The Bride of Frankenstein

Rating:
Summary: Greatest Horror Movie
Review: James Whale will be remembered for centuries because of this fiendishly brilliant piece of Halloweenery. Mixing archtypal emotion with razor wit results in a story far beyond camp and pathos. This film is so brimming with invention that it hardly leaves the viewer time to catch a breath before the next startling scene commences. It's hard to believe there's any horror fan out there that doesn't know this flick by heart, but if you haven't seen it for a while, you owe it to yourself to treat yourself again.

Rating:
Summary: The Masterpiece of the Universal Classic Horror Films
Review: It is interesting to note that James Whale was not in favor doing this sequel to "Frankenstein." He surpassed the original film with a unique style of comedy mixed with horror influenced from Leni's "Cat and the Canary." There are many symbolic references comparing the monster to Christ.
Ernest Thesiger is brillant as Dr. Pretorius (His greatest role)! His devilish character intruding on the newlywedded Dr. Frankenstein, and corrupting the monster to do his bidding.
I was disappointed with the film's predictable "happy" ending. It would have been better to have had more footage of the monster with his "bride."
This DVD is a must have for any fan of the Great Universal Films.

Rating:
Summary: Here comes the Bride.
Review: Greatest sequel ever made. (Yes, including *Godfather 2* -- the *Godfather* films are about equally good. *Bride* is light-years ahead of the original *Frankenstein*.) The movie is only 75 minutes long, but is stuffed with so much rich detail and highly original characters that it seems about 45 minutes longer. As was pointed out in an earlier review, the sequel works so well because it really is a continuation of the story, rather than a regurgitation of the first movie: the author herself, Mary Shelley, even recaps the first story and launches the next part for our benefit. Soon enough we find out the Monster hadn't died at the hands of the lynch mob . . . and thus the fun begins. But, as Dr. Pretorius says, There have been developments: in this movie, the Monster kills, but he also talks, finds (briefly) friendship, and even hungers for things like nicotine and romantic love. Then there's the Bride herself: Elsa Lanchester in one of the most famous bit parts in movie history. I've heard complaints that she isn't in the movie long enough, but I think director James Whale knew what he was doing: any further exposure to the Bride would only have made her more familiar -- and familiarity doubtless would breed contempt. Whale is not above going for pathos, either: the blind hermit scene remains deeply moving without irony. But what really makes this movie great is the subtle, subversive sense of humor throughout . . . personified by the brilliant Ernest Thesiger as Dr. Pretorius. This guy makes Colin Clive's Frankenstein seem like Marcus Welby. All in all, you can take *The Bride of Frankenstein* anyway you want to: straight horror . . . individualism vs. conformity . . . subversive attack on religious institutions . . . whatever. Have a good time with it. By the way, Universal is rapidly becoming my favorite DVD people (2nd to Criterion, natch). This is very nice DVD: good sound (well, the best you can expect from a movie almost 70 years old), very good picture, and an entertaining 30-min. documentary that's half Making Of, half historical context. Essential purchase for movie lovers.

Rating:
Summary: Art Masquerading as Camp
Review: "The Bride of Frankenstein" has less in common with films like "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" than it does with those made by von Sternberg and Dietrich (a la "The Scarlet Empress") in relatively the same era. Both "Bride" and these use their genre along with an excessive amount of bizzare, campy aesthetics to strangely both mask and accentuate a series of profoundly artful, but socialy unacceptable ideas. Like Murnau with his horror masterpiece "Nosferatu" before him, it is often speculated that director Whale used "Bride" as a way of expressing his otherwise suppressed homosexuality. Through this the film gains a very uneasy atmosphere, which can certainly not be attributed to a scary monster. Someone (the name escapes) once said that the greatest enemy of art is the absence of limitations. "The Bride of Frankenstein" slyly proves this.

Rating:
Summary: Tip the hat to Mary, then run the other direction
Review: Looking in the credits, you will see that Universal Studios does mention that the movie was inspired by the book by Mary Shelley in the early 1800s. Oddly, it does not mention the title of the book.

As a further homage to Mrs. Shelley, the first part of the book is a re-enactment of the famous meeting, with Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, and Mary Shelley, where the story was created. The homage is odd. First, they were not the only ones there, and second, Byron seems to have a propensity for rolling his r's. Nevertheless, this homage leads you to believe that this is how the book goes.

It is correct that the book covered more than was covered in the first movie ("Frankenstein"), but there are differences. For instance, this movie seemed to have a bit more comic relief in it than the first movie. Perhaps, the early audiences were too scared and the studio added some light-hearted moments. The first of the comic relief is the character of Minnie (think of Cloris Leachman's character in "Young Frankenstein" but with a higher-pitched and an annoying voice). The second is the creations of Dr. Pretorious (which was created for this film, he does not exist in the book). These are miniature people who scamper around in their jars for a few minutes of the film. Lastly, the burgomeister seems to be more of a lampoon of an English gentleman.

There is some overlapping with "Frankenstein" at the beginning. In "Frankenstein," the Baron was still alive and with the couple for the marriage. Here, is no where to be seen.

This movie has the scene with the Monster meeting the old hermit, but the hermit does not have a family. The monster learns to speak here, but not at the level he did in the book. The monster wants a mate, but here, Dr. Frankenstein does not destroy it. There are more differences, but this will suffice without spoiling the movie.

