A Storm in the Stars: A Didactic Biopic of Mary Shelley
Aesthetically conventional yet informative and didactic, A Storm in the Stars (released as Mary Shelley in some regions) offers a glimpse into the personal life of Mary Shelley and the genesis of her iconic novel, Frankenstein.
The film centers around Mary Godwin (Elle Fanning), the daughter of a renowned London philosopher, who in 1814 meets the aspiring poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (Douglas Booth). A passionate connection quickly forms between them. However, Percy is unable to propose marriage to Mary, as he is already married with a young son. Despite this, the poet persuades Mary to elope with him. After much hesitation, Mary agrees, a decision that ostracizes her from society.
Note: Although Maisie Williams of “Game of Thrones” is credited as a leading actress, her role is essentially a minor cameo.
Mary Shelley: Beyond the Poet’s Wife
Who was Mary Shelley? Historically, she was often portrayed as the mistress and later wife of a famous poet, who also happened to write a little herself. Today, fueled by feminist perspectives and the transformation of Frankenstein’s monster into a global pop culture icon, Mary Shelley is eclipsing her husband, sparking greater interest. This shift has even led some conservative scholars to promote a “conspiracy theory” suggesting Percy Bysshe Shelley co-authored Frankenstein. However, there’s no compelling reason to doubt Mary Godwin’s ability to create such a groundbreaking work independently.
Note: Director Haifaa al-Mansour is Saudi Arabia’s first female filmmaker, though she now lives and works in the West.
A Feminist Perspective
This biopic, directed by Saudi Arabian filmmaker Haifaa al-Mansour for British producers, wholeheartedly champions Mary Shelley’s perspective. The film not only emphasizes Mary’s talent but also depicts her as a victim of an immoral lover and her own naiveté. Mary is so enamored with Percy that she fails to consider the consequences of becoming outcasts in London society. Their money quickly dwindles, Shelley accumulates debts, and he begins to be unfaithful to Mary, even offering her to his friends, as if free love means complete freedom.
Despite her declarations of disdain for societal norms, Mary proves to be a rather conventional woman who desires a comfortable life to raise her children and is unwilling to share her partner. Yet, she feels trapped and unable to leave Shelley. Even her father, a known advocate for radical ideas, cuts off contact with her. Thus, Mary becomes a hostage to the poet, and her frustration eventually manifests in the classic gothic novel about a forsaken monster.
A Cautionary Tale for Young Romantics
Al-Mansour’s film is both informative and didactic, breathing life into dry literary facts, immersing viewers in the atmosphere of the era, and explaining the origins of Frankenstein. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of associating with certain types of people without a safety net. While the setting is the early 19th century, the film suggests that ill-fated relationships can still cause significant harm today. The issue isn’t necessarily that the lover is a villain, but, as the film suggests, Shelley’s problem was his irresponsibility, egoism, and indulgence in his passions, rather than malice. Percy is a complex character, but that doesn’t prevent him from being a monster in his relationship with Mary.
The film’s straightforward approach suggests that A Storm in the Stars is aimed at romantic high schoolers – “good girls” searching for “bad boys.” It’s an age when the romantic struggles of two centuries ago resonate, and the film’s life lessons are particularly relevant. Older viewers may find the film simplistic, superficial, overly chaste, and lacking in exploration of the intellectual complexities that shaped Mary and Percy’s lives. Furthermore, A Storm in the Stars lacks energy and directorial ingenuity. Overall, it’s a routine biopic, but it’s dramatic, convincingly acted, and potentially beneficial if viewed at the right age, allowing its ideas and warnings to be absorbed.