31 Days of Halloween #4: The Bride’s Legacy

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
********* (9 out of 10 stars)
Directed by James Whale

Everyone knows that the novel Frankenstein revolutionized fiction and opened the floodgates for a new breed of horror, born not from primitive superstition but from the boundless ingenuity and hubris of man. If Frankenstein’s monster highlighted man’s greed with fire and brilliant electrical bolts, The Bride of Frankenstein took man’s mortal weakness to new heights. It continues to push the narrative of man’s arrogance spiraling out of control, and the undeniable truth that once new ideas take root, they can’t be easily destroyed or hidden again—of course, it doesn’t help that Henry Frankenstein hasn’t learned his lesson.

Doctor Pretorius makes his entrance in this sequel. He’s a bit overzealous, driving the plot forward like a desperate jockey hungry for a big win! His science seems far too advanced, even at a smaller scale, than it should be. Yet, it perfectly showcases his Machiavellian megalomania, as he literally treats life as mere playthings.

From the incredible survival of the original monster, the rekindling of Frankenstein’s mad genius through the sinister influence of Doctor Pretorius, to the final creation of the aberration born from their ambition, The Bride of Frankenstein cements the longevity of Universal’s monster and unleashes the true potential of film sequels.

I have a confession to make; I had never seen this movie until today. How I managed to miss it in all my years of horror fandom, I can’t explain. Now that I’ve seen it, I agree with many critics that this film is a standout piece of work, much more than a simple sequel, but a memorable achievement in the genre. There’s also evidence that Doctor Pretorius may have inspired pulp fiction that followed; there was more than one mad doctor who toyed with his shrunken experiments.

Like Universal’s Frankenstein, this movie has little in common with Mary Shelley’s original novel. However, it stands as a worthy story with its own value, and a shining gem in the Universal crown.

Adding to its brilliance, the film’s cinematography and special effects were groundbreaking for its time. The use of shadow and light, combined with the eerie set designs, created an atmosphere that was both haunting and captivating. The performances, particularly by Boris Karloff as the monster and Elsa Lanchester as the Bride, were iconic and have left a lasting impact on the genre.

Moreover, the film delves deeper into themes of creation and destruction, exploring the ethical boundaries of scientific experimentation. It raises questions about the responsibilities of creators towards their creations and the consequences of playing god. These themes resonate even today, making The Bride of Frankenstein not just a horror classic, but a thought-provoking piece of cinema.

In conclusion, The Bride of Frankenstein is a masterpiece that transcends its genre. It’s a film that not only entertains but also challenges its audience to reflect on deeper philosophical questions. It’s no wonder that it remains a beloved classic, continuing to inspire and influence filmmakers and audiences alike.