Among all the unsettling visuals in the acclaimed director's Frankenstein, Dr. Victor Frankenstein played by Oscar Isaac guzzling milk stands out. Rather than the gruesome scientific work or the monster brought to life, the focus is on his odd habit of consuming glass after glass of milk throughout the film.
The Meaningful Use of Milk in Cinema
Having a figure drink the creamy liquid is often a cinematic shorthand to indicate they are villainous or unstable. This trope appears in many films, including the classic Kubrick film to Tarantino's war movie. In the Coen brothers' thriller, Javier Bardem's antagonist sips milk, while in Jordan Peele's horror film, Allison Williams follows suit once her sinister intentions are unveiled. Additionally, in the Star Wars installment, Luke Skywalker drinking unusual dairy signals a major shift in his character.
Image: Lucasfilm/Disney
One notable comparison for Frankenstein is the antagonist from the popular series, whose obsession with milk highlights both his evil nature and childishness. In the same way, Victor Frankenstein's preference for dairy underscores del Toro's view of him as emotionally stunted.
Insights from the Movie's Creative Team
In order to understand the meaning behind this milk theme, this creative team working on the film shared their thoughts. As per cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who collaborated with the director on several films, the reason is simple.
"He's essentially a kid, and he’s therefore pure because he’s drinking the drink," the cinematographer explains. "A typical guy would opt for red wine or another beverage."
Image: Netflix
The costume designer, and she worked on costumes for this film and previous director movies, elaborates on the metaphor.
"Victor is a manchild," she comments. "He is an angry child that’s sort of matured. The dairy is a charming, tasty, little recurring personal ritual. It links him straight back his mother. I appreciate that self-centered, childlike aspect of Victor."
Hawley notes that viewers can see bottles of milk accumulating in the alley outside the character's home early in the movie, as he encounters Henrich Harlander. "This is a constant element."
Image: Netflix
According to set designer Tamara Deverell, who worked on another del Toro film and Frankenstein, the milk ties back to the character's mother.
"He was mother-obsessed," she says. "He was constantly a kid who never grew up, up to he turned into a creator of the Creature. So consuming dairy is somewhat a symbol of adolescence, of being linked to your early years."
Deverell further suggests that the milk may signify more than just Victor's lack of growth. Another interpretation is that it shows his intense drive to conquer mortality through science.
"Victor avoids alcohol," Deverell says. "He's focused. He's a scientist; a physician."
Final Thoughts
Whatever the underlying significance, a key point is undeniable: Following viewing Frankenstein, a glass of milk may not look the same any longer.
Frankenstein can be viewed currently on the platform.
