Monsters have been a staple of the movie industry since the beginning of cinema. From the classic Dracula to modern-day monsters like Godzilla, these creatures have been scaring audiences for generations. But have you ever stopped to think about the backstories of these famous movie monsters?
In this article, we will take a deeper dive into the backstories of some of the most iconic movie monsters of all time and explore whether they are deserving of our sympathy or just downright scary.
Frankenstein’s Monster
Perhaps the most famous movie monster of all time, Frankenstein’s monster was first introduced in the 1931 movie “Frankenstein.” Created by Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the monster is often portrayed as a mindless killing machine with no regard for human life. However, when you take a closer look at the monster’s backstory, you’ll find that his actions are the result of being rejected by society.
Frankenstein’s monster is brought to life in the movie with a child-like innocence and wonder. But as soon as he steps out into the world, he is met with nothing but fear and hatred from the people around him. This rejection and alienation eventually lead him to lash out in violence, making him one of the most sympathetic movie monsters of all time.
The Wolfman
Another classic movie monster, The Wolfman is both feared and pitied by audiences. Originally introduced in the 1941 movie of the same name, The Wolfman is a man cursed to turn into a werewolf every full moon. While his transformation is nothing short of terrifying, it’s the emotional turmoil his character goes through that makes him so sympathetic.
The Wolfman is constantly fighting against his animalistic urges and the destruction they bring. He knows that every time he transforms, innocent people could be hurt or killed, but he is powerless to stop it. The character’s constant internal struggle is what makes him so relatable to audiences, despite all the carnage he leaves in his wake.
Godzilla
When it comes to movie monsters, Godzilla is the king. First introduced in the 1954 movie of the same name, the giant, fire-breathing lizard has been terrorizing Tokyo for generations. But what many people don’t realize is that Godzilla’s backstory is actually quite tragic.
In the original movie, Godzilla is awoken from his slumber by nuclear testing. As a result, he becomes a symbol of the dangers of nuclear weapons and the destruction they can cause. But as Godzilla’s popularity grew, so did his backstory. In later movies, it was revealed that Godzilla was actually the last of his kind, with all of his fellow monsters having been killed in nuclear tests. This realization makes Godzilla not only a sympathetic character but also a cautionary tale about the dangers of nuclear weapons.
Freddy Krueger
If there’s one movie monster that doesn’t deserve our sympathy, it’s Freddy Krueger. First introduced in the 1984 movie “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Krueger is a serial killer who preys on teenagers in their dreams. While his backstory tries to paint him as a sympathetic character, it’s hard to feel sorry for someone who kills children.
In the movie, it’s revealed that Krueger was a child killer who was burned alive by the parents of his victims. But instead of staying dead, he returns as a vengeful spirit who continues his reign of terror. While the idea of a child killer getting his comeuppance might be satisfying, it’s hard to sympathize with a character who is pure evil.
The Conclusion
Movie monsters have been scaring audiences for generations. But when you take a closer look at their backstories, you’ll find that many of these creatures are more than just mindless killing machines. From Frankenstein’s monster to The Wolfman to Godzilla, many of these characters are deserving of our sympathy. However, there are some monsters, like Freddy Krueger, who are just downright evil.
But whether you sympathize with these movie monsters or not, one thing is clear: they will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come. So the next time you watch your favorite horror movie, remember to take a closer look at the character behind the mask and see if there’s more to them than just a snarl.
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