it does- You will put me back on
the ice and let it take me...
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
What manner of creature is that-? And
what manner of God or devil made him?
A long pause and then:
MAN
I did. I made him.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 10.
SUPER: PART I: VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Confessions at Dawn
EXT. SHIP STERN - DAYBREAK
THE SUN RISES- The Men work hard to free the ship from the
ice using wedges and hammers.
The Ship rocks.
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAYBREAK
The Man looks out the window. He has been cleaned. He is
wearing a long cotton shirt and stands on his one good leg-
his pant leg folded on the missing one.
Doctor Udsen brings the wooden leg- helps him fit it on.
MAN
I had determined at one time that the
memory of my evils should die with me...
But I must make you understand. That is
the only way- the only way you will
understand. A complete confession-
(beat)
Some of what I will tell you is fact-
some is not- but it is all true...
(beat)
My name is Victor...
(beat)
Victor Frankenstein.
(beat)
It was my father that chose that name-
(beat)
You know what it means?
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
I believe I do. A conqueror. The one
that wins it all.
VICTOR adjusts the straps on the wooden leg.
VICTOR
That is what he expected- a laurel
on his brow... It all started with
him, I believe... my father... and
my mother...
He closes his eyes and smiles, suffused by peace and warm
memories.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 11.
CONTINUED:
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Victor... Victor...
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Tensions at the Frankenstein Villa
EXT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - MAIN ENTRANCE - DAY
CLAIRE, Victor's mother climbs down the stairs- her face
hidden by a VEIL- behind her, the SERVANTS assemble.
CLAIRE
Victor! Victor! Dépêchez-vous de
descendre, votre père arrive.
YOUNG VICTOR awaits by a small stone pediment. A carriage is
arriving.
Claire extends her GLOVED HANDS- smiles.
Victor joins his mother.
The CARRIAGE stops- and, out of it: a dark male figure, cape
flying, hat firmly in place: HIS FATHER (LEOPOLD
FRANKENSTEIN).
Aryan, blond and strapping- with piercing blue eyes and
aristocratic cheekbones.
He kisses Claire's hand.
LEOPOLD
Victor...
Victor nods his head.
VICTOR (V.O.)
My Father was a Baron, and a
preeminent Surgeon-
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
A long- almost expressionistic- dining table. Father, Mother
and Son eat in silence at one end. Wine is poured by silent
SERVANTS.
VICTOR (V.O.)
He had married my mother, largely out of
convenience- as her dowry was
considerable and her lineage noble.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 12.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Her family owned large plantations in the
South Seas and that furnished my father
with the means to preserve his rank and
family estate.
LEOPOLD
Victor- sit up straight. Elbows off the
table.
Leopold slices his steak with extreme precision and care.
His hair and sideburns are bright auburn- almost red- and
his blue eyes sparkle with steely intelligence.
VICTOR (V.O.)
Our raven-black hair, our deep-dark
eyes, even our quiet- at times
nervous- disposition, seemed to
exasperate the man to no end.
Young Victor eats mostly vegetables. Claire smiles quietly
at her son, she seems satiated- puts her cutlery down. A
SERVANT is going to pick it up- Leopold stops her-
LEOPOLD
Leave it.
(beat)
Put some effort into it, Claire, dear.
The salts in the meat will enrich your
blood- for the baby. You eat for him
too, remember? My son-
YOUNG VICTOR (PRELAP)
"Guardian angel. Sweet companion. Stand
by my side and do not leave me..."
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - MOTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAWN
YOUNG VICTOR
"...In my waking hours, in the deepest
night. Under your mantle, shelter me.
Under your gaze, protect me. And never,
ever, desert me..."
Young Victor prays at the feet of a CARVED ARCHANGEL. He can
hear a LOUD and VIOLENT discussion in the next room.
VICTOR (V.O.)
I would hear them- through the wall-
arguing incessantly... Their voices
filled me with fear... Fired my
imagination...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 13.
CONTINUED:
Claire enters the room.
TIME CUT. Victor lies in a regal canopy bed with his mother.
He looks at the SILK above his head and leans on her chest-
listens to her heart...
YOUNG VICTOR
After my brother is born-
CLAIRE
William... Guillaume- mon Chéri...
YOUNG VICTOR
After William is born: M'aimeras-tu
autant que tu m'aimes maintenant?
CLAIRE
Si une telle chose est possible-
Victor closes his eyes, pressing his ear against his Mother,
and hears the THUMP-THUMP of her heart, and the baby's...
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Lessons in Discipline
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - KITCHEN - DAY
Busy kitchen: cooking, kneading dough, cutting vegetables...
A SCULLERY MAID pours milk in a glass. A BUTLER takes it in
a tray.
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - MARBLE LOBBY - DAY
The Butler carries the milk up the marble staircase and into
a corridor.
LEOPOLD (V.O.)
Very well, Victor- we can move to the
next subject...
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - LIBRARY - DAY
The Butler serves Victor the milk.
Young Victor consults a small ANATOMICAL VENUS of Ivory,
opens her belly.
He is in AN OLD LIBRARY- two levels, with ladders and
balconies and reading tables everywhere.
Young Victor is reading at one of the tables. A BUTLER
brings him his milk.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 14.
CONTINUED:
LEOPOLD
List, accurately as you can, the
ancient classification of the humors
in the human body-
Leopold questions him from a ladder- he is putting away a
book.
YOUNG VICTOR
Blood, Black Bile, Yellow Bile and
Phlegm.
LEOPOLD
And how many do we recognize today,
Victor?
YOUNG VICTOR
Blood and Bile only, Father.
Victor drinks his milk.
LEOPOLD
Average male heart- weight?
YOUNG VICTOR
280 to 310 grams...
LEOPOLD
Average female heart- weight?
Leopold climbs down. In his hand we notice a switch-thin
cane.
YOUNG VICTOR
230 to 280 grams, Father-
LEOPOLD
Why would you say that is- the
difference of mass in the female
heart? Depth of emotions, a
tendency towards the melancholic?
YOUNG VICTOR
Mass- volume of blood, Father. Muscular
irrigation.
LEOPOLD
Quite. There is no spiritual function to
tissue, Victor-- no emotion to a muscle-
Now- describe the main function of the
tricuspid valve.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 15.
CONTINUED: (2)
YOUNG VICTOR
The valve is there to prevent- to- impede-
LEOPOLD
Yes-?
YOUNG VICTOR
I- I- don't recall, Father- But I'm sure
I will remember-
LEOPOLD
I'm sure you will. Ivory does not
bleed, Victor. Flesh does- by the time
you remember a fact- your patient
could be dead. You understand?
(beat)
The tricuspid valve prevents reflux
of blood into the vena cava.
He raises the cane. Young Victor extends his hands-
LEOPOLD (CONT'D)
No. Not your hands. Not anymore. They
are now to be the instruments of your
craft and will. You must care for them
always. Your face, however- is vanity.
He crosses the boy's face with the cane. A Fleeting shade of
remorse crosses Leopold's visage.
LEOPOLD (CONT'D)
You carry my name and you will carry
my profession- you shall not wear
either of them down.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
The Seeds of Obsession
EXT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - FRONT LAWN - DUSK
The front lawn of the Villa: behind it the ALPS, majestic,
remote, rise above the landscape.
Young Victor plays cards with Claire, sitting on the grass.
They laugh. Servants are nearby.
They eat HARDBOILED EGGS seasoned with silver spoonfuls of
salt.
Young Victor peels an egg. Bites into it.
The sun blinds Claire- she shields her eyes and then-
Grows pale. She suddenly clutches her stomach.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 16.
CONTINUED:
Falls down to the ground.
Leopold rushes to her side- a SCREAM PRE-LAPS:
EXT. CEMETERY HILL - DUSK
SNOWFLAKES dancing in the air.
A BONE WHITE, CARVED COFFIN goes by a row of MOURNERS in the
cold air of Autumn.
Young Victor covers his mother's face with a mortuary mask.
He is wearing his CRIMSON BOW around the neck.
Leopold holds a newborn baby in his arms.
The GRAVEDIGGERS lower the coffin into the hole.
Young Victor stands by the grave.
VICTOR (V.O.)
She, whom I saw every day and whose
very existence appeared a part of my
own, was gone-- the brightness of her
eye, extinguished- the sound of her
voice muffled by the earth. Her smile
devoured by worms.
EXT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - STONE BRIDGE LAWN - DAY
Leopold plays with WILLIAM (age 4), riding a PONY- SERVANTS
surround them, preparing a PICNIC.
VICTOR (V.O.)
William was quickly favored by my
father. He was the Sun, I was the
thunder cloud, he was all smiles
and I was all frowns.
Victor watches from a distance, hidden in the trees.
VICTOR (V.O.)
There was something more... or
something, rather, was missing...
You see, my mother had died at the
hands of the most preeminent doctor
of his day... my Father...
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 17.
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - LIBRARY - DUSK
Victor plays with the Ivory Venus-
VICTOR (V.O.)
He disliked her intensely- as he did
me... Therefore an idea took shape in
my mind. Inevitable, unavoidable- day
and night- until it became truth.
LEOPOLD
Define the Circulatory system as
enunciated in De Motu Cordis if you
will...
Silence and then-
YOUNG VICTOR
You killed her.
LEOPOLD
Pardon?
YOUNG VICTOR
You let her die. Did you not?
Leopold looks at him, dispassionate. Entirely unruffled.
LEOPOLD
I did everything in my power to
save her, little Hamlet. You must
know that.
YOUNG VICTOR
So you failed, then.
LEOPOLD
No one could have saved her. No one
can conquer death-
YOUNG HUNTER
I will. I will conquer it-
Everything you know, I will know-
and more-
Leopold tenses. Puts the book down. Takes the cane- but does
not use it.
LEOPOLD
I see- we've done quite enough for today.
He heads out- Young Victor gets up- grabs the switch cane.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 18.
CONTINUED:
YOUNG VICTOR
Father- You did not hit me.
(beat)
You always hit me- if I'm wrong...
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
The Fiery Vision
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - MOTHER'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
The WOODEN ARCHANGEL by the fireplace looks down at a
kneeling Young Victor.
He goes to his mother's bed- William is already asleep
there.
He looks up at the silk canopy and falls asleep.
VICTOR (V.O.)
I was born anew that night. I had a
vision-
FIRE SURROUNDS HIM - He closes his eyes.
VICTOR (V.O.)
I saw for the first time, the Dark
Angel- and it made me a promise.
A vision of a FIERY ARCHANGEL with Crimson robes made of
blood and shadow.
VICTOR (V.O.)
I was to protect myself and William
from the beast. Always- and in
exchange, I would have command over
the very forces of life and death. I
would create life and prevent death- I
would become every ounce the surgeon
my father was and I would even surpass
him. But before any of that could come
to be...
(beat)
I had to kill him...
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAWN
VICTOR
What you must think of me...
Captain Anderson and Doctor Udsen look at Victor in shock.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 19.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR (CONT'D)
But the vision presented itself with
such Clarity. It was clearer than
anything in my dreams or waking hours.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
The Dark Lady's Brew
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - LIBRARY - DAY
Young Victor slides on the ladder, consulting volume-
VICTOR (V.O.)
But how? How could I erase this
detestable brute in a single, elegant
stroke?
After volume, of medical syllabi and poison manuals.
VICTOR (V.O.)
And then, she came to me- to my
assistance- the dark lady- the quiet
death... I found her composition in an
old Italian volume about poisons...
EXT. CEMETERY HILL - DUSK
VICTOR (V.O.)
The unlikely combination of root
extracts, potassium and alpine black
lichen... a modest, almost resentful
little plant that grew in the shade of
granite, caressed by the cold...
Young Victor cuts black lichen from the base of a dark stone
mass.
VICTOR (V.O.)
To say from where I harvested the
ruthless remedy... would be poetic-
perhaps even boastful- but I
harvested it all the same...
CAMERA PULLS BACK to reveal Young Victor walking away from
the black granite stone of his Mother's GRAVE.
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - KITCHEN - BLUE DAWN
Young Victor puts on his MOTHER'S GLOVES as he boils the
lichen and some chemicals and powders from his father's
study.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 20.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR (V.O.)
It yielded its essence- just like my
mother had relinquished hers to the
ground... the plant had sapped her spirit
and nourished her way out of the earth...
to me.
(beat)
And with it, my father's fate was sealed.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
The Poisoned Legacy
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - LEOPOLD'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Young Victor approaches the bed. Watches his father
sleeping. Victor carefully-
Accurately- pours two drops of liquid into his ear. His
Father stirs. Victor hides.
CUT TO:
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - DINING ROOM - DAY
Young Victor consumes breakfast with Leopold and William-
some pureed pear and eggs.
Victor eyes his father with great hatred. He watches him
chew and masticate-
Break down gristle and bone and wipe the juices of his
repast with white linen napkins.
Suddenly, Leopold pauses- he seems faint, indisposed-
scratches his ear.
Victor watches, excitedly: "Here it comes..."
Leopold uses a napkin in his ear: A SPOT OF BLOOD stains it.
He touches his ear. Gets up. Leans on the table. A drop of
blood hits the WHITE LINEN. He tries to contain the bleeding
with a napkin- but the bleeding continues.
Victor watches, enraptured.
Leopold now starts hemorrhaging from ears and nose.
He takes a few steps forward, and then realizes something-
He turns to face Victor.
Victor stands, facing him.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 21.
CONTINUED:
Leopold knows-
Takes a step forward.
But it is too late. It's done.
He falls to the ground.
Victor stops William from going to his father's side- Wait:
VICTOR
Turn around. Do exactly as I say.
Do not look back-
He raises his finger in front of William's face. William
nods.
Victor then stands by his father. He crouches- turns him, so
they can see eye-to-eye.
Victor smiles. Waves him goodbye-
Leopold dies.
CUT TO:
EXT. CEMETERY HILL - DUSK
A CARVED EBONY COFFIN goes by a row of MOURNERS.
Young Victor seals the coffin with a death mask.
Through a window on top: LEOPOLD.
Victor holds William by the hand. They walk away-
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAWN
VICTOR
Saved a life- at the cost of
another...
Captain Anderson and Doctor Undsen looks at Victor in shock.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
You were a child... This crime-
VICTOR
Crimes, Captain- I am not yet finished.
Much more carnage will ensue...
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 22.
EXT. FROZEN LANDSCAPE - DAWN
Quiet. Still. Eternal and then-
BAMMMM!!! The ice explodes- a fist breaks through it like a
piston.
The ice breaks, it almost "folds" as if hinged- two long,
wiry arms with pale skin extend like spider legs on the ice
and The Creature emerges from the icy waters. He regards the
horizon-
He now has TWO FULL EYES. The empty socket has regrown a new
BLOOD-INFUSED organ.
And then, he starts to walk full of rage and determination-
UNSTOPPABLE. Steady, almost mechanical. Plumes of steam
emerging from its gaping, thin lips like a locomotive
heading to its destination.
VICTOR (V.O.)
My downfall started soon enough. And,
like all divine justice, it was swift.
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAY
VICTOR
Two revolts and a fire on my Mother's
plantations dwindled the family's
fortune. We kept the estate but lost
everything else... William went to
one side of the family in Vienna, and
I to Edinburgh- and there, for
decades, I tried to- expand the
narrow limits of Academia.
He smiles.
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Defying Death: A Lecture in Chaos
INT. LECTURING THEATRE, MEDICAL SCHOOL - DAY
A HAND comes up in frame, holding a RED BALL.
VICTOR
Life!
This is the adult VICTOR: 34 years old but with the
intensity of genius: unruly, Byronian hair and sideburns
frame his dark eyes and clear brow.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 23.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR (CONT'D)
(repeats, softer)
This is... Life... Gentlemen.
A round lecturing theatre, with lecterns and an operating
table at its center- obscured by a circular ring of
curtains.
Super: Edinburgh, 1856.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
We are born... propelled into existence
by the hand of God.
He throws the ball in the air, high-
The PROFESSORS and PUPILS follow the ball's arc.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
And no sooner do we rise...
The Ball falls back into his hand.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
...than we fall...
(raises the ball)
Death. Cradled now- by the hand of Man.
He looks at the entire theatre.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
And in between that rise and fall: our
humble purview.
He walks around, exchanging looks with a bench of
Professors. The Students all follow his every word and every
move- like a concert- like a Rock star on stage.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Birth is not in our hands- is it?
Conception- that spark- the animation
of thought and soul... that is in
God's hand... God.
He raises one hand and exchanges the ball to the other.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
But death... now- there lies the
challenge.
He tosses the ball. Catches it without even looking.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 24.
CONTINUED: (2)
VICTOR (CONT'D)
That should be our sole concern.
(switches ball hand to hand)
Who are we to do so? We are not Gods,
are we?
(beat)
We must be... the way we conduct
ourselves- the reverence we demand...
Why should we cater to the demands of
disease- or the appetite of the
maggots?
Applause, murmuring.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
But if we are to behave like Gods... we
must- at the very least- deliver
miracles, wouldn't you say? Ignite a
divine spark in all these young minds.
Murmuring, clapping.
Taking a seat amidst the cacophonous crowd: HERR HEINRICH
HARLANDER: a flamboyant, prepossessed man in his early
sixties. In his ring-covered hands: a delicately carved
cane: its handle, a naked, reclining woman.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
It is our duty to teach these students
defiance rather than obedience. Show
them that man can raise a fist to
creation- shout at the hurricane.
(beat)
Stop death. Not slow it down- stop it
entirely-
The Students CHEER!!! Victor tosses the ball to PROFESSOR
MAURUS, a kind-looking man. PROFESSOR KREMPE, an august-
looking man in his early sixties, slams a hammer on a gavel.
PROFESSOR KREMPE
Silence! Silence! How exactly do you
propose to teach what is impossible,
Doctor?