I would recommend this movie, and it should be watched after you have watched "Frankenstein." Ideally, the comic relief would not be there, but it still is a good movie.

Rating:
Summary: Who ever said the setting wasn't important.
Review: I thought The Bride of Frankenstein was a great movie. It's nothing like horror films today but it doesn't have to be to still remain a great film. The movie wasn't exceptionally terrifying but it was a very interesting with a good story line and a great cast.
I think the setting added a lot to the film and created an eerie, dark ambiance for the movie. The film is centered around the darkness of the night and the thundering storms common to many horror film. However, this combined with the limited and low lighting add to the feeling and help make this movie a true excitement to watch. The many different camera angles and close ups of the characters create a dark appearance on the characters as the shadows deathly covers a majority of the characters. The story would have a different effect without the gothic castles and darkness. If it were taking place in a lighted cottage then the monster's scariness to the people would have decreased and taken away from the movie's excellence and horror.
Dr. Patroleus is a dark man from the moment his character is introduced into the film. All of his actions and words in the way he is portrayed exemplify his evilness making him appear to be a good example of a scientist gone mad.
I liked how the movie begins. With only knowing a little about the movie and plot I was able to catch on easily and follow the story as it begins with the author telling a continuation of her story Frankenstein.
The Bride of Frankenstein is a great older movie and a fun film to watch.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good
Review: The cinematography is excellent, especially considering the limited technology at the time. The lighting effects and combined with backgrounds create an unsettling mood for many scenes. One of my favorite shots was Frankenstein viewing his reflection in a pond, and becoming terrified. Camera angles combined with a directional light create a haunted look to many of the actors as the shadows become exaggerated on their faces.

The sounds were also an integral element to the mood of each scene. There was often thunder and lightning. The victim screams were shrill. Frankenstein's screams were deeper - like a painful groan. Both screams enhanced the terror in the scenes.

The plot moved swiftly and kept you on the edge of your seat. I recommend the Bride of Frankenstein.

Rating:
Summary: Good Stuff
Review: There are many interesting aspects and themes in the Bride of Frankenstein. The fact that many aspects from Mary Shelley's book, Frankenstein, are incorporated into both this movie and the original, the 1931 Frankenstein, make the two together a compilation of many aspects in the book. For example, the scene in the Bride of Frankenstein when the monster meets and befriends the blind old man. That is something that comes straight out of the book. Another thing in the Bride of Frankenstein that comes from the book is when the monster saves the girl from drowning. It is interesting how these things are incorporated into the movies from the book. The fact that the same actress, Elsa Lanchester, plays both Mary Shelley and the Bride of the monster is a unique casting move by the director.
The use of music is a very interesting characteristic of the Bride of Frankenstein. When the blind man prays and thanks GOd for his new friend, a defilement and blasphemous creation in a religious sense. The music that is played during this scene is none other than a very popular rendition of Ave Maria by Franz Schubert, a song used very often in masses and religious services. When the bride of the monster is finally created, wedding bells are being played. Once she sees the monster she cannot stand the sight of him. The only character in the book or movies who accepts him is the blind man.
Overall, the movie helped set a precedent for horror films. The special effects of the creation of the bride and the machinery used in that creation are truly far ahead of their time. Nothing like that was seen in movies at that time. It is truly a classic movie.

Rating:
Summary: "The Bride of Frankenstein: a worthy classic"
Review: I am not a monster-flick lover. In fact, when we decided to watch the Bride of FRankenstein in HOnors 200 class, I was less than thrilled. I found, however, that I really enjoyed this film and would recommend that everyone see it at least once.
The thing that impressed me most about this film was the insight into the monster Frankenstein's emotions. It was not just another silly moster movie, but it made a statement about messing with the powers of creation and the effects that it can have on everyone involved. I found myself feeling sorry for the moster, who had no friends. The scene with the blind man was very touching, and demonstrated the monster's feelings and inside.
I was also impressed by the special effects and the technical aspect of the film. I thought that it would be a far-cry from the movies that I am used to watching today. Hoever, the sound and the effects were very impressive.
In short, The Bride of Frankenstein is worthy of it's reputation of a classic, and I believe that everyone should see it at least once.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly Good
Review: When I first thought of viewing "Bride of Frankenstien" I was very doubtful as to how much I would enjoy the movie. I figured that it would be boring and "oldschool" in terms of the cinema industry.
I must now confess that there are some very interesting aspects to the movie and that it is not just a monster running about with mad scientists creating mayhem (yawn, yawn).
When Frankenstein was coming about the cabin in the woods and he hears the violin music and stop because of what it evoked inside of him, and then continues to be friends with the blind occupant of the cabin, there are some interesting points being made. Themes of seeing and being blind along with judgemental responses from the capablilty of seeing are prevalent. It shows the animalistic side of the humans and there is a touch of irony--who really are the monsters?
Along with those lines, the end further shows how Frankenstein was perhaps more "human" than the villagers.
There is much more to this movie than what meets the eye--and an open mind is a deffinite plus for any viewers that will watch it for the first time.
I enjoyed "Bride of Frankenstein" a great deal, and I highly recommend it to any viewers.