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National Theatre Live: Frankenstein poster
7.7 / 10(91 votes)IMDbR20112h 10mUnited Kingdom

National Theatre Live: Frankenstein

Synopsis

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing tale.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

Official Trailer | Frankenstein w Benedict Cumberbatch & Jonny Lee Miller | National Theatre at HomeOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2020-04-23

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

June 6, 2012

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Digital Streaming Debut

April 30, 2020

VOD & Digital Platforms

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Danny Boyle, Tim Van Someren
Screenplay & Story
Mary Shelley, Nick Dear
Original Score
Rick Smith, Karl Hyde
Original Title
National Theatre Live: Frankenstein
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
2h 10m
Production Studios
National Theatre

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Danny Boyle, Tim Van Someren

Screenplay & Story

Mary Shelley, Nick Dear

Original Score & Music

Rick Smith, Karl Hyde

Producers

David Sabel, Emma Keith

Department Leadership Roster

Danny Boyle

Danny Boyle

Director

Nick Dear

Writer

Rick Smith

Original Music Composer

Karl Hyde

Original Music Composer

Tim Van Someren

Tim Van Someren

Director

Emma Keith

Producer

Suttirat Anne Larlarb

Suttirat Anne Larlarb

Costume Design

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

United Kingdom (BBFC)15

Suitable only for 15 years and over.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: Frankenstein.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: Frankenstein.

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National Theatre Live

All productions released by National Theatre Live, UK – either done directly by the Royal National Theatre or other UK venues/producers. [**NationalTheatre.org.uk**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk) / [**NTLive.com**](https://www.ntlive.com) / [**NTatHome.com**](https://www.ntathome.com) (for its US equivalent, see [**BroadwayHD**](https://www.tmdb.org/company/103196-broadwayhd) and site [**BroadwayHD.com**](https://www.broadwayhd.com).) Some productions were filmed _solely_ for their paid streaming channel "National Theatre at Home", and were branded without the "National Theatre Live" posters which those that also screened in cinemas typically got posters with. (plus: There was a 2009 BBC TV series entry titled "National Theatre Live" with the first five filmed productions that featured additional commentary, at #280519, but this was deleted by a mod!) ______________________________________________________________________ • **2024.05.09.Thu: Plays 1-100** - [**nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25) _"National Theatre Live broadcast its 100th title, Nye, live from the Olivier stage. Now buckle up as we’re going to take you on a journey through all 100 NT Lives (you heard that right). From our first to our most recent, join us to recount all the incredible plays that have made it from the stage to the screen – with some fun facts thrown in for good measure!"_ ______________________________________________________________________ **What is National Theatre Live (NTL) & National Theatre at Home (NTaH)?** ([**Wikipedia**](https://w.wiki/9grq)) National Theatre Live is an initiative from the National Theatre (formerly "Royal National Theatre") in London, who record their own plays (and also may do/did some live broadcasts to cinemas too) and other non-National Theatre productions from selected indie/West-End theatre plays in London and beyond in the UK (eg. Chichester, et al.). Unless it's a live cinema viewing, typically once the live theatre run has ended these are then shown in cinemas. NTL cinema audiences are able to view play recordings at cinema screenings in the UK and globally (eg. Australia, Taiwan, et al.), with cinema releases either concurrently (or after an initial cinema release) also released on their paid streaming service National Theatre at Home. NTaH launched in 2020 offering access to over 100 productions, with new titles added monthly. All titles include captions, over 90% available with Audio Description, and a selection available in British Sign Language (BSL). Reaching theatre audiences globally, streaming to over 184 countries, a majority of audiences having never visited the National Theatre's South Bank home, and is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. 2026 research showed 99% of NTaH's audiences are outside London, with over 60% saying filmed theatre options support wider discoverability and increased overall theatre experiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions About National Theatre Live: Frankenstein

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is National Theatre Live: Frankenstein about?

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing tale.

Who directed National Theatre Live: Frankenstein?

National Theatre Live: Frankenstein was directed by Danny Boyle, Tim Van Someren.

Who stars in National Theatre Live: Frankenstein?

The principal cast of National Theatre Live: Frankenstein includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Jonny Lee Miller, Ella Smith, Naomie Harris, George Harris.

When was National Theatre Live: Frankenstein released and how long is it?

National Theatre Live: Frankenstein was released in 2011 with a total runtime of 2h 10m.

Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: Frankenstein?

The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: Frankenstein was composed by Rick Smith, Karl Hyde.

What is the age rating and content advisory for National Theatre Live: Frankenstein?

National Theatre Live: Frankenstein holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).