VICTOR
By showing you all, Professor Krempe,
that it is not so-
He unveils a body on the slab- its a TORSO- one ARM and a
HEAD flayed open and reassembled-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 25.
CONTINUED: (3)
The monstrous creation is connected to a few machines and
batteries around it.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Composite subject- the body- that of a
shopkeeper- delivered mere moments after
expiration. The brain laid bare- but
functional... The spinal branches and
vagal nerves: intact...
He hands them a LEATHER FOLIO filled with exquisite
anatomical notations and sketches.
Harlander lights a cigarette.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
You may observe the hair- thin scars-
no coarse stitching needed by my own
technique- the arm, you see? That
comes from another specimen- a
Carpenter: muscles, ligaments, nerves
all connected now.
He turns on four batteries. The body spasms, and its arm
extends- The eyes look around-
VICTOR (CONT'D)
The spasmodic movement comes from the
preserved connection of the brain and
the nerves-- this is not new...
There is a wild MURMUR amongst the crowd-
VICTOR (CONT'D)
However- the flow of energy through
the body follows a different pattern.
An Eastern notion called "Qi"
consigned in the Nei Jing-
He points at different ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES inserted in
various positions of the body.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
It considers the flow of vital energy
both within and without. I am utilizing
nine kinds of needles in six of the over
a hundred meridians of the body...
Victor "tunes" some of the long needles and, in response,
some parts of the exposed spinal cord and the arm and hand
react accordingly.
KREMPE, gets up.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 26.
CONTINUED: (4)
PROFESSOR STOKELD
This is a hearing, Doctor- not a
carnival act-
PROFESSOR MAURUS
You are not helping your cause, Victor-
your notions are intriguing- but this-
Galvanic trickery will simply not
do...
Victor walks to him, ball in hand.
VICTOR
Trickery?
He throws the ball in the air and the body's hand snatches!
VICTOR (CONT'D)
That is not trickery. That is a decision-
motor coordination- between the eye of
one dead man, and the arm of another!
Infused with a new will- and the
rudiments of understanding...
Harlander leans in.
PROFESSOR STOKELD
What in God's name are you talking
about?! Understanding?? On a brain
that already died?
VICTOR
(taps it)
Release... now... Please
The Body releases the ball and it bounces back. A murmur and
a commotion ripples the hall.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Please always helps.
Laughter- riotous laughter! Faculty Members gasp and get up,
others feel sick. Some students rush to the exits. Others
lean in-
PROFESSOR KREMPE
(at Victor)
Turn that off at once! At once! You
charlatan!!
VICTOR
This is the future!! This is possible!
Why not study it?! Why not quantify it?!
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 27.
CONTINUED: (5)
PROFESSOR STOKELD
This is unholy! An abomination- an
obscenity!!
A near-mutiny ensues!! Violent-
PROFESSOR MAURUS
God gives life, and God takes it, Victor!
Victor picks up his designs and annotations in a haste,
snatching them from the professor's hands.
VICTOR
Perhaps God is inept! Or hard of
hearing? Perhaps he is not infallible-
perhaps he needs help from us- his
greatest creation- to amend his
mistakes?
(to the students)
The one thing we know God not to be-
is modest- or quiet- or prudent. Do
not let these old fools extinguish
your voice!! Nature will yield
answers if coaxed by disobedience!
Unbridled by fear!
He swats away Professor Krempe's hand. They fight-
His papers fall everywhere.
The RED BALL rolls on the floor and comes to a halt at the
feet of Harlander.
PROFESSOR KREMPE
Whatever that thing is- it is not
truly alive.
VICTOR
If it is not- then surely its death will
be inconsequential...
He takes a scalpel and sinks it in the heart of the HALF
BODY!! It rattles and dies.
Everyone is in shock.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Science Fiction"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
A Meeting of Minds and Temptations
EXT. EDINBURGH - MAIN STREET - DAY
Thunder, light rain. URCHINS lower wooden planks for
GENTLEMEN and LADIES to step over the mud, steaming haggis
is slopped in wooden bowls. Victor crosses.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 28.
EXT. BUTCHER ALLEY / COURTYARD - DAY
BUTCHERS EVERYWHERE- slicing, chopping, discarding entrails.
The alley is running afoul with murky water and blood.
Victor enters a COURTYARD and there, he finds Harlander
waiting for him... Harlander tips his hat:
HARLANDER
Baron Victor Von Frankenstein... My
name is Heinrich Harlander- I carry
with me, a brief letter of introduction-
He produces a small letter.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
From your brother- William...
Victor opens the letter- examines it briefly.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
I asked for the privilege of your
acquaintance. It will take but a
moment of your time... please...
Victor opens the door-
INT. VICTOR'S APARTMENT - DAY
Impossibly cluttered, impossibly crooked. Crammed with
textbooks, equipment.
Victor enters- takes a few NOTICES OF EVICTION and PAST DUE
notices from his door.
Harlander shakes his wet clothes off- looks around- examines
a SMALL, DAVINCI-ESQUE DIARY full of anatomical drawings
left on a table, and exquisite WAX SCULPTURES around him-
HARLANDER
You did this?
SEVERAL WAX studies represent Victor's ideas of Anatomy and
beauty.
VICTOR
Yes. They are just roadmaps really- a
way to- organize my thoughts...
HARLANDER
You are an artist.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 29.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
You could say that-
HARLANDER
I dabble a bit, myself.
Victor puts the letter away.
VICTOR
So- William is coming to see me, is that
it...?
HARLANDER
In a matter of days, yes. William wants
to introduce you to his fiancee...
Victor uses his last log and tinder to light the fireplace.
On the side of Harlander's forehead, TWO DROPS of black
tincture slide over his pale skin. He wipes them off
discreetly.
He hands him a handful of photographs.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
My niece, as it happens. My protege-
Elizabeth Harlander. A nice young lady-
fresh from convent life and- I assure
you- a most pious and auspicious
addition to your family...
In the photographs: a Beautiful Woman, ELIZABETH- and an
ADULT WILLIAM FRANKENSTEIN-
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
The photographs are mine... I took them.
En plein air- I do better in a studio.
(then)
William has become quite successful in
the world of finances. He is making a
name for himself.
Similar in appearance to Victor but with wide, liquid eyes
full of compassion and vivacious intelligence.
Victor smiles. He removes his gloves and takes cream from an
open glass jar. Massages his knuckles.
VICTOR
A name? For himself?
(beat)
I am afraid that name is shared by both
of us, whether we like it, or not...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 30.
CONTINUED: (2)
VICTOR (CONT'D)
(beat)
Why would he send you? What? Is he too
successful to present himself to me? He
may be in charge of the family's assets
but I am still the eldest and you may
remind him of that.
HARLANDER
Nothing like that- I asked for the
privilege, Baron... I read your article
in The Lancet and found it brave, bold.
Enticing, even...
VICTOR
Enticing- truly? Many would disagree...
He sits on a sofa- opens the milk bottle. Drinks straight
from it.
HARLANDER
You really believe you can do it?
Assemble a man- a full new body- and
give it life?
VICTOR
You saw it today.
HARLANDER
What I saw today was a crucifixion,
really. You were done for- before you
uttered a word... You know that, yes?
VICTOR
I still showed them-
HARLANDER
What?
VICTOR
The Truth.
HARLANDER
They will forget it by supper time.
He sits by Victor on the sofa.
VICTOR
And you- what did you think?
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 31.
CONTINUED: (3)
HARLANDER
What you showed today was determined
not by your reach but the limitations
of your peers, and hampered by your own
exuberance.
VICTOR
No, no- what did you think-?
HARLANDER
It was brilliant.
VICTOR
It was. I know.
HARLANDER
But- you are like... a child, so
excited- clutching your new pet so
tight- that you strangle it. This while
you are courting powers so vast- powers
reserved only for the Gods.
(beat)
That is why I worry- about you. Can
you keep your exuberance reigned in.
Are you going to deliver your fire,
Prometheus? Or will you burn you
hands before you do?
Touché. Harlander places his hand on Victor's leg- Victor
gets up.
VICTOR
Quite. Please do not think me rude- but,
my day has proven long enough and I
believe myself totally unfit for the
company of strangers- So- if there is
nothing more...
HARLANDER
Ah, but there is- much more.
(beat)
In exchange for your time and attention,
I have devised a temptation.
Harlander produces the RED BALL.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
I have taken fashionable quarters in
Edinburgh. Three days from now, we are
to meet with William and Elizabeth.
He tosses him the ball.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 32.
CONTINUED: (4)
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
That evening, I will show you
something extraordinary. I will change
your destiny.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
A Tension of Devotion
EXT./INT. CONVENT - DUSK
A CARRIAGE, arriving to a Convent in the middle of a
beautiful field.
A DOZEN NUNS work on ROSE BUSHES, preening and pruning with
gardening kits..
A door opens and the AUTOMATIC FOLDING STEPS extend out-
The RIDING BOOTS of WILLIAM FRANKENSTEIN step out. He is
dressed as a landowner and gentleman- in earth tones and
tasteful autumnal colors- he has a noble, placid brow and
the watery, gleaming eyes of a child that has known pain,
but retains nobility. He possesses a tenderness entirely
absent from Victor's countenance.
He knocks on the door and he is ushered in by TWO NUNS and a
MOTHER SUPERIOR.
William uncovers his head.
MOTHER SUPERIOR
Wait here.
He sits in a GOTHIC WOODEN CHAIR.
INT. CONVENT - CHAPEL - DUSK
A CHORUS singing- A ROW OF NOVICES wait to reach an altar
made of ornate WOODEN FRAMES and MIRRORS reflecting the sun.
On it: a life-size CRUCIFIXION with a semi-nude Christ.
Wounds, exposed bone- greenish skin. Evidently the remains
after the crucifixion... but it's both eroticized and
forensic.
One of the Novices, ELIZABETH reaches the altar at last...
ELIZABETH
In the mystery of your flesh, your
wounds, your blood, I give myself to
thee, my Lord...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 33.
CONTINUED:
She kisses the statue's feet with perhaps a bit too much
passion. A sensual kiss on the nails and the wounds.
She looks up to the wound on the chest. On the mirrors: her
face and the whipped, bloodied, back of the Christ. She is
fascinated, even aroused.
MOTHER SUPERIOR
Sister Elizabeth-
She turns.
MOTHER SUPERIOR (CONT'D)
Your fiancee awaits...
William smiles at her.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Dusk in the Library: A Meeting of Minds
INT. HARLANDER'S LIBRARY - DUSK
Harlander places a PEACH in a MEMENTO MORI with a Skull,
Bones, Fruits and Flowers. A PLUMP NYMPH, leans on a marble
column.
He goes to a LARGE FORMAT CAMERA and readies for exposure.
He exposes the negative, looks at his watch- then covers the
lens.
HARLANDER
For God's sake don't bite the peach- we
have very few left- and try not to move!
Victor (a LEATHER BINDER and his DIARY under his arm) enters
with a BUTLER.
BUTLER
Baron Victor Frankenstein, Sir.
HARLANDER
Welcome, Baron-
(aside)
We will continue tomorrow- hand that
peach back.
Victor examines a few daguerrotypes and Tintypes on the
table. Harlander eats the peach-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 34.
CONTINUED:
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
A young art- photography- but a
passion for me- I believe in the
future- look always to the future-
(beat)
Did you bring your papers?
Victor nods.
TIME CUT:
Harlander examines the diary and papers.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
You are extraordinary-
VICTOR
Thank You-
HARLANDER
I believe in you. And I believe I can
help you... both as a patron and a
partner...
VICTOR
Pray elaborate-
HARLANDER
You are using the nervous system to
deliver the surge of energy, are you not?
VICTOR
That is correct.
HARLANDER
And thus the sustainability of the
lifeforce you command is brief- yes? It
wanes- evaporates?
Victor inhales and nods quietly.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
At the lecture- you ended the
demonstration out of pride- but
really- because the Galvanic
lifeforce was already fading- did
you not?
A BUTLER brings a tray with two glasses: Victor drinks some
milk; Harlander a glass of claret.
VICTOR
Are you, yourself a surgeon, Sir?
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 35.
CONTINUED: (2)
HARLANDER
Once upon a time. Army surgeon. Not a
particularly skilled one, but- through
those connections I secured the
rudiments of my fortune: I own a few
ammunition factories.
VICTOR
An arms merchant?
HARLANDER
A realist.
(beat)
The common folk can always be
persuaded to crush each other's
skulls. The world provides the
reason and I provide the stone.
He grabs Victor's knee.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
Are you familiar with the Evelyn Tables?
VICTOR
Acquired by Sir John Evelyn- there
are four planks- meticulous
dissections- some of the oldest in
Europe- presenting the veins, nerves
and arteries of cadavers-
HARLANDER
Right- but- there is a fifth one. The
most compelling one...
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
The Secret Circulatory System
INT. HARLANDER'S ANTE ROOM - DUSK
They approach a large EASEL, covered by CRIMSON SILK.
Flanking it, a half-hidden image of THE RIDDLE OF THE SPHINX
and an alabaster statue of LAOCOÖN. Other works of art lie
in crates and are covered by tarps.
He uncovers the easel. Victor is astounded:
On the easel is a plank- both a work of art and an
anatomical marvel:
Roughly 4x7 feet and displayed vertically- reddish in hue
and showing a human outlined blooming the entire lymphatic
system, like branches on a tree. Each detail is flesh
rendered unto the wood- varnished and lacquered.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 36.
CONTINUED:
HARLANDER
Exquisite- is it not? Flesh rendered unto
wood- the cadaver lies on the plank and
is peeled away, layer by layer: the
remaining tissue lacquered with resin
unto the wood...
Victor admires the table- its lacquered traceries.
VICTOR
Where did you acquire it?
HARLANDER
Padua. I was a field surgeon in the
battlefield- I exchanged some muskets and
gunpowder for it. It showcases the
lymphatic system. The Muslim medics
called it "The Secret Circulatory System"
It moves a mere three liters of liquid
but- its a vast network-
(beat)
Now- for you- for us- the important
variation is here-
He points with his cane at twin branches surrounding the
heart.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
A hidden lymph structure- heretofore
unknown to us- surrounding the heart-
"The Ninth Configuration" - Delicate.
Almost Ethereal- a strip that coils
back unto itself and can distribute
and store energy-
Harlander looks at Victor.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
If you can reach it, without destroying
the surrounding tissue-
Victor turns Harlander- presses his fingers on his back.
VICTOR
Not the front- The back: The spinal
column- upper Thoracic curvature-
HARLANDER
Yes- yes- of course-
Victor turns.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 37.
CONTINUED: (2)
VICTOR
The flow of energy- scarring and
regeneration- beyond anyone's
imagination...
HARLANDER
Eternal life. And I would endow your
pursuit. Unlimited resources.
VICTOR
And in exchange?
Harlander turns to the RIDDLE OF THE SPHINX- contemplative-
as if looking at a landscape out of a window.
HARLANDER
Oh- no need to be indelicate, I beg
you. We are kindred spirits. Searchers
of truth and transcendence. I may, in
time, ask a favor in return- and the
privilege to record your process for
posterity-
VICTOR
I work alone.
HARLANDER
I will be quiet.
(beat)
But this will happen if, and only if,
you agree to my full patronage.
Victor thinks- long and hard.
BUTLER
William Frankenstein and your niece,
Herr Harlander.
HARLANDER
Go- go-
(beat)
But- by all means- don't be
reasonable now- that would be a
shame...
INT. HARLANDER'S RECEPTION ROOM - NIGHT
Victor is warmly received by William- they embrace.
WILLIAM
Victor, Victor.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 38.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Oh, William, William- Oh- Let me look at
you! How you have grown!
WILLIAM
Through no merit of my own. You look
well, Victor.
(beat)
May I introduce the woman I am to marry:
Lady Elizabeth Harlander...
She raises her veil and reveals her face.
Victor is transfixed by her.
VICTOR
Absolutely delighted, sister.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Dinner of Ideas and Ideals
INT. HARLANDER'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Dinner is even more decadent. Gold cutlery, the finest
china. Wine in crystal glasses. A LARGE FIREPLACE roars.
WILLIAM
I cannot say, Victor, that I was
shocked when you were expelled... but
the manner and virulence of your
expulsion...
(beat)
Uncalled for, I'm sure...
VICTOR
No- I earned it. I made it a point to
earn it- wouldn't you say, Herr
Harlander?
He smiles- a roguish grin.
HARLANDER
It was quite an exit, I assure you!
(beat)
I hired William to assist us- find
suitable quarters for your experiments-
deal with practical matters... If you
agree... of course...
VICTOR
Of course...
Elizabeth succumbs neither to Victor's charm, lofty ideas or
his arrogance.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 39.
CONTINUED:
WILLIAM
Why should you provoke them? Why not
just carry on- without calling
attention to yourself in such a manner?
VICTOR
How safe- even by your standards. You
almost sound like Father, William.
Looks at Elizabeth.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
He was a most tactful man- Father.
Precise- measured. And I, on the other
hand, fail to understand why modesty or
discretion are considered virtues at all.
(beat)
Such a tense condition- modesty.
WILLIAM
Victor has always been one to harvest
attention- even as children, I mitigated
his voice by staying silent. Perhaps too
much, and far too many times. Wouldn't
you say, Victor?
VICTOR
If death can be vanquished, once and for
all- why whisper it?
William and Harlander chuckle. DESSERT arrives- CUSTARD WITH
SLICED PEACHES.
Victor looks at Elizabeth, who nods and smiles.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
You smile-
ELIZABETH
If I did- please excuse me for it.
VICTOR
You are amused.
ELIZABETH
I must be. Yes.
VICTOR
Yes- but amused by what, exactly- my
ideas?
