Mary Shelley (2017) Movie Review: A Portrait of the Iconic Writer’s Formative Years
Mary Shelley, directed by Haifaa al-Mansour and released in 2017, is a historical drama that delves into the life of Mary Shelley, the renowned author of Frankenstein. The film explores the formative years of Shelley’s life, focusing on her relationships, struggles, and the societal challenges she faced as a young writer in the early 19th century. Starring Elle Fanning as Mary Shelley, the film provides an intimate and dramatic portrayal of the woman behind one of literature’s most enduring classics.
Plot Overview
The film is set in the early 1800s and follows Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (played by Elle Fanning) as she navigates her turbulent teenage years and early adulthood. Mary, the daughter of the famous feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and philosopher William Godwin, grows up in an intellectually stimulating environment but faces significant personal and societal challenges.
The story primarily focuses on Mary’s tumultuous relationship with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (played by Douglas Booth). Their romance, which defied social conventions, is central to the narrative. The film also portrays Mary’s struggle to be taken seriously as a writer in a male-dominated society. As Mary and Percy face various obstacles, including societal disapproval and personal hardships, Mary’s experiences ultimately lead her to write Frankenstein, which becomes a seminal work of gothic literature.
Characters and Performances
Elle Fanning delivers a compelling performance as Mary Shelley. Fanning captures the emotional depth and intellectual curiosity of Shelley, portraying her as a passionate and resilient young woman determined to make her mark in a challenging world. Fanning’s portrayal highlights Mary’s personal and professional struggles, adding layers of complexity to her character.
Douglas Booth plays Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary’s lover and eventual husband. Booth’s performance conveys the charm and ambition of Percy, as well as the challenges of their unconventional relationship. His portrayal adds depth to the film’s exploration of the personal dynamics between Mary and Percy.
Bel Powley appears as Claire Clairmont, Mary’s stepsister and confidante. Powley’s performance provides insight into Claire’s role in Mary’s life and the complex relationships within their circle. Claire’s character adds an additional layer of intrigue and drama to the narrative.
Joaquin de Almeida plays William Godwin, Mary’s father. Almeida’s portrayal adds gravitas to the film’s depiction of Mary’s intellectual heritage and the challenges she faces as a young writer.
Direction and Cinematography
Haifaa al-Mansour’s direction of Mary Shelley is characterized by its focus on emotional depth and historical accuracy. al-Mansour effectively captures the societal constraints and personal challenges faced by Mary Shelley, creating a nuanced portrayal of her life and work.
The cinematography by David Ungaro complements the film’s historical setting with its elegant and atmospheric visuals. The use of period-appropriate costumes and settings enhances the film’s authenticity, while the cinematography highlights the emotional and dramatic aspects of the story.
Themes and Appeal
Mary Shelley explores themes of creativity, defiance, and the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated society. The film delves into Mary’s journey as she seeks to establish herself as a writer while navigating the challenges of her personal life and societal expectations. The narrative emphasizes the importance of creative expression and the impact of personal experiences on artistic work.
The film’s appeal lies in its portrayal of a pioneering woman’s life and work. By focusing on Mary Shelley’s formative years and her relationship with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley offers an engaging and insightful look into the life of one of literature’s most influential figures.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Mary Shelley received generally positive reviews for its performances and historical portrayal. Elle Fanning’s performance was particularly praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. The film’s exploration of Mary Shelley’s life and work added a new dimension to the understanding of the iconic writer and her contributions to literature.
The film’s influence extends to its impact on the portrayal of historical figures in cinema. By focusing on Mary Shelley’s personal and professional challenges, Mary Shelley contributes to a broader appreciation of the struggles and achievements of pioneering women writers.
Where to Watch Mary Shelley Online
For those interested in watching Mary Shelley, it is available on several streaming platforms and rental services:
1. Amazon Prime Video
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $12.99
- Details: Available in HD with options to rent or buy.
2. Apple TV
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $12.99
- Details: Available for rent or purchase in HD.
3. Hulu
- Availability: Streaming with Subscription
- Details: Available as part of the Hulu library.
Conclusion
Mary Shelley (2017) offers a compelling and dramatic portrayal of the life of one of literature’s most influential figures. Directed by Haifaa al-Mansour and featuring a strong performance by Elle Fanning, the film provides an insightful look into Mary Shelley’s formative years and her struggle for recognition as a writer. With its focus on creativity, defiance, and historical accuracy, Mary Shelley contributes to a deeper understanding of the woman behind Frankenstein and her impact on literature.
Q1: How does Mary Shelley portray the challenges faced by female writers in the early 19th century?
A1: Mary Shelley portrays the challenges faced by female writers in the early 19th century through its depiction of Mary’s struggle for recognition and respect in a male-dominated society. The film highlights the societal constraints, personal hardships, and intellectual obstacles Mary faced as she sought to establish herself as a writer and make a significant impact with her work.
Q2: What are the central themes explored in Mary Shelley, and how do they contribute to the film’s narrative?
A2: The central themes explored in Mary Shelley include creativity, defiance, and the struggle for recognition. The film delves into Mary’s journey as she navigates personal and societal challenges while striving to assert her voice as a writer. These themes contribute to the film’s narrative by highlighting the impact of Mary’s experiences on her artistic work and her determination to overcome obstacles.
Q3: How does Elle Fanning’s performance contribute to the film’s portrayal of Mary Shelley?
A3: Elle Fanning’s performance contributes significantly to the film’s portrayal of Mary Shelley by capturing the emotional depth and intellectual curiosity of the character. Fanning’s portrayal adds authenticity and complexity to Mary’s experiences, portraying her as a passionate and resilient figure navigating the challenges of her time.
