Day 373-Frankenstein by Manual Cinema and City Theatre -Humorous Spooky Cinematic Drive-in Experience

 

During this time of social distancing, City Theatre gives the drive-in a face lift by making it a safe place to go to satisfy a craving to get out of the house and experience live entertainment (see Day 372). In October, City Theatre celebrates Halloween by bringing an inventive production of Frankenstein by Manual Cinema to Hazelwood Green. Manual Cinema  combines shadow imagery, puppetry, special effects and lighting with a live band to tell this classic story from the author, Mary Shelly's perspective. It’s a humorous and spooky cinematic experience.    

The show combines shadow imagery, special effects and more with a live band 

Reflection 

The story of  Frankenstein and Halloween seem to go hand and hand. Manual Cinema’s version uses a silent film with a narrative told by shadow imagery, acting and puppets. It is a cross between a pantomime, a  Charlie Chaplin movie, and a Film Noir movie of  the 40’s and 50’s with sharp contrast of light and dark lighting.

The show opens with the shadow imagery of the author, Mary Shelly, writing and then the shadows transform into a biography of her life leading up the birth of her novel, Frankenstein. 

The film moves into the story of the creature. The animated doctor Frankenstein seems straight out of  a silent film from the 1920’s. The creature, which is part puppet, makes you laugh and pulls at your heart stings.  It elicited several “awes” from my car companion when Frankenstein is abused and miss understood. 

Dr. Frankenstein seemed straight out of a silent film

The narrative is surprisingly easy to follow. Understanding the story, without one spoken word, is part of the unique experience that elicits a feeling of accomplishment. There is excitement in "getting it" just   like that feeling when you solve a puzzle. 

The musicians are just as fun to watch 

The live music, which plays under the cast of blue, green and purple lights, sets an eerie mood and keeps perfect time with the film's action.  The musicians are just as much fun to watch as the film as they were  in constant motion and used objects to create an array of  movie sound effects. 

This production gives Frankenstein a face lift just like City Theatre  gives a lift to the traditional drive-in.  Frankenstein is a safe and unique cinematic experience that is fun and a little spooky.   

(Grab a blanket, dinner  and some popcorn and experience this gothic tale. Frankenstein runs from September 20 to October 18, 2020. Cars can enter at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm. For tickets go to here.)

Other Sources

https://citytheatrecompany.org/

https://manualcinema.com/