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 40.
CONTINUED: (2)
WILLIAM
Be forewarned, dear brother, that a
question to my Elizabeth will invariably
provoke an answer-
Victor locks eyes with Elizabeth. Harlander takes note.
VICTOR
I would welcome it- an answer. Are my
ideas not clear?
ELIZABETH
You certainly express them loudly enough.
VICTOR
Are they not worthwhile, then?
ELIZABETH
Ideas are not worthwhile by themselves,
I don't believe. Not until measured by
the very instruments of their
execution... and in the world at large.
VICTOR
Enlighten me please-
ELIZABETH
Take the War, for example-
HARLANDER
Ah-ha! William- may I entice you to
some cigars and brandy in my study?
Surely you have heard my niece expound
on this matter before?
(beat)
If you will excuse us... And try the
peaches- they are delicious...
William gets up. Addresses Elizabeth briefly.
WILLIAM
Would you terribly mind, dear?
She shakes her head: "No"
Victor remains.
VICTOR
Pray carry on. Ideas...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 41.
CONTINUED: (3)
ELIZABETH
Well: Honor, country, valor. These
surely are worthwhile, elevated ideas
by themselves. Wouldn't you agree?
Victor nods.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
And nevertheless men are dying for them.
In a decidedly un-elevated way, you see?
Face down in the mud, choking on blood,
screaming in pain. Men that were fathers,
brothers or sons to someone out there...
Men that were fed, cleaned, nursed and
schooled into the world by their mothers-
and they were warned not to lie, told not
to step outside without a coat- lest they
would catch a cold. Only to fall on a
battlefield far away from those that
provoked these tragedies. Those men
remain at home: untouched by blood or
bayonet. Their skin un-pierced, their
blankets, warm and clean.
(beat)
That is what happens when ideas are
pursued by fools.
VICTOR
Are you are calling me one?
ELIZABETH
If you know the answer to that question,
then you are no fool and thus, need no
apology. But if you don't- you don't
deserve one.
(gets up)
Now, run to your brandy and cigars... the
boys are waiting.
Victor leaves. Elizabeth, against her best judgement,
smiles.
VICTOR (V.O.)
On many an occasion, a man believes
he has met an angel- or the devil...
CUT TO
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 42.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Shadows in the Mist
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAY
VICTOR
Only to find out that is all an
illusion. The game of chess we play, we
play only against ourselves...
The Captain takes this in.
Victor coughs- his BLOOD STAINS a handkerchief. He fades.
Victor's breath grows shallow.
Sips more laudanum- A NOISE - Victor tenses- they hear heavy
footsteps.
The door opens!
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
Captain! You better come with me!!
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
[The following dialogue is in Danish.]
Captain Anderson scans the horizon with Binoculars.
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
The Men are afraid, Captain- The
Watchman saw him, circling the ship.
In the mist.
Captain Anderson scans the horizon-
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
I see nothing-
The MEN AROUND THEM are listening intently-
CHIEF OFFICER LARSEN
Sir, the men are afraid- they think
that man- should be surrendered to
the ice and be done with this-
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
He is under my protection... and the
protection of the crown! No one and
nothing comes near him!! If the men
are so afraid: Release all the
weapons and make a perimeter around
the ship.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 43.
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAY
Captain Anderson enters his quarters. He closes the door and
locks it- Doctor Udsen approaches him:
DOCTOR UDSEN
(sotto, Danish)
He doesn't have much longer....
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
(sotto, Danish)
We may be running out of time ourselves-
The men are close to mutiny.
VICTOR
What was it?!
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
The men needed more tools- they are
making progress- freeing the ship from
the binding ice.
VICTOR
And then-?
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
Then we set sail. Forward. We will stop
ever so briefly to relinquish you to the
authorities at Gustaffson's post- and
sail on- to the Pole.
VICTOR
I was led to believe you had missed your
window.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
I will make it up- I will see it through-
It is my destiny.
VICTOR
I see... you share my madness. Perhaps
there is a finer point than it was
visible at first, in me telling you my
story.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
The Bargain at the Water Tower
EXT. COUNTRY ROADS BY A LAKE - DAY
VICTOR (V.O.)
A few weeks later- I rode with William
and Harlander to a lake near Vaduz,
across the channel...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 44.
CONTINUED:
HARLANDER'S LUXURIOUS CARRIAGE crosses the country. An
idyllic landscape, sky mottled by clouds.
INT. HARLANDER'S CARRIAGE - SAME
WILLIAM
The tower was built as a water
filtration plant- to irrigate the
fields- public works. Construction was
abandoned at the start of the war...
HARLANDER
Not this war- the one before- or the one
before that, I cannot quite remember.
William presents a few schematics drawn on parchment.
He smiles. The carriage stops.
EXT. TOWER - DAY
Victor, William, and Harlander descend from the carriage.
Victor smiles.
A TOWER is revealed:
Built on a sheer stone cliff- A majestic GOTHIC water Tower
which overlooks the Lake. Built in the early 1800's.
EXT. CLIFF - DAY
The TOWER looms over the edge of the precipice.
INT. TOWER - LOBBY - DAY
They enter a magnificent, if abandoned, lobby. FOUR SOLDIERS
in MEDICAL UNIFORM await.
WILLIAM
The structure is intact. There are
large living quarters on the North
Wing- And more than enough space for
the lab in the rest of the tower-
Victor climbs the staircase, excited- tempted.
Victor looks up- the staircase goes up several floors.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 45.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
There's more-?
INT. TOWER - LAB - DAY
Victor peeks out of the window and looks into the lake.
HARLANDER
The tower will be conditioned to your
exact specifications. Anything you
need or want shall be granted.
VICTOR
Anything?
HARLANDER
Anything.
(then)
I have secured William's services for
the duration of the project.
(MORE)
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
His salary is both a generous wedding
present and a safeguard of discretion.
VICTOR
I will need a holding cell and an ice
chamber close to the lab-
HARLANDER
William?
William writes it down.
WILLIAM
There are two pump reservoirs at the
base of the tower- we will recondition
them.
Victor points at the surrounding lab.
VICTOR
We will recondition the steam engines,
and we will need enough petrol to run
them. There- Four high capacity Voltaic
batteries- positive and negative
polarities-
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 46.
EXT. TOP OF THE TOWER - SAME
VICTOR
A lightning rod system- made in pure
silver. Telescoping down to the lab...
HARLANDER
Yes- yes. My contractors can fabricate
any and all equipment you may
require...
VICTOR
I will need a specimen- to find my way
into the lymphatic re-routing-
HARLANDER
I will provide the access.
Harlander locks eyes with him and then extends his hand-
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
I take it, then- that we have an
understanding...
Victor thinks for a moment, then shakes.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
A bargain has been struck.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Dawn of the Gallows
EXT. HANGING COURT - DAWN
A TRIPLE HANGING occurs.
THE TRAPDOOR gives, and THREE BODIES FALL- NECKS snapping!!!
The CROWD goes wild!!! The PATRONS are eagerly consuming
cheap MEAT PIES and bags of CHESTNUTS. Kids on parents'
shoulders. Vendors circulate amidst the filth on the floor.
By the side of the GALLOWS, by the swinging legs of the
THREE EXECUTED MEN-
Victor examines THE NEXT THREE PRISONERS to be hanged. By
his side, the EXECUTIONER (who is munching vigorously and
joyously on a MINCE PIE). He has a short WOODEN CANE under
his armpit-
Victor looks into their mouth, eyes, and at their back:
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 47.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Not this one-
THE HANGED MEN soil themselves.
Victor covers his mouth with a handkerchief and examines the
next one.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
(to the prisoner)
Close your mouth my dear fellow-
(another Prisoner)
You- You're lucky to be hanged- you
would have died within the year.
(to Hangman)
Herr Harander promised me access to
optimal specimens-
HANGMAN
That he may have, your Lordship- but
as you well know: crime doesn't pay,
and it's a poor showing of it we
have here today- wretches! Every one
of them- my humble apologies for
that.
Victor examines the last one. Checks his back.
VICTOR
This one- a strong back. He will do-
Victor hands a few coins and a SEALED REQUISITION COMMAND to
the Executioner.
HANGMAN
Give Herr Harlander our utmost
gratitude-
(hits them with the cane)
Say thank you, lads-
PRISONERS
Thank You.
The three HANGED MEN swinging in the gallows are CUT DOWN-
They fall hard-
VICTOR
Be kind enough to clean him after he
soils himself-
(looks at the Prisoner)
No shame in it, you will.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 48.
CONTINUED: (2)
It starts to RAIN. He opens an UMBRELLA.
TIME CUT:
EXT. HANGING COURT - DAY
The CROWD CHEERS! Victor pushes through the crowd of
umbrellas. He spots-
Elizabeth, under a RED UMBRELLA. Victor follows.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Confessions and Connections
EXT. MARKET PLAZA / CATHEDRAL - DAY
Elizabeth- buying BOOKS from a STALL.
A NEWSPAPER VENDOR declares the end of the war forthcoming.
Elizabeth enters into a church.
INT. CATHEDRAL / CONFESSIONAL - DAY
Elizabeth looks at a CONFESSIONAL. Someone is inside.
Victor sees that. She then moves away to buy some votive
candles.
VICTOR (V.O.)
Confession? I was intrigued. What
would such a delicate creature have to
confess to...? As luck would have it-
and opportunity presented itself, I
decided to find out...
Victor sees a PRIEST and an OLD LADY leave the confessional.
He enters it and sits on the Priest's seat. He waits. A
noise. Elizabeth enters the booth.
ELIZABETH
Bless me father for I have sinned.
VICTOR
How long has it been since your last
confession, my daughter?
ELIZABETH
Barely a week, Father. I was in a convent.
VICTOR
A week? Have you, so hastily, already
incurred in sin?
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 49.
CONTINUED:
ELIZABETH
I have. Sin of intent. Not deed.
VICTOR
A man, is it?
ELIZABETH
Yes. My fiancee's brother.
VICTOR
Lust?
ELIZABETH
Hatred.
Victor is startled.
VICTOR
Hatred?
ELIZABETH
The man is appalling. Grotesque.
VICTOR
Harsh words.
ELIZABETH
Respectfully, father- you do not know
this man... he- tries to control and
manipulate everything and everyone around
him. And like every tyrant, he delights
in playing the victim. His only
advantage, I would say, is that he is far
cruder than he believes himself to be.
VICTOR
Pray explain yourself, my child.
ELIZABETH
For one- he is easier to spot and made
sport of- one can see him, even in a busy
street... on market day.
Victor turns. Elizabeth smiles. Victor comes out of the
booth.
VICTOR
How soon?
ELIZABETH
I saw you, well before you saw me. I can
say that much-
(beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 50.
CONTINUED: (2)
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
It is a woman's condition to remain
alert.
VICTOR
I would never doubt your gifts...
ELIZABETH
Not a gift. Fear.
Victor comes close. She hands him a handful of candles to
light. Victor lights them-
VICTOR
For William...?
ELIZABETH
Yes- as you know, he travels through the
war zone at the moment- and I...
VICTOR
You pray for his well being.
ELIZABETH
I do. He is gentle and kind and full of
life-
She crosses herself.
VICTOR
And I daresay you two make a curious
match- I am gratified that you care
for him that much.
ELIZABETH
As do you, I imagine.
VICTOR
Quite- I have cared for William in one
fashion or another, since he was just a
little runt. Sometimes to my own
detriment-
ELIZABETH
And he is grateful for it, I'm sure.
VICTOR
I'm sure. Have you had supper?
ELIZABETH
I'm not that hungry, Baron. And it is
late.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 51.
CONTINUED: (3)
VICTOR
Late? Perhaps in convent time, my dear
Sister but- not in the city. I, for one,
I'm famished.
(beat)
After all- I just came back from a hanging.
She laughs.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
A Dance of Curiosity and Caution
INT. ELEGANT BISTRO - DUSK
MUSICIANS play a vibrant tune.
Roughly SIXTEEN COUPLES DANCE. And the place is packed:
Soldiers, men in kilts, women in evening dress, etc etc.
Victor and Elizabeth enter and sit.
VICTOR
May I? What books did you buy?
ELIZABETH
Wouldn't you care to venture? I'd
rather you did.
VICTOR
Very well...
He playfully "weighs" the package, as a mind reader would-
divining the contents.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
A Romance- drenched in Mediterranean sun
and silk and the skirmishes of love...
Elizabeth laughs- pushes the wrapped books towards Victor.
ELIZABETH
Insulting, but unsurprising.
She opens the package- Three volumes of "THE INSECT WORLD"
and "BYBEL DER NATUURE" by SWAMMERDAM.
VICTOR
Insects?
ELIZABETH
My interest in science leans towards
the smallest things- moving with
nature- perhaps the rhythms of God.
All of my life I have looked for him-
for something beyond the ordinary-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 52.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Is that what you were seeking in the
convent-
ELIZABETH
In a way. Every woman within those
walls was there not for vocation but
circumstance- lack of a dowry- or lack
of beauty.
(beat)
Undramatic, yes- but devastating. Men
fight the tides- women are corroded by
mildew.
(beat)
Reality has always meant little to me:
The convent offered me silence and a
vast library to continue my education.
VICTOR
Was it worth it?
ELIZABETH
Is anything? Perhaps my sin was asking
too much from God- You see I have
always searched for something more pure-
marvelous- something words cannot name.
Their TEA AND TRAY OF FINGER FOODS arrive. He offers his
hand to lead a dance-
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
It hardly seems appropriate-
VICTOR
Try to think kindly of us, I beg you...
You are safe in my arms-
ELIZABETH
That, you see, is what I am not sure
about-
(beat)
You are either a brilliant, dazzling man-
or a terrible- dangerous one...
Victor smiles an impish smile.
VICTOR
For tonight- can I be a little bit
of both?
The music starts.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 53.
CONTINUED: (2)
They dance.
And laugh.
And, perhaps, just perhaps-
Start to like each other a little too much.
The crowd applauds.
Genres:
["Romance","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Tensions and Tenderness
EXT. SILVERSMITH SHOP - DUSK
Harlander, William and Victor arrive at the SILVERSMITH's
SHOP in Harlander's carriage.
Harlander stays behind.
HARLANDER
You two, go inside. I will wait here.
They exit the carriage.
WILLIAM
Is there anything I can do for you, Herr
Harlander?
Harlander shakes his head: "No"
HARLANDER
The trip, William- I feel slightly
indisposed.
William and Victor move away. Harlander seems out of breath.
Ill. He takes a SMALL VIAL FULL OF MERCURY from the handle
of his cane.
Drinks from it.
INT. SILVERSMITH SHOP - DUSK
A LIGHTNING ROD and its PARTS are shown to Victor by a
SILVERSMITH.
SILVERSMITH
The main rod- its base has a fast
bolting system.
Clicks it OPEN- spikes extrude out. Victor weighs it.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 54.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Did you use an alloy?
SILVERSMITH
Copper and Zinc- less than ten percent
at the core...
Victor produces his sketches for the surgery and mechanisms.
VICTOR
No- Pure silver is the perfect
conductor. Prevents sepsis- and must
not be polluted by any other metal.
(beat)
This garbage will not do. Start over.
SILVERSMITH
Respectfully Baron, we-
Victor slams his hand on the counter.
VICTOR
Respectfully-? You would not bring this
forth if you respected me. Start over.
EXT. SILVERSMITH SHOP - DUSK
VICTOR
You must stay behind, William...
He climbs into the carriage and sits by Harlander.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Only for a few more days. I trust you
above anyone else... Herr Harlander?
HARLANDER
Will you- William? Stay? For me? We will
make sure to keep Elizabeth entertained.
William thinks about it and then nods.
A PIANOFORTE SONG pre-laps:
EXT. PARK AND LAKE - DAY
Victor and Elizabeth walk side by side. BUTTERFLIES surround
them. They reach a large ROCK MONOLITH. A BUTTERFLY lands on
Victor's hand.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 55.
CONTINUED:
ELIZABETH
I think she likes you...
INT. SILVERSMITH SHOP - DAY
William supervises the SILVERSMITHS de-molding the SILVER
LIGHTNING ROD pieces that VICTOR has designed.
INT. TOWER - LAB - DAY
William supervises the raising of a LARGE COPPER BATTERY. In
the B.G. a new WINDOW is raised.
EXT. TOWER - DAY
William eats a modest sandwich resting on one of the tower's
ornate columns.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Tension in the Shadows
INT. HARLANDER'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
SERVANTS IN UNIFORM bring elaborate, extravagant sweets and
fruit preparations.
Elizabeth plays the pianoforte- The Spacious Firmament on
High.
Victor watches her neckline and shoulders with enraptured
attention. Applause!
Harlander watches Victor.
INT. HARLANDER'S BATHROOM - NIGHT
Victor washes his hands- A KNOCK on the door.
He opens it. It is Harlander. Music can be heard in the
distance.
VICTOR
Herr Harlander. The party is delightful-
I would like to thank you-
HARLANDER
I hope we are not distracting you
from your research, to tend to me or
Elizabeth. She is young and the world
can be a disorienting place to her.
(beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 56.
CONTINUED:
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
But not to me- or you- we are, after
all, men with a purpose- She can
count on us to guard her....
VICTOR
I will give you your privacy...
HARLANDER
No need for subterfuge between us,
is there?
Harlander hands him his cane and starts urinating.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
French porcelain. Chimes to a man's stream.
A territorial move. Shocking, brash- very deliberate.
VICTOR
I am close to a solution- a point of
access to the lymphatic system...
HARLANDER
Ah, yes- that- it has been so long...
The War is waning- in fact it may come
to an end soon, can you believe it? And
my funding will end with it.
VICTOR
You said your funds were unlimited.
Harlander turns.
