Frankenstein and The Island: Why Doesn’t Daddy Love Me?

           In the age of advances in technology, mankind has become perpetually self-indulged in playing the role of the ultimate creator.  Humans have been used as test subjects for selfish scientists who seek to alter or control nature.  The movie The Island and the book Frankenstein are representative of such scientific projects that seek to create and manipulate humans, while also showing the negligence and lack of caring of one’s creation.  This lack of responsibility towards creation leads those who are left behind to become awakened to the true nature of their “masters”, thus leading to destruction and misery as a means of finding acceptance.  

            In the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Victor seeks respect and power by creating a monster.  After recognizing his creation, he sees how horrific the creature has turned out and is forced to actually see a mirror image of the internal ugliness inside him.  After the creature feels no love or guidance from his creator, it eventually becomes apparent that the creature was not made to fit into society, thus causing rebellion and destruction.  Similarly in the movie The Island, humans were created as clones to satisfy the selfish wishes of those seeking to manipulate creation.  The clones find out the truth of their creators and they too rebel seeking their true selves and acceptance by society.

            Another similarity between the movie The Island and the book Frankenstein is the desire to have a woman while struggling through the search for love and acceptance.  Frankenstein wanted a mate and the character in The Island desired deeply to have a woman with him while struggling to overcome difficulties.  I believe that both the book and the film subliminally stress the need for a woman and her influence in making the world come into harmony.  The woman completes the cipher of creation by complimenting the male attributes, adding order and balance to creation, and serving as a strong support foundation that is needed for self and human development.