Jekyll to Hyde: The Transformation

   There are many ways in which the adaptations of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde differ from the book. The versions of Hyde all have dramatically different personalities and characteristics. One other thing that I think it is interesting to look at is how Jekyll's account of his transformation into Hyde from the novel compares to the transformations depicted in the adaptations. In the novel, he describes a juxtaposition of disgust and a fascination and happiness. He knows that the Hyde version of himself is evil and yet he also senses the freedom and possibility that he represents. It's a complex combination that is almost mirrored by the Sister Hyde clip. This adaptation also shows an initial shock and horror as Jekyll sees himself becoming female, but then it also turns into a strange pleasure. Both versions represent an underlying desire to be Hyde that they feel somewhat ashamed to admit. In this way, I think that the Sister Hyde adaptation is closer to the novel than the Jekyll TV series. In the first episode of Jekyll, we see that the transformation is quick and therefore the Jekyll character doesn't really have a chance to portray how he feels about the change. However, by looking at the rest of the episode, we see that Jekyll expresses nothing but contempt toward his Hyde counterpart, and therefore I would infer that he likely doesn't feel the secret desire to express his Hyde side that the other versions show during the transformation scenes. I think that this difference is pretty important and shifts some of the themes of the Jekyll show away from those portrayed in the novel and in Sister Hyde.

Emily Smith