Who controls life and death? Does a man-made being have rights? Regarded as Gothic sensationalism when first published two centuries ago, Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein explores themes that remain relevant today.
Join Bellingham Public Library, Pickford Film Center and Humanities Washington for an evening of exploring this vivid and thought-provoking work, through a “double-feature” event that includes a free multi-media presentation about the classic novel Frankenstein and a special film showing, both on Tuesday, October 27 at the Pickford Film Center.
6:00 p.m. Oct. 27 – Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Anatomy of a Masterpiece
(Free of charge, tickets available at box office)
Who controls life and death? Does a man-made being have (human) rights issues? Although regarded as Gothic sensationalism when first published – both for its lurid tale of a scientist driven mad by his obsession to animate the dead and for the surprising news that the author was nineteen-year-old Mary Shelley – Frankenstein has resonated widely in the popular imagination, most notably in theater and cinema. Over the two centuries since its publication, the work has also served as a vivid allegory in debates about technology, slavery and universal suffrage. Led by scholar Lance Rhoades, this multi-media presentation and discussion considers how Shelley addressed some of mankind’s greatest concerns with a creation that took on a life of its own. Mary Shelley’s classic novel, as well as related writing and analysis, available in various formats in the Bellingham Public Library catalog.
8:00 p.m. Oct. 27 – National Theatre Live’s Frankenstein
(Paid admission required, prices below)
A special showing of National Theatre Live’s presentation of Frankenstein, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered Creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. Directed by Academy Award®-winner Danny Boyle. Second showing of film scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Tickets: $20 general admission, $16 PFC members and library card holders, $10 students.
For more information, contact Bellingham Public Library at 778-7206 or Pickford Film Center at 647-1300.