Review of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) by Landen C — 29 Jun 2008

As an exploration into the nature of good and evil, these movie treatments of the Jekyll and Hyde story are very disappointing.

In the first place, the 'good' in Man seems, in this film, to equate to what I personally consider to be an intolerably fustian decadence, pomposity and self-importance. The bit I hate most is when the father of Jekyll's fiance decides to take her away from him, and Jekyll tells her, "He's only concerned about your happiness." I disagree. I think he's sacrificing her happiness to social convention, and this is portrayed as morality???

Then again, when Jekyll's friend comes upon him in an embrace with Ivy, and describes it as a momentary triumph for Jekyll's evil side, I had to think: if the urge to kiss a woman as beautiful as Ingrid Bergman is motivated by evil, then call me Lucifer!

Also, I wonder why the 'evil' in Man is so often equated with the 'animal.' Are animals evil? I doubt most animal species are capable of moral choice - but perhaps it depends on your definition of evil.