Weird Studies Episode 201 – On James Whale's 'Frankenstein' and 'Bride of Frankenstein,' with Peter Bebergal
Nov 12, 2025
In this discussion, independent scholar Peter Bebergal, known for his works on culture and the occult, delves into James Whale's iconic Frankenstein films. He explores themes like Gnosticism and alchemical creation, contrasting it with scientific methods. The conversation highlights the moral implications of playing God and connects the films' narratives to modern challenges posed by AI and synthetic biology. Bebergal also examines the cultural confusion surrounding the monster's name and draws parallels with Golem traditions and contemporary bioethics.
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Darkness As Active Horror Element
- Expressionist lighting in Frankenstein makes darkness an active, textured force that shapes fear.
- Flashes of lightning and internal light sources focus attention and create metaphysical tension.
Restored Scene Changed The Memory
- J.F. recalls seeing the restored scene of the monster throwing the girl and found it shocking compared to the cut version.
- He says the removed image left an ambiguous darkness that could be in some ways more terrifying.
Two Creation Logics
- Bride's Pretorius uses homunculi to grow life from the inside while Frankenstein assembles parts from the outside.
- This contrasts two creation logics: inside-out (alchemical) versus outside-in (mechanical science).