HARLANDER
They are. My patience is not.
(beat)
I have it on good authority that
within a week a battle is to take
place not far from our site-
Harlander produces a ROYAL SEALED SAFE CONDUIT.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
Army will escort and assist us. The
tide of War will deliver its bounty to
our shore...
VICTOR
A battlefield? The bodies will be
mangled...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 57.
CONTINUED: (2)
HARLANDER
Available. Surely you don't expect an
infinite line of volunteers for your
butcher board?
(beat)
A week: find the access point by then.
After that, history will pass us by.
He takes the cane and leaves.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
Now flush that for me, will you, Baron?
Victor sees drops of blood in the porcelain. Flushes.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
The Illusion of Control
INT. VICTOR'S APARTMENT - BLUE DUSK
RAIN AND THUNDER:
VICTOR (V.O.)
A handful of days- a single specimen-
to solve a riddle that had eluded
better minds than mine for centuries.
My chances were slim- but my arrogance
was immense...
Wearing RED GLASSES, Victor cuts the muscle system
surrounding the spinal cord of a dissected CORPSE in a
supine position.
He is covered in blood.
INT. VICTOR'S APARTMENT - DAY
Victor lays in a steaming BATHTUB, washes off the blood.
Covers his face with a wet linen rag.
An idea.
He stands up, naked, and looks at himself in a FULL BODY
MIRROR (the same that was in his Father's study).
Looks at his own back- thinking.
Still naked, he goes to the FLAYED BODY. Observes the SPINAL
CORD-
He hastily dresses and goes to a wooden box.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 58.
CONTINUED:
It contains TWO LONG SILVER ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES-
He looks at the FIFTH EVELYN TABLE, displayed next to the
body. He PUSHES his drawings and papers (including those of
a RIBCAGE AND SKULL made of silver) and finds a MINIATURE
STEAM ENGINE- he connects it to two batteries-
-and then inserts the needles DEEP INTO THE SPINE.
The HANDS ON THE BODY twitch and move.
He smiles...
VICTOR (V.O.)
I had found it. And if I could design
a delivery system close enough to the
heart- I would be in control... but
control is an illusion. As I would
soon find out.
A KNOCK on the door. Victor takes the needles out- puts on a
robe and goes to it.
VICTOR
A moment, please-
Elizabeth. She has the BUTTERFLY ALIVE IN A JAR.
ELIZABETH
I brought you a present. I believe she
missed you...
(beat)
Will you invite me in? I am drenched!
VICTOR
You should not come in.
ELIZABETH
Why not?
VICTOR
I'm working.
A beat, and then:
TIME CUT:
She puts down her umbrella.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 59.
CONTINUED: (2)
ELIZABETH
I cannot stay long. William is back
and we are dining out...
Victor shows her his Operating Stage. Hands her a TOWEL.
VICTOR
Does it shock you?
Victor puts the killing jar away.
ELIZABETH
No. It moves me- it is somehow...
beautiful, is it not? Reminds me of
martyrdom paintings. There's a
serenity to it- all pain is gone. You
can see God's design in the symmetry
and the shapes.
She pulls her hair up- and in the rain light, she looks
impossibly beautiful.
VICTOR
Elizabeth... I must confess something to
you-
ELIZABETH
Confession comes from a hidden truth.
Is there something you are hiding,
Baron? If there is, please keep it
so... to say what one shan't is a
weakness of character.
VICTOR
The only weakness in my character, my
dear Elizabeth, is you...
(beat)
I can feel you near, every time. And
inevitably, you pull away-
(beat)
But there is a bond- you feel it? An
almost physical one- and neither time
nor distance seem to sever it...
He comes dangerously close- she moves away.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Then- are my attentions unwelcome?
Unwanted? Say so and I will withdraw
them. Every gaze I will avert, every
heartbeat I will suffocate... but I
sincerely believed it to be something
else...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 60.
CONTINUED: (3)
ELIZABETH
Believing something does not make it
true.
VICTOR
Why are you here, then-?
ELIZABETH
Confusion. There was peace- and
clarity in the silence of the convent.
With you, the noise- the world, came
rushing back.
She wrestles herself away. Takes the Butterfly in the jar.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
A beautiful creature- is she not?
Remote- entirely bewitching- but so
odd: three hearts, multiple eyes,
white blood and a fascinating lack of
choice...
VICTOR
I do not follow...
ELIZABETH
Well- insects eat, reproduce, even
sacrifice themselves for the colony-
But they do so not out of selflessness
but compelled by a preordained mandate-
without the use of their will.
(beat)
Thus, there is no evil or virtue in
their actions. Choice is the seat of
the soul. The one gift God granted us.
(beat)
I have chosen. Goodnight.
She exits the apartment.
EXT. FROZEN LANDSCAPE - BLUE DUSK
Larson examines the Men, armed and surrounding the ship as
BONFIRES are lit.
IN THE DISTANCE, a FIGURE watches-
THE CREATURE. Its FACE now almost entirely restored.
CUT TO:
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 61.
INT. TOWER - LAB - DUSK
The lab is now finished- Victor walks around, carrying his
PORTABLE LAB. It is snowing inside, through the OPENING
above.
VICTOR
Tell them to handle it carefully-
the acid is highly corrosive!!
Wearing gloves and goggles, FOUR WORKERS fill the FUEL TANKS
OF THE STEAM ENGINES.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Top them up- they will run all night-
William presents a display of the Silversmith's Creations-
WILLIAM
Pure silver- the boxes have to stay
sealed to avoid oxidation.
William hands him his sketches- Victor smiles.
VICTOR
Surgery table?
WILLIAM
Over here-
Harlander assembles an ELABORATE TRIPOD UNIT to photograph
an elaborate OPERATING TABLE.
Harlander keeps an eye on William.
WILLIAM (CONT'D)
As per your designs- the energy
points in the surgery table
correspond to the lymphatic system,
exactly- hammered silver inlay and
copper points on top and bottom.
(then)
The ice chamber and holding cell are
ready, and I moved all your
belongings to the living quarters...
(beat)
May I show you...
They leave. Harlander notices this-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 62.
CONTINUED:
HARLANDER
Do not wander far- our harvest
awaits...
INT. TOWER - LAB / VICTOR'S QUARTERS - SAME
Workers set up boxes and crates- Victor's living quarters
are being set up.
WILLIAM
Victor- I know you can do this- I
have never doubted it. But- should
you be doing it? Stop now, please,
before it's too late.
HARLANDER
You may go back to Edinburgh and take
everyone with you. What will happen
here, kind eyes should not bear
witness to... "When shall we three
meet again... In thunder, lightning,
or in rain? When the hurly-burly’s
done, When the battle's lost... and
won..."
EXT. FROZEN BATTLEFIELD - DAY
A FROZEN BATTLEFIELD: Bodies- horses covered in ice in half
gallop. Piles of corpses, discarded cannons, weapons, limbs.
The MUD IS VIVID RED with blood. WINDMILLS pepper the
HORIZON- blades rocking softly in the chilled wind.
RAVENS FEED on the HORSE CARCASSES and DECOMPOSING BODIES.
THREE SCAVENGERS take boots and jackets.
VICTOR
No- no- we cannot take any men from
the top of the pile. Or the bottom.
He goes from BODY to BODY and marks them with a piece of
CHALK- arms, legs. The MEN in MEDICAL MILITARY garb then
carry the bodies to an "Ice Cart".
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Ice or rot may have destroyed the
tissue. Look only in the middle...
He examines a body- marks its leg with chalk. HARLANDER
watches- covering his nose with a handkerchief.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 63.
CONTINUED:
HARLANDER
It gives me solace to see that youth
and strength may yet be salvaged for
our purpose-
VICTOR
The bodies are mangled. I am favoring
tall specimens- Long shattered limbs.
Scale will make the work easier-
HARLANDER
Abundance can be disorienting unless
one hones one's aim. Perfection. And
why not, my dear Baron?
INT. TOWER - ICE CHAMBER - DUSK
The Two Men in Medical Military garb lay the BODIES on
blocks of ice, in a VAST ICE CHAMBER. Victor observes.
INT. TOWER - LAB - NIGHT
Victor lays out all his NOTES AND SKETCHES and starts to
assemble a man according to them...
He sutures.
Saws.
Cuts bone.
Then, he SCRIBBLES and DRAWS- correcting, perfecting...
Victor matches, assembles and transplants what is needed.
Using his CAMERA and TRIPOD, Harlander produces
DAGUERROTYPES of the whole process.
DEVELOPS them and prints them on GLASS PLATES.
Victor opens his FATHER's surgical TOOL BOX. Sees the IVORY
VENUS. Smiles.
Victor harvests tendons from a PIG'S HEAD.
A HUMAN FACE is reconstructed from parts. EYE SOCKETS
exposed.
AN EXPOSED THROAT- VOCAL CHORDS ARE RECONNECTED AND THEN-
COVERED BY A FLAP OF SKIN.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 64.
CONTINUED:
A HAND is repurposed- rewired.
PILES of BODY PARTS and clothing-
- boots, jackets, pants-
- arms- legs accumulate.
Now UNDER THE LIGHT OF HUNDREDS OF CANDLES: A SCALP is put
together like a Jigsaw puzzle.
Harlander records it all in photographs.
He then arranges the Daguerrotypes and glass plates around.
He grows dizzy...
HARLANDER
I need a moment- If I may-
Victor sits by the window- ANATOMICAL VENUS in hand. He sees
PILES OF ROTTING LIMBS AND HANDS.
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - DAY
Victor hauls sacks full of bloody and rotting remains.
He looks weak and pale- sweaty and spent, as he throws them
out down a tiled chute-
He almost vomits- carries on...
EXT. TOWER AND CLIFF - DAY
The remains fall out of a chute and down into the lake
below.
INT. TOWER - LAB - DAY
UNDER A SHAFT OF LIGHT- Victor turns to contemplate the
FULLY ASSEMBLED CREATURE laying on the folded "Y" table. In
its present position it looks almost like a WOODEN slab.
Victor opens the wooden boxes containing the SILVER SPIKES
and SILVER RIBCAGE.
He places them on the body-
Hands stained with blood- Victor takes a moment-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 65.
CONTINUED:
Thunder. In the distance: a STORM is brewing. THE ROOM
DARKENS... Like an eclipse in Golgotha.
VICTOR
It is finished...
EXT. TOWER - WINDOW LOOKING IN - SAME
Victor smiles.
He STARTS the STEAM ENGINES- the BATTERIES pulsate gently.
He heads for his living quarters.
VICTOR
Harlander...?!
Genres:
["Horror","Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Desperate Bargain
INT. TOWER - VICTOR'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Victor enters.
VICTOR
Herr Harlander! A storm is coming!
He opens the door and finds Harlander leaning against a
furnace, half-dressed, doubled over in pain.
He is revealed to be BALD-
His "hair" on a wooden wig mount. Lacerations are visible
all over his cranium, crossed by wispy, gray hair.
He is out of breath and in pain.
The men look at each other. Harlander points at his cane.
HARLANDER
My cane- in the handle- quick-
Victor hands him his mercury. Harlander sips it greedily.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
Thank You.
VICTOR
Mercury...
HARLANDER
(nods)
I am dying...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 66.
CONTINUED:
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
not precisely at this moment, but- I have
been handed a most forceful invitation.
VICTOR
Is it-?
HARLANDER
Yes, yes- one night with Venus- a
lifetime with Mercury, isn't that the
phrase? Venus, Vestal, Venereal-
Increasingly percussive consonants and
vowels...
(beat)
The words we choose to punish ourselves:
So- sharp. So- sibilant-
VICTOR
What stage? Secondary?
Harlander nods. Turns his hand: "A little further than that"
HARLANDER
Circa principia et fines- we both know
the precise schedule, don't we? Quite
predictable. That is what makes it so
horrid. Symptoms go away and then-
quickly- it will eat away my bones-
orbital, cheekbone, teeth- skull- gone.
Exposing my brain, tumors, madness,
excruciating pain... and one fine
morning I will start screaming and I
will never stop.
(beat)
I have curated a life. An exquisite life.
I cannot face such a vulgar demise...
(beat)
Which- brings me to my one condition.
Our deal.
And, in an instant, Victor understands even before a word is
uttered-
VICTOR
No-
Harlander puts the wig back.
HARLANDER
As agreed: In exchange for my generous
intervention on your behalf-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 67.
CONTINUED: (2)
VICTOR
(overlapping)
No-
HARLANDER
As we give life to our new Adam. I want-
VICTOR
(overlapping)
No.
Touches his head- pats it-
HARLANDER
To be placed in that new, perfect body.
Victor leaves-
VICTOR
No.
(beat)
Not now. No-
HARLANDER
Yes. Yes, Yes! Precisely now.
Unsustainably now.
VICTOR
There are too many risks.
HARLANDER
Risks? For whom? Me?
VICTOR
We will talk about this, after...
but not now...
HARLANDER
After? There is no after...
Harlander follows.
INT. TOWER - LAB - SAME
Victor climbs away, up a staircase.
Genres:
["Gothic","Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Storm of Consequences
EXT. TOP OF THE TOWER - NIGHT
It's RAINING- Victor fiddles with PART "A" of the LIGHTNING
ROD SYSTEM.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 68.
CONTINUED:
Distant thunder... Victor starts to feel the wind picking
up. LIGHTNING getting closer!
For a moment, he takes it all in: something looming,
approaching... Destiny.
INT. TOP OF THE TOWER - NIGHT
Soaking wet- Victor climbs back into the dome. Harlander is
there- dressed and waiting.
VICTOR
Listen to me-
HARLANDER
I did. That was my mistake.
VICTOR
I need time- there will be more-
HARLANDER
I- I-have-no-more-time!!
(beat)
And neither do you! All you need to say
is one simple word. "Yes". No more, and
you may rest assured, no less. You are
now at liberty to speak...
VICTOR
The disease has spread all inside you.
It is systemic and you know it- every
organ in you is polluted- your brain,
your blood- are polluted.
HARLANDER
But my money is not. Is that it?
(beat)
I gave you everything you wanted. Tell
me: what else do you need?
(beat)
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
I will give you anything you ask for.
Name it. It's yours.
(beat)
Even Elizabeth. Please-
(beat)
Please always helps...
Victor eyes the second lightning rod base.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 69.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
You would ruin it all. I would fail.
I do not fail.
Harlander pushes the Lightning Rod Box, with his foot.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
What are you doing?
HARLANDER
You want your toys- you take them-
without consequence... you want your
brother's fiancee, you send him away-
try to seduce her-
He pushes the box further- His leg inadvertently enters the
leather strap.
VICTOR
Stop!
HARLANDER
You just do as you please, you are a
spoiled brat and it is time you
learned a lesson.
Victor approaches Harlander.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
It should come as no surprise to you
that I have no gift for creation.
(beat)
But I exceed at destruction- I will be
the eagle that feasts on your liver...
He pushes the box further- closer to the edge.
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
Without this- nothing happens, yes?
Well- we both lose something tonight-
Little Baron!
Harlander pushes the box- his leg tangled on the case's
LEATHER STRAP!
He goes down the opening and skids on the wet stone!!
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
No...
Victor watches, tries to reach for him-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 70.
CONTINUED: (2)
HARLANDER (CONT'D)
(in German, subtitled)
Nicht so... Mein Gott- Was für eine
dumme Art zu sterben...
- but fails.
Weighed down by the heavy LIGHTNING ROD CASE, Harlander
slides down-
-and falls through the circular opening-
-plummets down-
down toward the lab main chute-
INT. TOWER - LAB CHUTE - NIGHT
Several stories down-
And finally-
INT. TOWER - LAB - NIGHT
Smashes against the tile!!!
Dead.
The LIGHTNING ROD BOX CRACKS!
CUT TO:
INT. TOWER - LAB / ICE CHAMBER - NIGHT
Victor drags the broken body and puts him in the ice
chamber. He breathes plumes of icy despair. Closes the
chamber.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Frankenstein's Despair
EXT. TOWER AND CLIFF - NIGHT
A THUNDERSTORM. RAIN pours inside the lab!!!
WIND, LIGHTNING...
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 71.
INT. TOP OF THE TOWER - SAME
Victor screws the LIGHTNING ROD- examines it. It's bent!!!
No time: He cranks the railing back to the center of the
opening! The LIGHTNING is growing dangerously close!
EXT. TOWER AND CLIFF - NIGHT
The First Lightning bolt channels into the SILVER LIGHTNING
ROD- the electricity explodes at the top of the TOWER-
INT. TOWER - STONE STAIRCASE - SAME
It arcs dangerously above Victor as he takes the staircase
down!!!
INT. TOWER - LAB - NIGHT
He turns on a CRANK and the PLANK rises up and EXTENDS in a
"Y" cross shape.
EXT. TOWER AND CLIFF - NIGHT
LIGHTNING fills the frame and encircles the woods, the lake-
illuminates the waters and the forest!!!
INT. TOWER - LAB - NIGHT
Victor releases the LIGHTNING ROD, which-
INT. TOWER - SHAFT - NIGHT
Extends down the shaft!!!
EXT. TOWER AND CLIFF - NIGHT
The First Lightning bolt channels into the SILVER LIGHTNING
ROD-
INT. TOWER - SHAFT - NIGHT
Travels down the shaft and-
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 72.
INT. TOWER - LAB - NIGHT
Bounces off the broken LIGHTNING ROD and arcs EVERYWHERE
around Victor!!! A discharge happens!
INT. TOWER - LAB - SAME
ARCS OF ELECTRICITY contort the assembled body!!!
A BATTERY EXPLODES!!!
Victor falls to the ground- ELECTRICITY illuminates a puddle
of water, blinding Victor!!!
THE SILVER CAPS and SPIKES on the "Y" cross, GLOW RED HOT!
