James Whale’s Bride of Frankenstein, a 1935 classic film, depicts Dr.Frankenstein (Colin Clive) creating a bride (Elsa Lanchester) for his previous creation, under the control of Dr.Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger). Interem, the original monster (Boris Karloff) fears being destroyed by people who do not acknowledge his intent.
I was intrigued by the dark themes and and gothic feel displayed throughout the film. Scenes throughout the flick consist of impressively gripping moments that kept my eyes glued to the screen. The film exhibits the use of brilliant direction and cinematography. The change in lighting and scenery portrays the mood changes of characters. This element helped me to further understand different themes and feelings that are presented. The cast truly took their roles to heart. The realistic actions and body language of the actors completely sold the act. On another note the role of women and views on homosexuality have changed vastly since 1935. With that being said, the feminist views of today’s society would appreciate certain aspects of the film. Bright Lights film journal writes, “The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), in the guise of a comic horror tale, assaults the notion of the sanctity of standard sex roles and “family values.” One downfall to the film is the opening sequence. Mary Shelley sitting in a room with others has no meaning to the events that take place in the motion picture. This scene was completely irrelevant and unnecessary. The whole film summarized guarantees that people will walk away from the screen with a different point of view on humanity.
