Why the Actor Drinks Copious Amounts of Dairy in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein: A Detailed Analysis
Among all the disturbing visuals in the acclaimed director's monster movie, the main character portrayed by the star drinking milk stands out. Rather than the gruesome experiments or his monster brought to life, the focus is on this peculiar behavior of consuming glass after glass of dairy during the film.
The Symbolic Use of Dairy in Film
Having a character consume the creamy liquid is often a cinematic shorthand to suggest their evil or unbalanced. The trope appears in numerous movies, from the classic Kubrick film to Tarantino's war movie. For example, in No Country for Old Men, the actor's killer sips milk, while in Jordan Peele's horror film, Allison Williams follows suit once the evil plans are revealed. Additionally, in The Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker gulping unusual dairy signals a major change in his character.
Image: Lucasfilm/Disney
One notable parallel for this film is Homelander from the popular series, whose obsession with the beverage highlights both his malevolence and childishness. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein's preference for milk reinforces the director's interpretation of him as underdeveloped.
Perspectives from the Film's Creative Team
To uncover the significance behind this milk theme, this production group behind the project offered their thoughts. According to cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who worked with the director on several films, the explanation is straightforward.
"He's still a kid, and he’s therefore pure because he’s drinking the drink," the cinematographer explains. "A typical guy would drink alcohol or another beverage."
Image: Netflix
The costume designer, and she worked on costumes for Frankenstein and previous director movies, expands on the metaphor.
"He's a manchild," Hawley comments. "He is an angry kid that’s somewhat matured. The milk is a charming, delicious, small recurring individual ritual. It connects him directly back his mother. I appreciate that selfish, childlike aspect of Victor."
Hawley adds that viewers can see containers of dairy piling up in the street near Victor's home in the beginning in the film, when he meets another character. "It's a recurring thing."
Image: Netflix
According to set designer Tamara Deverell, and she contributed to Nightmare Alley and this one, the beverage relates to Victor's parental figure.
"He was fixated on his mother," Deverell says. "He remained always a kid who never grew up, until he became a creator of the Creature. So consuming dairy is somewhat a symbol of adolescence, of being connected to your childhood."
She also points out that the milk could signify beyond just his immaturity. Another reading is that it shows his obsessive drive to conquer death through science.
"Victor avoids drink," Deverell says. "He's focused. He's a scientist; a doctor."
Conclusion
Whatever the underlying meaning, one thing is clear: After watching Frankenstein, the simple drink may not look the ordinary again.
The film is viewed now on Netflix.