The "Y" table is charred- gunpowder-marked. THE BODY seems
translucent for a moment, revealing Skeleton and organs!!!
Silver glowing, Victor cranks the BODY down to the
horizontal position. Twin amber stains pour from the eyes
beneath the mask.
He removes the silver ribcage and mask.
They fall to the floor- discarded-
Pulls the 4-5-6 feet of catheter out of the wound in the
torso.
Looks for signs of life.
But life does not occur.
The bandages on the mouth stain with blood.
FAILURE.
Victor beats the chest of the body- upturns the tables with
surgical equipment- and screams in rage!
Genres:
["Horror","Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Awakening and Unease
INT. TOWER - VICTOR'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Victor collapses. Exhausted.
A BEAUTIFUL BRONZE AND MARBLE MANTLE CLOCK, ticking quietly
amidst the lab equipment. Books around it.
Victor closes his eyes and sees the disintegration of his
mother's face- rapidly, as if in time-lapse!
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 73.
CONTINUED:
THEN THE BURNING SCARLET ANGEL!!! TURNING TO HIM!!
DARK ANGEL
I live!!!
INT. TOWER - VICTOR'S QUARTERS - DAWN
Victor wakes in the dusty canopy bed- startled.
A long and crooked shadow extends over the sleeping man.
Victor stirs; a cold dew covers his forehead.
He turns to face-
-by the dim and yellow light of dawn, as it forces its way
through the curtain partings-
A WRETCHED FIGURE at the foot of his bed.
Staring back at him- holding up the bed curtain.
It is his creation: Baleful, emaciated, every muscle and
tendon tense.
His eyes, if eyes they may be called, are fixed on Victor.
Breath rises and falls gently on its stretched and wax-like
thorax. The skin is taut and tense- insufficient, perhaps,
to cover all the structure- the muscle, sinew and bone.
The murky eyes follow every little movement Victor makes.
Victor slowly gets up and THE CREATURE follows him.
Unsure steps, but entirely aware of his every move.
Victor extends his hands, as a father would to a baby.
The Creature responds in kind.
VICTOR
Hand... your hand... your fingers-
show me- show me-
He opens and closes his hand- The Creature does the same.
Their hands touch.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
I am Victor...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 74.
CONTINUED:
He removes his leather glove and with his bare hand touches
The Creature's shoulder.
The Creature feels the contact and welcomes it with a warm
smile. He places his right hand over Victor's-
-And then gently lands his left on Victor's shoulder.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Victor...
CREATURE
Vic-tor...
VICTOR
Yes, yes, Victor...
CREATURE
Victor.
VICTOR
Oh, God- Yes, yes, yes...
He laughs.
The Creature half smiles.
They embrace.
Victor opens the shutters.
The Creature reacts in shock!
VICTOR (CONT'D)
No! No! It's sunlight! Warmth! Face it!
Feel it! The sun is life!
He turns to face the sun and closes his eyes, taking it in.
The Creature does the same, imitating Victor.
He tries to capture the light- enraptured by his own shadows
in the early sunrise.
Victor sees this and is delighted!
Like a father seeing his child.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Sun! Light! Sun!
(beat)
Say it: Sun!!
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 75.
CONTINUED: (2)
Victor laughs bathed in the blessed light of the sun.
CUT TO:
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - DAY
They descend the steps into the holding cell.
Victor guides The Creature step by step, and then to a tiled
plinth...
He uses a WOODEN HORN to hear his breathing, his heart.
The Creature is curious, tries to hold it.
Victor has to pantomime for The Creature to stay still.
He examines The Creature's eyes. Mouth. And is, in turn,
examined by The Creature. They Laugh. The Creature's legs
are bound with an IRON BAR and MANACLES.
The Creature tries to follow, but is stopped by the chain.
CREATURE
Vic-tor...
Victor signals him to "stay".
The Creature mimics back.
Victor leaves.
The Creature checks behind a column- Victor is gone...
CREATURE (CONT'D)
(a whisper)
Vic-tor...
He explores the cell-
Looks at a skull and some bones. Lifts one- ponders it..
He sees a ray of light.
Gets under it. Extends his arms. Victor smiles.
VICTOR (V.O.)
Everything was new to him: the cold,
the warmth, light, darkness- and I
was there to mold him...
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 76.
INT. TOWER - LOBBY STAIRS - DAY
Victor ascends the stairs.
VICTOR (V.O.)
I had never considered what would
come after creation. And, having
reached the edge of the earth, there
was no horizon left. The achievement
felt unnatural and void of meaning...
and that disturbed me so...
INT. HARLANDER'S QUARTERS - DAY
Sitting on the RUG- Elizabeth plays with a SHINY, LIVE
BEETLES and writes and sketches in a small book of her own.
Several BOOKS on entomology lie around open.
The Butler brings the MAIL on a SILVER TRAY. William
examines it.
ELIZABETH
Nothing from my uncle?
WILLIAM
Correspondence from Geneva. The
family Estate... But- do not
concern yourself, my dear. We
will visit them soon. Quite
soon, I promise.
William, shakes his head. He then sees an elegant OFFICIAL
LOOKING ENVELOPE with FOUR WAX SEALS. He smiles.
CUT TO:
INT. TOWER - LAB -DAY
Victor fills a copper bathtub with BUCKETS OF BOILING WATER.
Using a standing WASHBASIN, Victor shaves The Creature's
STUBBLED HEAD- leaving a clean strip.
VICTOR (V.O.)
My chores multiplied every day:
fingernails and hair grew so rapidly
that- in order to monitor his scars
healing- I trimmed them again and
again- often to the point of
exhaustion-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 77.
CONTINUED:
Victor leaves the flat razor and goes for more hot water.
VICTOR
Don't touch that- don't-
The Creature goes for the blade again.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
No. Leave it be- you should not touch
it- NO- You are not a child- you-
Victor stops- or is he? A difficult dilemma. The Creature
looks at himself in the mirror. Puzzled. Exactly like a
child. Vivacious but- for Victor- not intelligent enough.
Victor pulls the blade even further. He gets the water pail
and, when he turns around-
The Creature has picked up the BLADE and has cuts on his
palms. Blood rushes out.
CREATURE
Vic-tor....
VICTOR
What have you done?! I told you to
leave it be. I told you... give me
that! Give me that!!!
Victor takes The Creature's hands and wraps them with a
towel..
He takes his MEDICAL BAG. Gets GAUZE and A NEEDLE KIT.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
You hurt yourself- I- I did not do
this... you did.
(beat)
You need to understand- these are
simple, basic principles... You have
to understand... You have to! If I am
to help you- you have to help me and-
The Creature touches Victor with a bloody hand. Victor slaps
it away, repulsed.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
No! Don't touch me!! Don't-!! You-
The Creature is surprised at the violent act. His eyes brim
with tears and confusion. Victor cleans the wound-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 78.
CONTINUED: (2)
VICTOR (CONT'D)
I want nothing but your own good.
Don't you understand- I am doing
this for your own g-
He pauses-
The wound is gone! ONLY THICK SCARS remain...
VICTOR (CONT'D)
You are healed- you are healed-
these are scars... how...?
He then sees- The hair strip he shaved, is gone. Only full
stubble is visible...
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Science Fiction"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Desperate Communication
EXT. ROAD TO THE TOWER - DAY
RAIN. Harlander's carriage moves through the landscape.
INT. HARLANDER'S CARRIAGE - DAY
William and Elizabeth ride together.
WILLIAM
We will be there soon enough...
She nods, gently.
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - DAY
Victor is chaining The Creature. He uses a SLIDING IRON BAR
to join the chains - to fasten them to the TILED BASE.
VICTOR
I believe you have thoughts- you must-
somewhere in there... They may be
jumbled, confused, but you have
thoughts... something you want to say...
(beat)
Am I presuming too much?
Beat and then, heartbreakingly:
CREATURE
Vic-tor.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 79.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Yes! Yes! That is my name- this much
we have established, but can you say
anything else? Anything at all? Hand!!
Sun!! Rain!! Cold!! Anything?!
(beat)
Say one more word!! One!
(beat)
Surely you understand a word or two more!
(raises a hand again)
Hand. Say it. Can you understand that?
(beat)
I am exhausted. I have not slept- I feel
hot and cold and I shudder- not a wink-
not a winkie- dink- of sleep to tend to
you... and I get nothing... Nothing back!
The Creature recoils.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Oh- Oh- oh- Are you afraid of me? Me?
Why? How am I to be feared?! I am not
going to hurt you- how could I? I am your
sole benefactor! Your maker! I made- you-
He pokes The Creature on the forehead-
The Creature shrinks in fear. He fails to articulate any
word except:
CREATURE
Vic-tor...
The loud sound of the BRASS KNOCKERS at the tower door.
Victor slides the iron bar, locks it, and turns away.
FADE OUT/IN:
Genres:
["Gothic Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Confrontation in the Tower
EXT. TOWER ENTRANCE / INT. TOWER - LOBBY - DAY
Victor opens the door at the base of the tower- William and
Elizabeth enter the lobby-
VICTOR
Oh- oh- Come, come- I have much to
tell you- much to show you, I-
ELIZABETH
Is my uncle here...?
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 80.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
No. I'm alone. He is not here. He will
be back in a few days.
WILLIAM
You look exhausted, Victor- you look
sick-
VICTOR
I have never felt better. I have never
had a clearer mind-
He touches his forehead.
WILLIAM
God- you're running a fever. Come-
come with me...
They climb the steps.
Elizabeth hears a distant groan. Lets them go.
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - DAY
Elizabeth enters the holding cell. She is hit by the rotting
smell emanating from the Body Chute.
She covers her nose- hears a faint noise.
She turns- an errant ray of sunlight reveals THE CREATURE-
They make eye contact.
His scars, his pale nakedness.
Elizabeth's eyes fill with tears.
He smiles- trying to understand this new person.
He goes to her, but before he can reach her. The chains stop
him.
She goes to him. Sees his wounds.
CREATURE
Victor...
She sees the wound on his side- Christ-like.
CUT TO:
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 81.
INT. TOWER - VICTOR'S QUARTERS - SAME
William gives Victor a sip of Whisky from a travel flask.
WILLIAM
Victor... I have spoken to the
Royal Medical Society. I showed
them your papers- Harlander's
letters of support.
He produces the elaborate SEALED ENVELOPE.
WILLIAM (CONT'D)
They are interested in seeing you.
They-
VICTOR
I am not ready, William- not yet.
William opens the SHUTTERS. Lets the sun in.
Elizabeth enters. Pale- shocked.
ELIZABETH
The man- that man downstairs- what
happened to him?
VICTOR
You saw him?
ELIZABETH
I saw him- William- you should too-
(beat)
Is he a patient? A victim? His wounds,
Victor- who wounded him like that? You?
VICTOR
No- it is the world that hurt him,
Elizabeth.
(beat)
I? I gave him life.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Gothic Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Chains of Creation
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
William, overwhelmed- examines The Creature. Elizabeth
stands nearby.
Victor pulls on the neck chain, guiding him up. William is
in awe and terrified. Elizabeth averts The Creature's eyes.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 82.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Move to the side... it's still getting
used to light...
WILLIAM
You did it...
VICTOR
I did- all systems have healed- all
functional-
He turns The Creature like a circus animal.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
And he is strong, William- so strong- I
have not measured it, but it is quite
exceptional. And the healing- it is
erratic, but sometimes- miraculous-
WILLIAM
Does Harlander know?
Victor averts his eyes-
VICTOR
He left- before it was com-
WILLIAM
(cutting in)
Oh- we must prepare for that- have
everything ready. For him.
William leaves. Elizabeth locks eyes with Victor.
ELIZABETH
Why do you keep him chained in this
foul place? It's inhuman...
VICTOR
Makes it easy to maintain it- clean
after it- And it doesn't know any
better...
ELIZABETH
But you do. We all do.
INT. TOWER - VICTOR'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
RAINING- drops streak the windows. William reads through
Victor's papers and notes. He goes through the glass plates,
the DAGUERROTYPES. He is exhausted.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 83.
CONTINUED:
Victor is asleep as William caresses his forehead with deep
fraternal love, covers him with a blanket.
WILLIAM
I cannot fathom exactly how you did
what you did- but its dimension does
not escape me.
(sotto)
And yet- there is something
disquieting about that creature down
there- something distorted, askew-
like a figure peeking around a fun
house mirror- something pale and
horrible- but animated... by what?
Then he slumps on a chair and covers himself with his coat.
WILLIAM (CONT'D)
The soul. Victor- of all the parts that
make that man- which do you think holds
the soul?
Nearby, on the CANOPY BED, lies Elizabeth.
Her reddish/coppery hair loose- cascading over the white
linen sheets and pillows.
She gets up. Goes by. Victor awakes...
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Science Fiction"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Stormy Confrontations
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - NIGHT
Rain. The Creature lies in his cell.
THUNDER and LIGHTNING scare him-
WATER pours from above and accumulates in a groove that
bisects the floor plan and pours out of the chute.
He drinks from it, cupping it in his hand.
Elizabeth enters the cell.
ELIZABETH
Can you say my name-? Elizabeth...
She touches her own chest-
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Elizabeth... say it...
She hums a song- a sweet song TRAVERTINA.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 84.
CONTINUED:
The Creature is puzzled. Bewitched by the song.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
This is music- music...
She takes his hand and puts it against her throat. He feels
the vibration.
The Creature hands her a dry leaf- she smiles.
INT. TOWER - LOBBY - NIGHT
VICTOR
Do not ever go close to it!!
ELIZABETH
It? It?
VICTOR
Yes- It... I believe- there is life
in it- but not the spark of
intelligence as I had hoped...
ELIZABETH
Perhaps not as you understand it...
VICTOR
Something went wrong. A connection- a
suture- a blockage...
ELIZABETH
You, the great Victor Frankenstein,
made a mistake...?
VICTOR
The creature knows but one word- and
one word only... "Victor" and he
parrots it without any rhyme or
reason... Over and over...
Long beat.
ELIZABETH
Perhaps that is the only word he needs.
(beat)
Perhaps- for the time being- that word
means everything to him...
(beat)
What if you assembled the puzzle- but,
God solved it for you...
(beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 85.
CONTINUED:
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
What if- in being anew- the spirit that
animates Him is simpler- purer-
VICTOR
Purer?!
ELIZABETH
Purer than that of the common man?
What if, unrestrained by sin, our
creator's breath came into its
wounded flesh directly-
VICTOR
Good God, Elizabeth- if I could force
myself to believe it, it would be my
inclination to see, attraction-
affection- in you- for that thing.
ELIZABETH
Understanding. In those eyes I saw
pain- and what is pain if not evidence
of intelligence?
VICTOR
What about my pain? You care for that
monstrous thing- but not for me?
ELIZABETH
For God, nothing is monstrous.
VICTOR
What about what you have denied me?
What my heart wants...
ELIZABETH
Your heart? Your heart?!
She laughs. This stings Victor.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Of all the human anatomy- that is
the organ furthest from your
understanding.
She leaves him standing there. And she walks away. In his
eyes- a rage. A jealous rage.
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
The Creature is crouching- a NOISE-
Victor approaches-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 86.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Purer than the common man, are you?
And I- somehow- am the villain...
He picks up one of the many IRON BARS on the floor.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
God is in you... is it? Well then
talk! Say another word- any word-
He presses his finger against the Creature's forehead! The
creature recoils.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Don't recoil- This is madness!! You
have nothing to fear!! Not from me!!
Don't you understand anything at all?!
(beat)
Don't hide from me. Don't hide from me!
He beats him- once- twice- three times-
Finally The Creature holds Victor's hand.
Victor tries to pull away his hand- but The Creature holds
it in place- effortlessly- Tears streaming from his eyes.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Let go. Let go.
And- for a moment- the strength of The Creature is clear:
superior and unyielding. Victor releases the bar-
The Creature relinquishes his grip.
Then BENDS THE IRON BAR as if it was rubber, and throws it
away.
Victor is scared.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Desperate Measures
EXT. FRONT OF THE TOWER - DAY
VICTOR
We must burn my notes. Erase all trace
of that thing ever living.
WILLIAM
Why- why do you say this?
Victor thinks- a long beat and then-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 87.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
I failed. I did. The Creature. It is
very dangerous.
WILLIAM
Victor- we must wait for Harlander to
return- make the decision together.
VICTOR
William- there is something you must
know. Something I will show you... But
after I do- you have to promise me- you
will take Elizabeth away, to safety and
bring the authorities.
(beat)
The outcome of it all, depends on this...
WILLIAM
I promise, then...
VICTOR
Come with me, then-
INT. TOWER - ICE CHAMBER - DAY
Victor opens the ICE CHAMBER and shows William- HARLANDER'S
BROKEN BODY... frost covering it.
VICTOR
The creature is unstable. Unpredictable.
In a fit of rage, it killed Harlander...
You understand, of course, why I was
hesitant to share this at first, and
certainly not to Elizabeth...
WILLIAM
What are we going to do now?
Victor closes the chamber.
VICTOR
Take Elizabeth to Vienna. Don't discuss
this with her. At all. Something urgent
came up, you must leave. Keep her in the
dark. For her own safety.
(beat)
Then come back with help... I will be
waiting. It will all be fine.
WILLIAM
Will you be safe?
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 88.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
I will. But you must do as I say.
WILLIAM
(nods)
The Creature- what is its life span,
you think?
Victor looks at him- resolved.
VICTOR
Brief. Very brief, I'm sure.
EXT. TOWER - DAY
William helps Elizabeth up into the carriage.
WILLIAM
You must do as I say- we will be back
in no time. But for now, this is for
the best.
Elizabeth takes a long last look back.
INT. HARLANDER'S CARRIAGE - DAY
WILLIAM
I assure you everything will end
well...
