H.P. Lovecraft's Views on Early 1930s Universal Monster Films

H.P. Lovecraft, the renowned writer of cosmic horror, frequently delved into the supernatural and the terrifying unknown. However, his views on early 1930s Universal Studios monster films, such as Frankenstein and Dracula, were not always as renowned as his literature. This article explores Lovecraft's opinions on these iconic films.

H.P. Lovecraft and Frankenstein (1931)

Of the early Universal monster films, Lovecraft's reaction to Frankenstein (1931) was particularly notable. Upon its initial release, he viewed the film with skepticism, criticizing it for not resembling Mary Shelley's novel in any way. Lovecraft, a devoted admirer of Shelley's original work, had likely set high expectations for the film adaptation. This disappointment stemmed from the stark differences in style and presentation, which he found deeply unsatisfying.

From Disappointment to Enjoyment: Lovecraft and Dracula (1931)

Another landmark Universal horror film that caught Lovecraft's attention was Dracula (1931). His experience with the film was quite different from his encounter with Frankenstein. On a trip to Miami, Lovecraft attended a showing of the film. Contrary to what one might expect, he found the experience rather uninspiring. He quickly became bored and abruptly left before the film had even reached the halfway point. This reaction, though brief, clearly indicates a negative initial impression.

Positive Reactions: Phantom of the Opera (1925) and The Invisible Man (1933)

While Lovecraft's reviews of Frankenstein and Dracula were less than favorable, his opinions on other Universal horror films were more positive. In 1925, he saw Phantom of the Opera (1925) and, despite some initial criticism of its pacing, he appreciated the sheer spectacle of the production. The grandeur and visual splendor of the film undoubtedly captured his imagination.

His final experience with a Universal monster film came in 1933 when he watched The Invisible Man. Initially, Lovecraft thought the film might be ridiculously absurd, given his preconceived notions. However, he was pleasantly surprised. The film's grip on his attention led to a more positive assessment than he had initially expected. The unique plot and the visual effects of the invisible man proved to be more than enough to captivate his interest.

Conclusion

In summary, H.P. Lovecraft's opinions on early 1930s Universal monster films were as diverse as the films themselves. While he was critical of some, like the adaptation of Frankenstein, he found enjoyment in others, such as Phantom of the Opera and The Invisible Man. These reactions provide a glimpse into the minds of both the creator and the consumer of horror, illustrating the subjective nature of artistic interpretations and expectations.

It is through such diverse perspectives that we can better understand the culture and the impact of horror films during that era. H.P. Lovecraft's personal views on these films not only shed light on his artistic sensibilities but also highlight the evolution of the horror genre in cinema.