Penny dreadful

Penny dreadful is a term used to describe cheap sensationalist magazines published in the 19th century that were popularly read by both children and adults. These pulp magazines featured gruesome stories of true crimes, villains, heroes and supernatural creatures, all told with a sensational twist. The name “penny dreadful” was coined because of their cheap price, which made them accessible to the masses. Although they were popular in their time, penny dreadfuls were often criticized for their gruesome and graphic depictions of violence and horror. Despite the condemnation, penny dreadfuls continue to resonate with people even today.

Recently, the term “penny dreadful” has been revived in popular culture as the name of the Showtime TV series, “Penny Dreadful”. Created by John Logan and produced by Sam Mendes, the show is a revival and reinvention of the Victorian era’s penny dreadfuls, featuring a cast of legendary literary figures such as Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and of course, Dracula. The show premiered in 2014 and has since become a cult favorite, praised for its strong writing, engaging performances, and its ability to evoke the gothic and dark atmosphere of penny dreadfuls.

The show takes place in London in the late 19th century, in a time when the city was plagued by poverty, crime, and disease. Amidst this backdrop of despair and hardship, a cast of characters drawn from various literary works and mythologies inhabit the city. The protagonist, Vanessa Ives, is a psychic who struggles with her psychic powers and her place in society. She is joined by other iconic characters such as Sir Malcolm Murray, an explorer searching for his missing daughter, Victor Frankenstein, the scientist who created a monster, Dorian Gray, the immortal man whose portrait ages instead of him, and many more.

One of the strengths of the show is its ability to create a haunting and unsettling atmosphere that truly captures the essence of penny dreadfuls. The show’s production design is exceptional, creating a dark and brooding environment that is oppressive yet alluring. The performances are also noteworthy, with Eva Green’s portrayal of Vanessa Ives being the standout. Her ability to convey the character’s complex emotions and inner turmoil is what makes her performance so captivating.

In addition to its gothic horror elements, “Penny Dreadful” also explores themes such as feminism, sexuality, and identity. Vanessa Ives is a powerful character who challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. She is a woman with agency, who makes her own choices and is not afraid to stand up for herself. The show also explores sexuality and identity through the character of Dorian Gray, who is depicted as a libertine who is unapologetically hedonistic.

Another noteworthy aspect of the series is its cinematography. The show is shot in a dark, muted tone that creates a sense of unease and uncertainty. The camera angles and lighting often play with shadows, adding depth and texture to the scenes. The use of practical effects in conjunction with CGI is also impressive, with the creature designs being particularly memorable.

The popularity of “Penny Dreadful” has spawned a considerable fan base, with many fans coining the term “Dreadfuls”. In addition to the show, there are also spin-off comics and novels that explore the world of “Penny Dreadful”. The show’s popularity has also contributed to the revival of interest in penny dreadfuls and other Victorian-era horror fiction.

In conclusion, “Penny Dreadful” is a show that is not for the faint of heart. It is a horror series that does not shy away from violence or gore. However, it is also a show that is well-crafted, with strong performances, writing, and production design. It is a testament to the lasting impact of penny dreadfuls on popular culture, and a revival of a genre that still has the power to thrill and terrify audiences.