(beat)
Do you trust me?
She hesitates but finally nods. William bangs on the roof of
the carriage. It takes off.
Elizabeth peeks out of the window-
EXT. TOWER AND CLIFF - DAY
- She sees the TOWER receding in the horizon.
Victor standing outside, waving them farewell. And then,
entering the Tower.
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - DAY
The Creature listens to the footsteps above. He is agitated,
worried- feeling guilt and apprehension.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 89.
CONTINUED:
The door opens.
It's Victor.
The Creature takes a few steps- timid, extending his hands,
lowering his head, like a whipped dog returning to his
master.
VICTOR
Nothing to worry about. All is just fine.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Desperation and Destruction
INT. HARLANDER'S CARRIAGE - DAY
Elizabeth feels anguished.
ELIZABETH
Oh, God- turn around.
(beat)
You go to Vienna- I have the most
terrible feeling... I am afraid...
WILLIAM
My dear, I-
She opens the door!
ELIZABETH
Turn the carriage around- or I will jump.
He is going to kill him.
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - DAY
Victor has placed PETROL CANS all around The Creature's bed.
He moves towards him.
VICTOR
Say one word more- show me you
understand. Make me save you...
CREATURE
Elizabeth.
And with that, he seals his fate. Victor adjusts The
Creature's chains- TAUT (!)
And kisses him on the forehead.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 90.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Now go- sleep well... it will all be quick...
The Creature mimics his mouth movement but almost entirely
without sound: "Quick"
Victor is shocked- was that a word??? Is The Creature
intelligent after all??
He hesitates- but turns around and looks at The Creature one
last time.
INT. TOWER - LAB - DAY
Victor takes a look- he has arranged DOZENS OF PETROL CANS
around the batteries.
Victor collects all photographic evidence- sees the LETTER
William delivered to him- from the ROYAL SOCIETY- tosses it
on a pile with all his own NOTES and leaves them behind.
He moves away- the letter falls off the pile- and down-
A grate- Victor upturns one of the petrol cans. The liquid
pours-
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - DAY
The Creature sees the liquid. It FLARES UP-
CREATURE
Sun...
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Descent into Chaos
INT. HARLANDER'S CARRIAGE - DAY
ELIZABETH
Hurry- he is going to kill him!!
WILLIAM
Him?!
INT. TOWER - LAB - DAY
RAIN pours into the lab.
A terrible moment.
Victor makes a decision. He overturns TWO of the PETROL
containers-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 91.
CONTINUED:
The Liquid snakes towards the batteries...
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - SAME
The liquid pours down the chute- The Creature watches it
raining on the other PETROL CANS.
INT. TOWER - LAB - SAME
Victor lights a MATCH-
He takes his Satchel, his PORTABLE LAB BOX and leaves-
INT. TOWER - STAIRCASE / LOBBY - SAME
Victor takes the stairs and heads for the exit. More PETROL
CANS all around!!
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - SAME
FIRE rains into the Holding Cell via the chute.
The Creature starts growing anxious...
CREATURE
Victor!! Victor!! Victor!!
He tries to escape- but he is chained!
EXT. ROAD TO TOWER - DAY
Victor runs down the road- exhausted, agitated, tremulous!
Rain falls- plumes of breath explode from his mouth-
He covers his ears- the world is silent again. Just like
that time in childhood when his mother died.
INT. TOWER - LAB - DAY
An EXPLOSION- A BATTERY TOPPLES- IT BREAKS!!! The ACID and
fire start to pour down the vents.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 92.
EXT. ROAD TO TOWER - DAY
Gradually, he makes a decision- drops his equipment and
turns-
He will go back!
He runs up the road - will he make it in time?
A final EXPLOSION!
EXT. TOWER AND CLIFF - DAY
Victor is thrown by the shockwave!
Through the storm!
He hits a rock face and loses consciousness.
His leg is broken and on fire. Bone exposed- blood
everywhere...
Rain falls over him.
THE CARRIAGE pulls onto the road.
Elizabeth gets out, running.
She falls to the ground as the tower collapses-
ELIZABETH
No!! No!!
VICTOR (V.O.)
But that was not the end of it...
FADE OUT/IN:
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
The Confrontation and the Choice
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
The end of Victor's Tale.
VICTOR
You saw it. No one can stop it.
(beat)
In seeking life, I created Death. I
tried the Master's tools and cut
myself... Deliver me from it all...
lower me to the ice field and be
done with me.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 93.
CONTINUED:
A commotion. Captain Anderson picks up his RIFLE- signals
Victor to stay still-
EXT. SHIP'S DECK - NIGHT
Captain Anderson goes out- The Creature has climbed on board
and is heading towards his chambers.
CREATURE
VICTOR!!!
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
The Captain locks himself in, but The Creature breaks the
door- SLAMS IT OPEN- cracking it!!
Disarms Anderson.
For a moment, he looks ready to destroy him- pummel him- his
fist raised in formidable fury but then-
VICTOR
Take me!! Do not extinguish another
life!! I am here!! Take mine instead!!
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
You will have to take us both- he has
told me his tale- but I do not fear
you- Beast!
CREATURE
"Beast"?
(beat)
His tale?
He looks at Victor then the Captain.
He looks back at a WOUNDED LARSEN and a DOZEN BLOODIED,
SAILORS waiting outside the door. They back away in terror.
CREATURE (CONT'D)
Then I will tell you mine.
The Creature closes the door.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 94.
SUPER: PART II: THE CREATURE'S TALE
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
CREATURE
I remember the pain- more than
anything else. And the fear I felt as
the world caught fire...
BACK TO:
Genres:
["Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Descent into Darkness
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - DAY
THE BATTERY CRACKS!! EXPLODES!!!
ACID burns The Creature's skin. He screams!!!
He renews his efforts to break free.
CREATURE
Victor! Victor! Elizabeth!
CREATURE (V.O.)
Again and again, I called your name-
and hers- and rapidly understood I
was alone- and that- for the pain to
cease- I had no one to call upon, but
myself...
EXT. TOWER - SAME
The explosions start!!!
The entire structure starts to collapse!!
INT. TOWER - HOLDING CELL / CHUTE - SAME
ROCKING THE LAB!!!
Cracking the central pillars- shattering the batteries.
The Cylinder lid explodes-
A piece of ceiling destroys the acid containers!!
ACID splashes onto The Creature as he stands in the middle
of the lab- chained.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 95.
CONTINUED:
The Creature breaks free of his manacles and brutally tears
the skin of his left hand away- ligaments and bone EXPOSED
to the forearm!!!
He rips it off!! Free!!!
Now the Creature heads for-
The Doorway!
The tower trembles- COLUMNS crack and bulge- part of the
CEILING COLLAPSES DOWN!!
He retreats, barely in time to-
The body chute!!
He runs to it just as the rest of the ceiling collapses!!
And jumps in, barely able to avoid being crushed-
EXT. TOWER AND CLIFF - DAY
BAMMM!!! The final fireball takes the structure down!
INT. TOWER - CHUTE - DAY
The Creature slides down the chute as it fractures from the
explosion-
He falls down-
EXT. CLIFF AND LAKE - DAY
Down into the LAKE! Light from the explosions above suffuse
the water-
Debris, fire- it all rains onto the water.
The Creature sinks-
Thunder and lightning illuminate his silhouette as he fades
out-
CREATURE (V.O.)
Then there was darkness and the quiet
of death- just a lull- barely enough
to sooth the pain- and then- life
jolted me back!
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 96.
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Awakening and Conflict
EXT. SEA CLIFF BEACH - DAWN
GASPING- The Creature regains consciousness-
He slowly incorporates.
Desperately inhaling, coughing water, almost vomiting-
Convulsive, spasmodic rhythms shudder through his frame,
then he stops.
Nothing but the sound of the lapping waves at the shore.
He examines his injuries. His back is steaming-
But his hand has regrown. Scarred but complete.
The Creature grimaces. Gets up and turns around, facing the
immense steely lake:
In the distance, on the other shore: the ruins of the Tower.
Smoldering.
The Creature takes a few steps: sand, rocks-
He cannot make sense of the myriad of feelings that arise
from the soles of his feet-
He looks at the forest. The water at his feet. RETREATS from
the waves but eventually allows the water to wash his feet.
EXT. FOREST - DAY
The Creature walks through the forest.
He looks around- the trees sway in the wind. Creaking.
Wonder.
Marvel.
Miracles everywhere.
EXT. CLEARING IN THE WOODS - DUSK
The Creature walks for what seems like ages.
Distant thunder.
Rainclouds.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 97.
CONTINUED:
In an OVERGROWN CLEARING, he encounters a MOSS-FUSED ROW OF
FIVE SKELETAL CORPSES in Military UNIFORM.
RAVENS fly away as The Creature approaches.
He steals a long OFFICER JACKET from one of them- covers
himself.
He grabs a decomposing skull and looks at it, Hamlet-like.
Ravens fly above him- he follows them.
INT. FOREST / CHERRY BUSH WATERFALL - DUSK
The Creature sees some RAVENS and a YOUNG DEER feeding on a
tree of RED BERRIES by a WATERFALL.
The Creature approaches. The Birds scatter.
The Deer stays, eating the fruit, slowly.
The Creature watches it eat.
He looks at the berries, takes a few, devours them-
Grabs them by the handful. RED JUICE explodes-
He loves the flavor, grunts with pleasure- almost a laughter.
CREATURE
Victor...
He picks up some berries, offers them to the deer.
The Deer hesitantly approaches his hand. Eats from it.
The Creature pats the deer-
Suddenly he hears a gunshot blast!
A CLOUD OF BLOOD explodes from the deer's head.
The Creature splattered with blood specks. Gets up.
TWO OLD HUNTERS react to his presence.
He heads towards them. They Shoot at him. A BULLET tears a
slice of his shoulder-
The Creature staggers back with a ROAR!
The Old Hunters run away.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 98.
CONTINUED:
The Creature sees his own blood. Limps away.
TIME CUT TO:
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Shelter in Shadows
EXT. MILL - DUSK
The Creature runs through the tree line-
Slight rainfall starts. The Creature hides from it-
He spots a distant structure: An abandoned mill. The WHEEL,
corseted by a large canvas. The Creature heads there.
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS - NIGHT
The Creature seeks refuge from the rain and the cold. He
finds it between the massive gears of the Mill.
He installs himself there. He finds straw and uses it to pad
his refuge. A snug fit between the gears.
A Handful of MICE poke their heads out and watch him. The
Creature moves- they run away! Another mouse comes back and
peeks at him.
The Creature moves towards it- it escapes too.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. WOODED AREA - DAWN
The Sun rises on the horizon. A carriage arrives at the
Mill. A YOUNG HUNTER with his FAMILY dismounts and opens the
doors to the main building.
He waves at two people approaching the building--
It's the TWO OLD HUNTERS with their guns (!)
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS / EXT. MILL HOUSE - DAWN
The Creature awakes- voices and a light clutter- feet
shuffling.
He tries to peek through the slats of the MILL WALL: The
ADJACENT MILL HOUSE is visible: whitewashed and clean but
very bare of furniture.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 99.
CONTINUED:
YOUNG HUNTER
Sit, sit, Father- we will bring you
soup...
BLIND MAN
You are too kind to me...
The YOUNG HUNTER and his WIFE are opening windows, airing
the house, uncovering furniture, sweeping, cleaning.
The Creature follows the Young Hunter and sees him go out
the door.
Through the door slat in the GEAR ROOM he sees a CART parked
in front of the mill house, LOADED with Baggage and SACKS of
utensils.
Genres:
["Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
A Dance of Shadows
EXT. MILL - DAY
A LITTLE GIRL, 10 years of age- hair as black as a raven's
wing- runs around and demands to be held by an Old Man. By
his gestures and eye-line it is clear to us that he is a
BLIND MAN.
The Creature observes as the TWO OLD HUNTERS join the
family.
OLD HUNTER 1
We looked everywhere. Could not
find that thing-
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS / INT. MILL HOUSE - DAY
The Creature recoils in recognition. Timidly it comes back
to peer inside:
OLD HUNTER 1
The blood trail died about a mile
from here...
YOUNG HUNTER
Was it a bear?
OLD HUNTER 2
That was no bear. Or human...
The Creature recoils at the sight of their weapons.
HUNTER'S WIFE
Was it a ghost, then?
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 100.
CONTINUED:
OLD HUNTER 2
We drew blood. It was flesh and bone.
HUNTER'S WIFE
Well- sit with us- share some brandy.
Help us unload. We will settle here
until Spring- when the Mill reopens.
The Blind Man pats the head of the Young Girl.
The Creature pats his own head.
INT. MILL HOUSE / INT. MILL - STORAGE & GEARS - DUSK
Everyone sits around the fire drinking BRANDY and dancing to
a tune played by the Blind Man on a BALALAIKA.
The Young Girl dances to it. The Young Hunter and his Wife
too.
The Creature smiles with them... moves with the music.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
A Lesson in Humanity
EXT. DEEP MOSSY FOREST - DAY
Hiding in the forest, The Creature (STUBBLED) follows the
Blind Man and The Little Girl (carrying a wicker basket).
CREATURE (V.O.)
The Old Man moved me. I found him
so beautiful and kind.
EXT. FLOWER FIELD / MOSSY FOREST - DAY
The Creature watches as the Blind Man plays the Balalaika
and the Little Girl dances.
CREATURE (V.O.)
His hair shone like the sun and his
unseeing eyes were full of wisdom
and sadness in equal measure-
The Blind Man laughs and the Little Girl braids flowers in
his beard.
BLIND MAN
Pick up some for your mother
Annamaria- She would like that...
LITTLE GIRL
Some for her. Some for you.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 101.
CONTINUED:
The Blind Man laughs.
REVERSE SHOT: The Creature moves away.
CREATURE (V.O.)
These people possessed a sound-
used it to tell each other about
feelings and ideas- to make each
other laugh or cry- or feel sad.
They called them- words... and I
started to learn them...
INT. MILL HOUSE - DAY
The Blind Man uses a BLACKBOARD and LITHOGRAPHED CARDS to
teach words to the Little Girl.
He feels the edges and surface to know what they are-
BLIND MAN
Now, Annamaria- what is this here?
GIRL
The Sun!
BLIND MAN
Very well, child, very well- "S" for
SUN... and this?
GIRL
The Moon!
CREATURE (V.O.)
As the months went by- I learned
some of these words- and each
sounded precious to me...
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS - SAME
The Creature (STUBBLED) repeats softly-
CREATURE
Moon.
INT. MILL HOUSE - DAY
The Blind Man senses the Creature's voice. Keeps going with
the lesson.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 102.
CONTINUED:
BLIND MAN
"M" for Moon...
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
The Invisible Benefactor
EXT. FIELD - DUSK
Through the forest. The Young Hunter and the TWO OLD
HUNTERS chop and collect FIREWOOD-
YOUNG HUNTER
We need large trunks for the structure-
Tie the rope to that one...
Old Hunter 1 and 2 use their SCYTHES to peel off branches.
The Creature (SHORT HAIRED) watches...
EXT. MILL HOUSE - DUSK
They drag a LARGE LOG back towards the house.
CREATURE (V.O.)
I longed to be part of this family-
to be their benefactor somehow... But
what, what could I do for them?
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
The Creature (SHORT HAIR) gathers a large PILE OF FIREWOOD-
He senses something- and sees a shadow in the forest: A WOLF-
And ANOTHER ONE.
The Creature lifts an enormous LOG and carries it
effortlessly.
THROUGH THE FOREST-
ANOTHER WOLF (The ALPHA)- locks eyes with The Creature and
then disappears.
EXT. MILL HOUSE - DAY
Inside shot: The door opens.
HUNTER'S WIFE
Father! Father! Who did this- who?
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 103.
CONTINUED:
The family comes out to discover a GIANT PILE OF FIREWOOD by
their doorstep. The Family is elated-
The Blind Man points at a GREEN MAN CARVING by the door.
BLIND MAN
The Spirit of the Forest. Uh?
Annamaria? We must thank him!!
They turn to a carving by the door: THE GREEN MAN
LITTLE GIRL
Thank You, Spirit of the Forest!!
The Blind Man pats the Little Girl on the head.
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS - DAY
The Creature (SHORT HAIRED, watching through the slats)
feels giddy and moved- they liked this act, this simple
kindness.
CREATURE
Thank You-
He pats himself on the head.
EXT. PROPERTY LINE - DUSK
The Young Hunter builds a SHEEP CORRAL against the sunset.
The OLD HUNTERS help him hammer a POST with a HUGE WOODEN
HAMMER. It is arduous work.
EXT. PROPERTY LINE - NIGHT
The Creature (HALF HAIR) completes the Corral at Night-
CREATURE (V.O.)
From then on, I became their
invisible benefactor- the Spirit of
the forest and on occasion, they too
extended a small kindness towards
me... Clothes, bread- And for a
moment- a brief, brief moment- the
world and I were at peace... and I
belonged it...
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 104.
EXT. MILL HOUSE - NIGHT
The Creature (HALF HAIR) finds boots and some clothes on the
edge of the steps. And a WHITE FLOWER. He smiles.
EXT. SHEEP CORRAL - DUSK
The Young Hunter, and the TWO OLD HUNTERS- usher a DOZEN
SHEEP into the CORRAL. Close the gate.
The Blind Man and the Little Girl feed the sheep.
They laugh. The Blind Man feels a presence...
INT. MILL - GEARS AND STORAGE - DUSK
The Creature laughs with them...
INT. MILL HOUSE - DAY
LITTLE GIRL
"The prize of joy the fall of pride-
reward the boy- whose heart won't hide."
The family shares some bread and milk. The Little Girl reads
from a book. The Young Hunter smokes.
