Among all the disturbing visuals in the acclaimed director's Frankenstein, the main character played by Oscar Isaac guzzling milk stands out. Instead of his gruesome scientific work or his creation brought to life, it's this odd behavior of drinking multiple servings of dairy throughout the movie.
The Symbolic Role of Dairy in Film
Using a character consume milk is often a visual cue to suggest their evil or unstable. This trope appears in many movies, from the classic Kubrick film to Inglourious Basterds. In the Coen brothers' thriller, the actor's killer sips it, while in Jordan Peele's horror film, Allison Williams follows suit after the sinister intentions are revealed. Even the Star Wars installment, the legendary hero gulping unusual dairy signals a major shift in his character.
Image: Lucasfilm/Disney
One strong comparison for Frankenstein is the antagonist from the popular series, where his obsession with milk emphasizes both his malevolence and childishness. In the same way, Victor Frankenstein's fondness for milk reinforces del Toro's interpretation of him as underdeveloped.
Insights from the Movie's Creative Team
To understand the significance behind this milk motif, this production team behind the project offered their insights. As per cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who worked with del Toro on several projects, the reason is straightforward.
"He's still a kid, and he’s therefore pure because he’s consuming the drink," the cinematographer explains. "Any typical guy would opt for red wine or something else."
Image: Netflix
Kate Hawley, who handled the outfits for this film and previous director movies, elaborates on the symbolism.
"He's a grown child," she comments. "He's an angry kid that’s somewhat matured. The milk is a charming, tasty, small recurring individual habit. It links him straight to his parent. I appreciate that self-centered, childlike aspect of Victor."
Hawley notes that audiences can spot containers of milk accumulating in the alley near the character's apartment early in the film, when he meets another character. "This is a constant thing."
Image: Netflix
According to production designer the artistic lead, and she worked on Nightmare Alley and this one, the milk relates to the character's mother.
"Victor was mother-obsessed," Deverell says. "He remained always a child who didn't grew up, until he turned into a father of the Creature. So consuming milk is kind of a representation of adolescence, of being connected to your childhood."
Deverell further points out that the drink could represent more than just his lack of growth. A different reading is that it shows his intense determination to conquer death through science.
"He doesn't alcohol," Deverell says. "He's focused. He's a researcher; a physician."
Conclusion
Whatever the true significance, a key point is undeniable: Following watching Frankenstein, a glass of milk will never look the ordinary any longer.
Frankenstein is streaming currently on the platform.
