Aside from his endearing, .gif-encouraging mannerisms, there is something undoubtedly creepier about the Hyde character in this adaptation. I though the director made an interesting update to this character, choosing to portray Hyde as a normal, if not more attractive, version of Jackman. By stripping his grotesque mask, Hyde manifests as an uninhibited, cunning man devoid of the fear possessed by the sane. As Jackman continues to mope about town for a cure, Hyde's giddiness and superhuman physical abilities suggest that his demise will not come easily. I think it's interesting to consider the challenge that Hyde presents in defining the characteristics that set him apart from Jackman. In the novel, Hyde is beastly and untamed, but this Hyde takes control of situations with mind games before the inevitable attacks.
I also found the use of the tape recorder as the means of communication to be fascinating. Jackman's fears of his impulses, of his dark side, are worsened with his attempts to withhold segments of information from Hyde. In a sense, Jackman is a deadbeat "father" to Hyde, utilizing his alter ego only as an outlet for his desires. He gives life to this persona, only to fear the satisfaction of these dark desires. As Hyde demonstrates, the attempts to separate the dualistic inner nature of a person are risky if one side can gain a position of power.
1 comment:
Why is there a sign out button where I'm used to a publish button being...Anyways, to sum up what was rudely erased from me, I think it is interesting that in the adaptation, Hyde comes out of his own volition. In the novel, Jekyll has to voluntarily drink the potion, at which point Hyde is enacting Jekyll's "dark desires" without worry of guilt. In the adaptation though, Hyde seems to do what he wants, coming out of his own accord and doing whatever he wants, not really what seems to be Jackman's "dark desires".
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.