LITTLE GIRL (CONT'D)
"...And in the end the proud young man
could never find his missing hand. It
turned to stone, his fortune gone, and
he lost his pride and lost his land..."
They all laugh and clap.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
The Inevitable Cycle of Violence
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS - DAY
Suddenly- a ruckus-
YOUNG HUNTER
Wolves-
He grabs a gun.
HUNTER'S WIFE
Stay in the house Annamaria!!
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 105.
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS - DAY
The Creature hears the ruckus-
WOLVES encircle the home. They SNIFF under the gear room
door!!
ONE OF THE WOLVES attacks a SHEEP!!!
EXT. MILL HOUSE - DAY
The Young Hunter chases them with his shotgun. Kills one. He
looks into the CORRAL: A SHEEP has been GUTTED. Two more lay
dead.
CREATURE (V.O.)
An idea- a feeling- became clear to
me- the hunter did not hate the wolf-
the wolf did not hate the sheep- but
violence felt inevitable between them-
perhaps, I thought, this was the way
of the world...
EXT. MILL HOUSE - DUSK
The Young Hunter flays the Wolf. His Wife assists. The TWO
OLD HUNTERS smoke pipes.
YOUNG HUNTER
The sheep will be sold by the end of
the month, Father. I will take Alma and
Annamaria to town- we will go into the
mountains, hunt the wolves and be back
for you at the end of Winter.
The Creature watches the process with intense curiosity.
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS - DUSK
The Creature listens.
EXT. MILL HOUSE - DUSK
The Hunters carry their belongings on their backs and move
away.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 106.
EXT. MILL - BY THE MILL WHEEL - DUSK
Out in the open, The Creature- half hidden by the Mill Wheel-
watches them go-
The Blind Man waves them goodbye. He then feels the air and
mutters:
BLIND MAN
It is just you and I, now, Spirit...
And goes back into the house.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
A New Beginning
INT. MILL - STORAGE AND GEARS - NIGHT
The Creature watches the Blind Man- thinks. Holds the MOUSE
in his hand.
EXT. MILL HOUSE - NIGHT
The Creature emerges from his hiding place and heads for the
house.
The Creature timidly approaches the door of the house-
CREATURE (V.O.)
I had formed- in my imagination, the
many ways I would present myself to the
Old Man, and his reception of me. Would
he fear me? Welcome me? Turn me away?
And then- I simply did it...
And opens the door-
CREATURE (V.O.)
And with a single step- I entered a
different world... one I had only seen
from afar...
BLIND MAN
Who is there? Come in, please- I cannot
easily go to you...
The Creature enters.
CREATURE
I stepped into an entirely New World...
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 107.
INT. MILL HOUSE - NIGHT
His FEET cross the threshold!!
He looks around, marveling at it all- as if it has crossed
into the other side of the looking glass-
He is IN the world he has only observed so far.
He looks back at the broken slats through which he viewed
this world- A miracle.
BLIND MAN
Who are you?
The Creature almost turns away and leaves.
BLIND MAN (CONT'D)
Please- dear Gentleman- what are you
doing here?
CREATURE
Travel-
BLIND MAN
Oh, enter, enter dear traveller- Do not
think me ungrateful for the company if
I ask you to procure a chair for
yourself... I find it difficult to be a
good host- my sight, you see, it has
failed me- but there is some bread and
brandy on the table. Help yourself...
The Creature brings the bottle- not knowing what to do with
it.
BLIND MAN (CONT'D)
Your language- you have a hard time
speaking it... are you not from these
parts?
CREATURE
No-
The bottle falls- breaks- The Creature is scared.
BLIND MAN
Are you afraid?
CREATURE
Afraid.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 108.
CONTINUED:
BLIND MAN
No need to be. What are you afraid of?
Long pause and then:
CREATURE
All.
The Blind Man nods gravely, gently as if he shares his
condition.
He pats and holds The Creature's hand.
BLIND MAN
Your hands are frozen and- you- you
have been hurt. Have you not? Your
hand- your face has scars-
The Creature surrenders to this simple kindness and embraces
the Blind Man.
CREATURE
Hurt.
BLIND MAN
You wear a uniform and scars- were you
injured in battle? Do you remember where
you came from?
CREATURE
No.
BLIND MAN
Oh, oh- my dear man- please- do not
despair... I understand your condition...
better than you would think... And I
think we have been acquainted somehow,
have we not?
The Creature emits a pleasurable grunt.
BLIND MAN (CONT'D)
Yes-yes- I cannot judge you by your
countenance, but there is something in
your voice which persuades me of your
good will and kindness...
(sotto)
You- you have been hiding in the Mill
gears, have you not...?
He points at the wall from which The Creature peeks into the
family's life.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 109.
CONTINUED: (2)
BLIND MAN (CONT'D)
...Spirit of the Forest...?
CREATURE
Yes...
BLIND MAN
Oh, my poor man- stay with me. Share my
food and fire. I will be delighted to
share what little I have... and will be
greatly helped by your companionship.
Make this your home and I, your friend...
CREATURE
Friend...
The Blind Man touches his shoulder. The Creature forces his
hand to pat his head- then embraces him. The Blind Man
embraces him back. A SONG fades in.
INT. MILL HOUSE - DUSK
The Blind Man feels his way through his BOOKSHELF and takes
a book. He feels the pages and offers it to The Creature-
open on a page where AN ARCHANGEL is expelling ADAM AND EVE.
CREATURE (V.O.)
And then, I read my first story- and it
was the first story. I read about a man
named Adam and a woman named Eve- about
their time in the first garden, and I
was in that garden-
EXT. MOSSY FOREST - DUSK
The Blind Man and The Creature walk hand-in-hand through a
Moss-covered, magical forest. Sit by the river. The Creature
reads to him.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Reflections in the Snow
EXT. MILL HOUSE / GARDEN - DUSK
Guided by the Blind Man, The Creature harvests vegetables-
CREATURE (V.O.)
And then I read about the rise of
rival cities and the collapse of a
tower and the wrath of a God- and I
read poetry that was like music, and
about men that fought dragons... and
men who lost everything...
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 110.
INT. MILL HOUSE - DUSK
The Creature reads from an old Bible- while the Blind Man
finishes a meager MEAL. A PILE OF BOOKS is on the table.
The Creature gets up from reading, hits his head on a
PULLEY. They both laugh!
CREATURE (V.O.)
...and time passed and fell away
with the leaves of Autumn...
EXT. MILL HOUSE - DUSK
SNOW IS FALLING- gentle but abundant.
The Creature steps outside- marvels at the pristine
landscape.
BLIND MAN
Have you never seen the snow, my
dear friend? It makes the world
clean and new.
A MIRACLE.
EXT. MILL HOUSE - ROOFTOP - DUSK
The CREATURE climbs to the roof and looks at the white
landscape and closes his eyes, feeling the sun. He is
exhilarated!!
CREATURE (O.S.)
"And on the pedestal, these words
appear: My name is Ozymandias, King
of Kings..."
INT. MILL HOUSE - DUSK
CREATURE
"Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and
despair! Nothing beside remains.
Round the decay of that colossal
Wreck, boundless and bare The lone
and level sands stretch far away.”
The Creature returns a BOOK OF POETRY to the shelf.
CREATURE (CONT'D)
Many books- you have many-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 111.
CONTINUED:
BLIND MAN
Oh, no- no- barely a few, my dear friend-
(beat)
But I know them all by heart. As do
you by now, I would venture.
CREATURE
Are there more books than these...?
Somewhere?
The Blind Man chortles.
BLIND MAN
Ha! A few more, I'm sure- Not here.
CREATURE
What is in them? More people? Places?
Answers?
BLIND MAN
Questions, really-
(beat)
Last book on the left- take it. We
haven't got to it.
The Creature takes the book: PARADISE LOST.
BLIND MAN (CONT'D)
Paradise Lost- Milton. Man has questions
for God... even God has questions, I
venture- I think he wanted answers and
that is why he sent us his son...
CREATURE
To live-
BLIND MAN
Rather, to die, wouldn't you say? He
created life- but I would say, death
possibly intrigued him... suffering...
(beat)
Take the book. Take it with you. My gift.
Take it wherever you go, after this.
CREATURE
After this...?
(beat)
I want to know who I am... where did I
come from? I cannot remember... will I
find that answer in a book?
BLIND MAN
Knowledge only increases sorrow, my son.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 112.
CONTINUED: (2)
CREATURE
I still want to know.
BLIND MAN
God took your memory, just as I wish he
would take mine away... many years ago- I
took a man's life- a good man- and I have
been atoning for it since. Penance. Every
winter- while God circles outside my
door... reminding me of my sins.
(beat)
Forgive, forget. The true measure of
wisdom. To know you have been harmed, by
whom you have been harmed, and choose to
let it all fade.
CREATURE
I cannot forget what I cannot remember...
BLIND MAN
True. That is true. Do you recall
nothing?
CREATURE
In my dreams- I see moments- memories-
as if they were someone else's-
different men- sometimes complete-
BLIND MAN
I understand... your head might have been
injured- your memories lost...
(beat)
You should retrace your steps... go back
to the last thing you remember...
CREATURE
I remember fire and water- sand under
my feet...
(beat)
...and a word-
BLIND MAN
What is it?
CREATURE
Victor...
BLIND MAN
Go to it- that word.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 113.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
The Awakening of Horror
EXT. LAKE - DUSK
Snow falls. The Creature walks back to the beach on which he
awoke.
From its shore he can see the remains of the Tower at the
edge of the cliff above.
EXT. TOWER - DUSK
The Creature enters the ruins.
INT. TOWER - LOBBY - DUSK
SNOWFLAKES dance all around him. SNOW covers the floor.
Glazing the burnt remains with a coat of purity.
The Creature puts the MOUSE away in his pocket.
Victor's notes: graphic evidence of his creation-
Frantically, he turns burnt page after burnt page-
Broken DAGUERROTYPES.
CREATURE
No... no... no... Not me...
The mirror-like surface of the Daguerrotypes reflects his
own face- ALMOST superimposed to the close up of the
carnage...
CREATURE (V.O.)
And then I learned it- the horror of
the truth...
He finds photos and daguerrotypes of the SURGICAL ASSEMBLY
of his body. Of the cruel, brutal traceries of exposed
sinew, muscle and bone. Pages of the diary, with sketches by
Victor.
He sees himself in the mirror (that was in Leopold's and
Victor's room)- he is broken- burnt.
CREATURE (V.O.)
I understood that I had nothing- I was
nothing. A wretch- a blot- not even of
the same nature as man. A puzzle of
gristle and bone...
(beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 114.
CONTINUED:
CREATURE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
This hurt clung to my mind and,
having seized upon it, it never
let go-
At the base of the mirror- he finds a WOODEN CUBE, with an
EYE- and under the rubble: THE ROYAL SOCIETY LETTER from
GENEVA.
He reads a name:
CREATURE
Victor... Frankenstein... Geneva...
Genres:
["Gothic","Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
The Creature's Descent and Awakening
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
The Creature hurries into the snow- heading back to the
Mill.
EXT. MILL HOUSE - NIGHT
The Creature arrives to the house-
He notices-
The door to the mill house is open. The ALPHA WOLF standing
at the doorway- calm- serene.
The Wolf turns back into the house.
CREATURE
No... Friend...
He runs to the house!
INT. MILL HOUSE - NIGHT
The Creature enters the house- blood everywhere- SIX WOLVES
inside. The Blind Man is bleeding on the floor.
THREE WOLVES charge at The Creature!!
The Creature fights them off.
Rips the fur clean of one, smashes the other with a single
blow to the head.
Yet another- the Alpha- with a broken spine.
The Rest of the pack RUNS AWAY!
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 115.
CONTINUED:
The Creature finds the Blind Man: wounded, bleeding badly.
EXT. MILL HOUSE - MAIN GATE - NIGHTFALL
The THREE HUNTERS come back. They look at the house- the
door open, light spilling out.
The Young Hunter readies his weapon.
INT. MILL HOUSE - NIGHT
BLIND MAN
You came back... did you- find peace,
my dear friend? Did you...?
He exhales one last time. The Creature wells up-
CREATURE
I found what I am- what I am made
from- I am- the child of a charnel
house- a wreckage- assembled from
refuse and the discarded dead- a
monster.
BLIND MAN
Nothing is monstrous in the mind of
God. I know what you are- a good man-
and you are... my friend...
CREATURE
Friend- friend- friend-
Just then, a group of MEN enter the house: It's the Young
Hunter with the two Old Hunters, carrying weapons and the
pelts of WOLVES.
They scream upon seeing The Creature, covered in blood and
carrying the Blind Man's body.
YOUNG HUNTER
What is that thing?! What is that?!
What has it done to my father?!
OLD HUNTER 1
Put him down!! Down!! On the Ground!!
The Creature obeys. Gets up, hits the hanging lamp- he
laughs.
A MUSKET SHOT rips his throat.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 116.
CONTINUED:
Old Hunter 1 embeds a scythe deep into The Creature's
clavicle.
The Creature RIPS THE JAW off Old Hunter 1! And then
staggers away-
EXT. MILL HOUSE / PORTICO - NIGHT
The Creature walks in the snow- removes the scythe, leans
against the PORTICO to the cabin-
They shoot at him- splintering the wooden post.
He turns. One final shot- in the head.
The Creature's breath grows shallow. Steam escapes from an
open throat wound and his forehead.
CREATURE (V.O.)
A strange calm came over me- and
pain left... the snow and the
silence became one- my breath slowed
down... And I surrendered to the
benign indifference of the snow...
He looks into the night sky- and sees the moon, being
crossed by a passing cloud.
The Creature extends his hand. THE MOUSE is nearby-
-finally, it approaches The Creature- climbs on his hand.
The Creature smiles and dies.
CUT TO BLACK:
CREATURE (V.O.)
There was silence again- and then...
again... merciless... Life-
EXT. PORTICO - DAY
A wide shot.
The Creature is blanketed in snow. Covered. Almost
indistinguishable from the ground. And then-
He WAKES UP!! Gasping for air... And understands that he
cannot die.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 117.
CONTINUED:
CREATURE (V.O.)
How long did I die for- I do not
know, but I saw my injuries
healed... the cold winter air
stinging my lungs- everything
around me was absence- and the
moon floated indifferent above
me... I felt lonelier than ever...
His throat has a jagged scar. His forehead is closed.
CREATURE (V.O.)
Because for every man there was but
one remedy to all pain: death--
(beat)
A gift you had too denied me.
He tries to speak. Only grunts- He gets up... Looks at the
moon. Raises his arms!
CREATURE (V.O.)
Envy rose within me and decided to
demand a single grace from you, my
creator...
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
CREATURE
I would demand a companion...
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 118.
SUPER: PART III: FATHERS AND SONS
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Embracing Change
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - FOYER - DUSK
William in a pale pearl gala suit, moves nervously amongst
the GUESTS.
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - LEOPOLD'S BEDROOM - DAY
Victor lies in bed.
He is half-dressed for a party-
The fireplace roars!!!
THE DARK ARCHANGEL APPEARS!! VICTOR RISES-
THE APPARITION REMOVES ITS FACE- revealing a GRINNING
SKULL!!
A KNOCK- Victor awakes! William enters the bedroom.
WILLIAM
You better get up, Victor... The
Wedding will start soon and I want you
by my side...
VICTOR
Hard to believe... but for your kind
nature...
WILLIAM
I love you Victor. But do not think me
without turmoil or ache.
(beat)
The law has cleared you- a few guests
have spoken to me about the inquest-
about the explosion... but the majority
accepts it for what it was...
VICTOR
And what was it, William-?
WILLIAM
The past, Victor. A terrible accident-
Victor nods, and uncovers his legs- or rather- leg. He is
missing one. He places a prosthetic one on top and ties it
to his vacant stump.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 119.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
I still feel it- it hurts- even itches-
but it's not there anymore...
William lovingly helps him with the prothetic leg- ties the
leather strap for him.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
All of my life I thought I was protecting
you, brother... But it is clear to me
that it was the other way around.
WILLIAM
I intend to sell the estate, Victor- it
is a burden that neither of us want. A
cold marble mausoleum.
Victor is moved. He nods.
WILLIAM (CONT'D)
There is no life here... no future- I
should have let it crumble a long
time ago.
(beat)
I need a life of my own. And
Elizabeth will give me that. With
Harlander gone- all we have is each
other. I will share the profits with
you and we will both be free of this
edifice of sorrow.
Victor EMBRACES William. Tenderly.
VICTOR
You- you are indeed the kindest man I
ever met, my brother. And I love you.
OUTSIDE, snow falls: WINTER again.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Wedding Tensions
EXT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - GARDEN - DUSK
CARRIAGES and GUESTS are arriving at the Villa in
preparation for William's wedding. SERVANTS greet them.
The Creature is watching from the forest. In his hand: The
BURNT LETTER with the address.
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - MOTHER'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Elizabeth is being dressed by TWO MAIDS- they leave.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 120.
CONTINUED:
We recognize the room- it is the room that formerly belonged
to Victor's mother.
Victor knocks on the door- he enters.
ELIZABETH
It is bad luck to see the bride, Victor.
VICTOR
Only for the groom... not for me...
(beat)
Elizabeth- I rarely felt remorse
before- but now... I feel little
else. A fever held me, for so long-
but it has passed... for whatever it
is worth: I see you and my little
brother- whom I love more than life-
as I should.
(beat)
I wanted to say that... I wish you and
William, the very best.
She regards him thoroughly and then-
ELIZABETH
You may like to believe you do- but- I
dread to even hear you say it...
(beat)
On my wedding day I ask you but for a
single grace: no more lies...
VICTOR
I would like to say-
She SLAPS HIM.
ELIZABETH
Leave my chambers. Now.
He leaves the chamber.
