How do two films, one produced in 1996 the other in 1932, based upon the H.G. Welles novel explore the ethical challenges posed by genetic engineering? What sort of commentary does it provide concerning the slide into morally dubious actions that can be brought about by scientific fascination with following a trail of research? How do the original book’s anti-vivisectionist roots explain elements of the story? How do the book and films provide commentary on the eugenics movement, popular at the time of the writing of the novel? How do the ‘ape man’ hybridization experiments undertaken by Soviet Russia in the 1920s illustrate these concerns, and show real world parallels with this work of fiction? How does the story connect thematically with Joseph Conrad’s story Heart of Darkness, and presuppositions at the root of colonialism of the day? Do the works of H.G. Welles fail to make the transition to successful film adaptations? If so, why is this?

Broadcast on:

03 Sep 2021