Three Different Hydes

The British TV series Jekyll and the 1971 British film Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde paint very different pictures of "Hyde". In the TV series, Hyde is portrayed as an almost identical version of his counterpart  (Dr. Jackman) although a bit taller with narrow shoulders and a higher hairline. Furthermore, Hyde's behavior can be described as childlike, with desires driven by primal wants. In contrast, Hyde in the film is portrayed as an attractive woman with black hair. Both of these visual interpretations are vastly different than the one described in Stevenson's novel.

Jekyll the TV series portrays this new "Hyde" as another manifestation of the phenomena described in Stevenson's book and the series states that the novel itself was based on truth. Furthermore, Hyde always characterized as a child. Hyde likes child like things such as Mary Poppins and the Lion King. In addition, in an audio note for Dr. Jackman, Hyde calls Dr. Jackman "daddy. This repeated theme of a mature vs. child is eluded to throughout the episode.

The Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde clip shows a "Hyde" brought about a potion that Dr. Jekyll takes. He turns into a woman, and views herself in the mirror examining her breasts. Other guests of Dr. Jekyll believe he is just having an affair with a woman. This alludes to a suggestion that Dr Jekyll is normally known as a proper gentleman and is contrasted with that of something more primal or sexual.

In all adaptations of the Dr. Jekyll and Hyde the relationship is the same. The knowledge of the split self is a secret. Themes of violence and a dark side not controlled by the conscious self is apparent. A monstrous sinister side. In addition the versions of Jekyll in each story follow the same thematic formula, a doctor with a keen drive to synthesize a formula to save oneself only to succumb to "Hyde" or the bad side.

One can question whether
1. Do these three interpretations of "Hyde" all aim to portray the same theme; the battle of duality ,or draw on other views?
2. What is visual significance of the "Hyde"character in the three adaptations and how do they change the significance of each stories true point?

Andrew Stefanick