She opens a small bible once alone and - in it- the pressed
LEAF The Creature gave her in the cell.
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - HEAVEN AND HELL ROOM - NIGHT
Lit by candlelight- Victor moves through it, heading for his
room- muttering in rage.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 121.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Confrontation in the Shadows
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - LEOPOLD'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Victor ties his bowtie in the mirror- he hears a NOISE-
A window is open.
The wind blows all the candles.
SNOWFLAKES enter the room.
A quiet, tense prelude to tragedy.
Victor heads towards the window, slowly-
Closes it.
VICTOR
Step out of the shadows if you are
here...
A NOISE.
He turns:
The Creature stands there, in front of his creator.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Mm-hmm. Are you here to thank me...?
Obviously I made you rather well- you
survived. And I made you intelligent
enough that you found your way here-
(beat)
Well- you are welcome...
CREATURE
I need you to make- a companion- for
me- like me...
VICTOR
Oh- I see- another monster.
CREATURE
Yes. So we can be monsters- together.
Victor thinks- and he simply says:
VICTOR
No. No-
He looks at The Creature.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 122.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR (CONT'D)
I have found sanity at last- at such a
cost- and you- here- you are madness-
calling me back.
CREATURE
You must. I cannot die- and I cannot
live- alone-
Victor goes to a DRAWER and SLIDES IT OPEN: in it a GUN.
VICTOR
Well- I will not do it. I'd rather be
killed than surrender to the same
darkness I did before... I am broken-
I gave you life and died inside.
(beat)
I created something horrible- and paid
the price.
CREATURE
Not something. Someone.
(beat)
You made Someone. Why? I do not know.
You gave me no reason nor offered
meaning... but me- whatever puzzle I
am. The answer is- Me! I think- I feel-
and- horrible as I may be- I have but
this sole petition, creator... even
beasts have a mate. Why should I be
alone?
(beat)
Let me feel gratitude towards you for
this sole reparation, creator-
(beat)
Make- One- Like- Me-
VICTOR
And then- what? Reproduction? Death
begetting death- a dance of caskets
and grey flesh- pressed against grey
flesh- a home? A grave? Obscenity
perpetuating itself?
CREATURE
I am obscene to you. But to myself- I
simply am.
VICTOR
No- no- and with my dying breath: NO.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 123.
CONTINUED: (2)
CREATURE
Then... It is all still about your will,
is it not? That horrible, horrible will
that birthed me and condemns me now.
The Creature throws him around- violently.
CREATURE (CONT'D)
The miracle is not that I would speak-
but that you would ever listen.
(beat)
You only listen when I hurt you. So-
we will talk-
He tosses him again. He crashes through the bedpost and
against the glass of his Father's HUNTING WEAPONS ARMOIRE.
Exposing rifles and handguns.
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - FOYER - SAME
Below, the Partygoers hear the ruckus. William amongst them-
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Science Fiction"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
A Tragic Embrace
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - MOTHER'S CHAMBERS - SAME
Elizabeth hears the ruckus and turns- she is on the move.
INT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - LEOPOLD'S BEDROOM - SAME
CREATURE
If you are not to award me Love, then
I will indulge in rage- for mine is
infinite...
Elizabeth enters the room. Backlit by the fireplace: A Bride
in white- a beautiful vision.
The Creature recognizes her and takes a step forward-
He hums TRAVERTINE.
She hums it back.
She approaches The Creature-
They embrace gently.
Victor bleeding, on the floor, is horrified.
He lunges for a table and, in the drawer, he finds a PISTOL.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 124.
CONTINUED:
Raises it towards the monster.
Elizabeth sees him and-
ELIZABETH
No- no-
Victor fires!!
She pushes the creature away! Takes the bullet herself!!
The Guests BREAK DOWN the door.
WILLIAM
Elizabeth!!
VICTOR
He attacked her- He attacked her!!
A few Guests and William charge at the Creature- who pushes
them back, tossing them- flinging them off- snapping them
loose!! William stumbles and hits the wall- cracking his
head- staining the floor with his blood.
The Creature picks up Elizabeth and leaves.
Victor turns, approaches William- injured fatally.
EXT. FRANKENSTEIN VILLA - STONE STEPS - NIGHT
The Creature takes Elizabeth's body down the majestic stone
steps-
DOZENS OF GUESTS watch as he goes-
The Creature carries Elizabeth towards the snow-covered
mountains.
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
The Accusation and Isolation
INT. FRANKENSTEIN'S VILLA - LEOPOLD'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
VICTOR
You're wounded. You're losing too much
blood-
WILLIAM
No. Let me- I do not want you near.
Victor examines William's wounded head- OOZING BLOOD with
every heartbeat.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 125.
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
I can save you.
WILLIAM
Save me-? From what- You? All is gone-
(beat)
And I fear you, Victor.
(beat)
I always have.
(beat)
Everyone does.
(beat)
There is not a trace of compassion in
your mind, is there?
(beat)
You took Elizabeth from me. Let me go
with her... for I have nothing left to
stay for... You finally took it all.
VICTOR
I did not- He did.
WILLIAM
Every ounce of madness and destruction-
the very conflagration that devoured it
all- all came from you... Father feared
you- did you know that? Did you? You and
you alone remain the monster.
William exhales- dies. The BLOOD PULSATES ONCE MORE, and the
torrent dies.
Victor gets up. Everyone in the room watches him in horror.
VICTOR
Come with me- we will follow that
creature- come with me and we will
hunt him!
Everyone recoils away from Victor- horror in their faces.
He is the monster now.
He goes to a cabinet and takes a rifle and bullets.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Tragedy"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
A Tragic Confrontation in the Mountains
EXT. CREVICE / THE MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
The Creature carries Elizabeth, injured, in his arms-
A trail of scarlet blood leaves a tracery on the Virginal
white snow. Snowflakes flurry in the air.
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 126.
INT. CAVE - NIGHT
The Creature embraces Elizabeth. Blood pools between them.
He sings TRAVERTINE to her.
She caresses his face.
CREATURE
The warmth of your blood escapes your
body- my fingers, my hand, my will-
can do nothing to stop it... and our
encounter is thus doomed- brief- so
brief...
ELIZABETH
My place was never in this world.
Like you... I sought- and longed for
something I could not quite name...
but in you, I found it. To be lost
and to be found- that is the lifespan
of love. And in its brevity- in its
tragedy- this has been made
eternal...
(beat)
Better this way. To fade... with your
eyes... gazing upon me...
She exhales.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Nothing goes away... we all remain...
They embrace.
EXT. CREVICE - DAWN
The SUN rises- suffusing the MIST with a golden glow. Victor
follows the footsteps to the CAVE ENTRANCE.
INT. CAVE - DAWN
Victor enters the cave.
The moving rays of dawn fall upon the inert Elizabeth.
Victor puts down the rifle and contemplates-
- Her frozen face- eyes frosted, fixated upon the ether.
The SUN bathes the beautiful maiden, encased in crystal.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 127.
CONTINUED:
Now free.
CREATURE (O.C.)
She is gone. And I long to follow-
Victor turns, The Creature comes out of the darkness and
pins him against the rock.
VICTOR
Kill me- kill me now-
CREATURE
No. You gave me life unwanted- I give
that back to you. You thought me a
monster- I will return the favor-
what should you lose? Your beauty?
He crushes Victor's nose with a flick of his thumb. Victor
screams!
CREATURE (CONT'D)
Silence your mouth- full of lies-?
He puts his hand in Victor's mouth and cracks three molars-
Tosses them to the floor.
CREATURE (CONT'D)
I will make you mute- I will make you
humble-
(beat)
You are my creator, but I am your master.
Like me- you will curse the hour of your
birth. Alone and alive you will stand
until I destroy you- or you unmake me.
He releases Victor and moves away.
Victor grabs his rifle and follows- panting-
He pauses at the mouth of the cavern. Steps into the mist.
EXT. MOUNTAINS - DAWN
The Creature waits for Victor.
Victor spots the distant figure-
He turns and heads for the mountains- Victor chasing after
him-
He aims and shoots three times!!
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 128.
CONTINUED:
But The Creature does not topple.
Victor ascends, following the trail of blood.
CREATURE (V.O.)
You followed me- past the forests- past
the mountain- past frozen horizon...
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
The Creature looks at Victor.
CREATURE
Until there was nothing left-
(beat)
Just the cold and you... and me...
Genres:
["Gothic Horror","Tragedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Descent into Despair
EXT. WINTER OUTPOST - NIGHT
A lone outpost in the middle of nowhere.
SLEDS OF DOGS and CARRIAGES with PELTS are parked outside.
A Figure crosses and enters-
INT. WINTER OUTPOST - NIGHT
MANY TRAPPERS and HUNTERS seek refuge around POTBELLY STOVES
and a COUNTER BAR. A few HUSKIES huddle around.
Victor (haggard and emaciated, dressed in FURS and LEATHER)
approaches, places his rifle and revolver on the counter. He
is poured a shot of whisky. He refuses it-
VICTOR
Ammunition, canned milk- firewood-
and six sticks of dynamite.
OUTPOST CLERK
Six? What are you hunting?
VICTOR
Big game-
Victor throws a few GOLD COINS- and his three molars-
VICTOR (CONT'D)
I need my dogsled ready at dawn- dogs
fed- I'm moving North-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 129.
CONTINUED:
OUTPOST CLERK
North? This time of year?
(beat)
You will not make it back.
Victor picks up his molars.
VICTOR
I know.
OUTPOST CLERK
Take a bible, Brother- they are free.
VICTOR
I'll take the dynamite instead.
EXT. FROZEN LANDSCAPE - DAY
Victor crosses a large frozen extension - the sun, high in
the hazy horizon.
A DESERTED LANDSCAPE of SNOW...
EXT. NORTH POLE ESPLANADE - DUSK
A small TENT, ILLUMINATED from inside.
Outside, next to a flickering bonfire, the sled and dogs are
being tied to a stake in the ground by Victor. He coughs-
bad.
He spots The Creature in the distance. The DOGS are barking.
Victor enters the tent-
INT. TENT - NIGHT
Victor loads a pistol, puts his rifle by his side. Waiting.
POV: The light outside flickers.
Victor cocks the hammer on his gun, slowly.
FOOTSTEPS.
Victor suffocates a cough.
Through the opening in the tent- wind enters. Victor peeks-
A SHADOW - Victor fires six times - a SCREAM!
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 130.
CONTINUED:
Through the bullet holes- he peeks. Nothing-
SUDDENLY- BAMM!!! THE EYE of The Creature is visible.
Victor recoils- shoots his rifle at an arm coming through-
flesh and bone torn off by the TWIN BARRELED discharge!!
He eyes his satchel with the dynamite.
Suddenly, two hands snatch his legs and pull him brutally
out of the tent.
He is dragged. He barely manages to grab the satchel!
He upturns the oil lamp!!
EXT. ICE ESPLANADE - NIGHT
Victor sees The Creature, dragging him.
The dynamite is dropping out of the open satchel. Victor
manages to save one stick- the last one.
He fishes the matches outside of the Satchel.
The Creature stops- turns.
CREATURE
Vic-tor: WHAT are you doing?
He snatches the dynamite from Victor's hand.
Twists Victor's WOODEN LEG, with a loud CRACK! The brace
sinks into Victor's skin and causes him great agony-
Victor pulls out his KNIFE - stabs the Creature in the leg-
BAMM! And he is ready to strike again, when-
-his creation- takes the blade-
CREATURE (CONT'D)
"...And in the end the proud young man
could never find his missing hand..."
-and crushes Victor's right hand.
Victor falls to the ground, in pain.
CREATURE (CONT'D)
"...It turned to stone, his fortune
gone, he lost his pride- he lost his
land."
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 131.
CONTINUED:
The Creature sinks the Knife into Victor's SHOULDER- THUNK!
The Creature fetches the dynamite. Victor pulls the knife
out- bleeding.
CREATURE (CONT'D)
You- put your faith- in this? This?!
(beat)
You- think- this- will unmake me?
The creature takes the bag- the rest of the sticks of
dynamite- and matches. He hands them to Victor.
CREATURE (CONT'D)
Light it then. And hope it does.
(beat)
But if it does not, I will come for
you- again! And make you regret it.
(beat)
Light it... Light it!!!
Victor obeys. Trembling and covered in blood.
The Creature embraces the dynamite as if it was a baby- a
prize- a cherished possession: tight upon his chest.
Victor crawls away and then gets up- limps away. Arm
dislocated and bleeding, artificial limb almost entirely
loose.
The Creature is engulfed by the EXPLOSION. A CRATER forms.
But- when the smoke clears: The Creature rises again: ONE
EYE SOCKET is empty- His chest, jagged with wounds-
One of his hands with EXPOSED knuckles points at Victor:
CREATURE (CONT'D)
Now- run-
EXT. ICE ESPLANADE - NIGHT
Victor escapes- runs and runs and runs: HE FALLS DOWN A
SMALL MOUND.
His wooden leg has broken off almost entirely- causing him
great pain.
Panting- coughing- he passes out-
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 132.
CONTINUED:
CREATURE (V.O.)
So- there you were- broken and
discarded, and I- alive- again-
(beat)
I felt a despair- so profound- a
loneliness that crushed my soul- I
could feel my singed flesh regrowing-
the crackling of my bones- resetting-
the murmur of my blood- pumping
through my merciless, incessant heart-
thump- thump- thump- never in silence-
horribly alive-
(beat)
And once more, finding no mercy- I had
but one burning path- the path of rage...
The creature HOWLS!!! Then rises from the smoldering ice-
and spots the TORCHLIGHT- HEARS THE MEN'S VOICES. Rises-
SCREAMS!!!
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Reconciliation at Dawn
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - DAWN
The Creature's narration has ended.
CREATURE
And here we are- spent and done- no
more in us... to give or take-
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
The blood outside the tent...
CREATURE
Mine... All mine... I will bleed,
ache- suffer- it will never end-
Victor weeps, quietly at first, but then barely able to
contain a tremor on his chest he cries- and takes the
Creature's hand- tenderly, for the first time.
VICTOR
I am sorry- I am so terribly sorry...
CREATURE
Are you...?
VICTOR
More than I will ever be able to
express or atone for. Clarity comes to
me as I depart- and I regard my life
for what it was: blind obedience to my
pride...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 133.
CONTINUED:
Captain Anderson listens to this.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Regret consumes me... And I am- so very-
very sorry... and I wish- I wish- I wish-
The Creature looks away for a moment-
CREATURE
You will go now, Creator- fade away-
leave this world unchanged by your death-
or my life.
(beat)
It will all be but a moment: My birth,
my grief, your loss...
(beat)
I will not be punished- or absolved.
(beat)
What hope I had- what rage I had- they
will be unaimed without you. I will be
barren. The tide that brought me here-
will now take you away and I will be
stranded.
VICTOR
Forgive me. My son... my victim.
And it is this word that stabs The Creature's heart- a
mortal wound- a spirit pierced- tears flow freely now...
VICTOR (CONT'D)
And smile at me, for once, please... and
if you have it in your heart: forgive
yourself into existence... as will I...
(beat)
For we are as much the other as we are
ourselves. Perhaps even more... you are
me, and I am you: Both bereft... as we
all are-
(beat)
So look at me as the father I never
knew how to be- for all that will
remain of me in this world... is you-
Holds the Creature's gaze.
VICTOR (CONT'D)
And if death is not to be, then consider
this, my son- while you are alive- what
recourse do you have... but to live?
Captain Anderson listens- moved.
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 134.
CONTINUED: (2)
VICTOR (CONT'D)
My breath leaves me now- my pulse is
but a murmur... and all I need to take
with me is your forgiveness. Do not let
go of my hand- and pray look into my
eyes. Say my name- my father gave me
that name- and it meant nothing... Now
I beg you to give it back- to me- one
last time...
(beat)
The way you said it at the beginning of
our time- when it meant the world to you.
The Creature caresses Victor's cheek gently- a single stroke-
CREATURE
Victor- I forgive you- Father- I forgive
you. Rest now, we can both be human now.
And, with that, Victor's eyes grow vacant. He exhales, and
the Creature growls- a low, guttural sound-
A sound that bypasses words and notions of humanity, to
express a profound, unfathomable loss.
He kisses Victor gently and then stands up. Captain Anderson
moves aside-
Genres:
["Drama","Tragedy"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
Dawn of Liberation
EXT. SHIP'S DECK / FROZEN LANDSCAPE - DAWN
The Creature steps out-
The MEN recoil- ready their arms!
Anderson stops Larson from taking action.
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
No. Let him go...
The Creature steps onto the snow- turns to the ship. Looks
up at Anderson.
And PUSHES the ship from the bow.
FREEING IT from the ice!! Sending it back to the OCEAN.
EVERYONE on board peers over.
The Creature turns and walks away...
(CONTINUED)
FRANKENSTEIN - Final Shooting Script 135.
CONTINUED:
LARSEN
(In Danish)
Sir- what are your orders?
CAPTAIN ANDERSON
(in Danish)
Man the sails. We turn around.
EXT. FROZEN LANDSCAPE - DAWN
The Creature stands alone in the wasteland. He crests a
small slope- The NASCENT SUN touches him with its dim rays.
He feels it- in his face and hands, and starts walking
towards it- increasing his pace bit by bit- tears rolling
down his cheeks-
CREATURE (V.O.)
Nothing goes away... We all remain...
Hitting a stride just as the sun explodes on the horizon.
The light brings with it, exhilaration, and now the Creature
is running-
Running for the pure pleasure of it. In the world. Alive.
Alone.
He runs even faster- freer than he has ever been. Until his
figure is swallowed by the storm and the impossible,
eternal, bloom of the sun.
"And thus the heart will break, yet brokenly live on.”
-Lord Byron.