National Theatre at Home: Frankenstein Part 2- Jonny Lee Miller as 'The Creature'
In Part 1 of this post, I wrote my impressions of Frankenstein at the National Theatre, streamed online via a subscription gifted to me by lovely friends. As a housebound person I would highly recommended such a thing even to those that CAN leave the house! Frankenstein specifically warrants a follow-up due to the production's interesting character doubling of the two main roles played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller.
After finding out from @skeletor-n-a-meatsuit that not only is Jonny Lee Miller actually Sherlock Holmes on NBC's Elementary, but a serving NYC firefighter, I obviously needed to educate my husband before the viewing. He then declared that I could say "that is SO SHERLOCK" relentlessly if he could make firefighter puns at every opportunity, and I was forced to agree. He also wished to be informed where the book and play were set, and despite having formally studied the book three times and having seen the play a few days earlier, I only managed "Er... on the continent. Germany-ish?" and "Geneva's in it!" "Oh, Switzerland." he replied. "Yes, but it's not necessarily limited to Switzerland... hmm.. I dunno... I've BEEN to Switzerland. Twice." "So have I!" he said. And then asked me when I'd been.
Both of my times were during the course of our relationship, and whilst he does have a terrible memory, we have been together for a long time and it's a been a bit of a wild ride. I then asked when he had been, and he told me that it was on a school trip. I must have known that at some point, but I'm not sure I ever knew he had windsurfed on the lake. And for some reason I find the idea of him windsurfing really, really funny.
Anyway, we watched the play. Reader, I did not know that quite so many firefighter puns could be made over the first twenty or so minutes of such a production, but I was wrong. I actually managed to avoid saying the word "Sherlock" until Cumberbatch's second entrance, when I suggested that my husband just imagine I was saying whispering "so Sherlock" continuously from that moment on. He agreed that it would go without saying, but after about ten further minutes of arrogance, mad science, social awkwardness and a rather spectacular coat I lost control and had to, lest it be not absolutely clear.
As an English Literature graduate I also felt obliged to telegraph the homoerotic undertones and Victor's seeming lack of passion towards Elizabeth, as any decent literature grad would. Any utterance by my husband of the word "monster" was quashed in favour of "creature" for similar reasons. And I could not help myself but vocally berate Frankenstein for making increasingly terrible decisions one after another. I think part of the reaso I so enjoyed the play is its shift of focus on to the creature, who is significantly less frustrating and frankly much easier to empathise with.
Of course I also pointed out to my husband that the theme of advancing science and technology without thinking through the consequences is ever true today, most obviously in the growing use of AI. I disagree with many of the uses of AI now for various reasons, but we have both used it to make humorous and mildly unhinged cards for each other at short notice. Having recently rewatched a certain film, I joked that AI would surely out pace us intellectually while doing the sultry voice of Scarlett Johanssen - where in fact I think the reality will be far, far worse. My husband replied "at least AI is useful NOW", which is broadly true. Frankenstein, however, didn't even get to exhibit his creature at fairs or anything, what with immediately having abandoned his and provoking his descent into monstrousness- well, a singularly human monstrousness.
Seriously though, the play! Cumberbatch was predictably fantastic in the alternate role of the creator, and Jonny Lee Miller as the creature. Is Lee his middle name? I'm not completely sure. Personally I felt that (Lee) Miller's movements as the creature were not quite as alien and awkward as Cumberbatch's, but, impressive as they were, those may have made his creature appear less human.
Conversely, I found myself pitying Cumberbatch's Frankenstein more, though in some moments he seemed vainer. Whether that was because it was my second go or because I am biased, I am not sure. Admittedly my attention was suffering a little that night, so the additional need to bug my husband and explain what steampunk is only made things worse. However, I am immensely I was able to see both versions and find the character-doubling concept intriguing.
I suppose it remains a mystery whether, were I to rescued from a fire by Jonny Lee Miller, I would scream that I was being grabbed by the creature or creator, or "that bloke I think I might just about know from somewhere." Or, more realistically, just scream.
A fun video:
@a-victorian-girl @ben-locked
