Dear Parents:

As part of our unit of study on Mary Shelley’s gothic novel from the romantic period of literature, Frankenstein, we will be watching both the 1994 movie version, and the famous 1931 adaptation. The purpose of watching both movies is to assist students in developing their critical analytic skills. As detailed on the unit outline, students are expected to examine these movies as interpretations of classical literature, and students will assess the effectiveness of these cinematic interpretations. Given that Frankenstein is a literary classic that deals with unpleasant aspects of the human condition (such as the dangers of pride, lack of compassion, and the disregard for important moral boundaries and limitations), some students and/or parents may be uncomfortable with the viewing of either of these movies. All students MUST show this letter to a parent/guardian; students who return this letter SIGNED by a parent will be allowed to watch either one OR both of these movies. Students who do not have parental approval to watch either movie are not required to watch them; other alternative work will be assigned.

1931 Frankenstein

Contains violent scenes. A grave is robbed. A monster is depicted. A child drowns off-screen. A hunchback is killed. No swearing.

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Parent/Guardian Signature

1994 Frankenstein

Contains violent and disturbing scenes. A woman dies in childbirth. There is a shadowy depiction of the monster’s unclothed body in his own birth scene. Corpses are shown. There is a scene in which Victor and Elizabeth kiss and there is some physical contact fully-clothed. No swearing.

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Parent/Guardian Signature