Review of Bride of Frankenstein (1935) by Ryan H — 28 Sep 2011
The campyness in the beginning works simply because it doesn't stay campy. I laughed at everything between Lord Byron and the Shelleys. Then you have the woman who runs around screaming about everything.
Once the monster comes on screen, however, things change. It's not comedic because Karloff makes us care for the monster. The entire time he's with the blind man is beautiful. Their relationship sparks simply because he can't see him while everyone screams at the site of him.
Even the monster doesn't like his own reflection. But along comes a man who wants to make another monster with Dr. Frankenstein. Not just any monster, but a mate for the first one. He makes creations of his own, which was seen with the little people in the jars, but he wants to make one that is actually the size of a person.
What's interesting is how they mix together the story of the film with parts of the book. For example, the monster being with the blind man, other being the monster capturing Elizabeth (even though it's done much differently here).
The set is beautiful and so is the lighting. Much of this is thanks to the influence of German Expressionism. Silly at times, yes, but it doesn't feel like it was on accident. They made you laugh while making you care.
How heartbreaking is it the first time the bride looks at the monster? Or when he accidentally burns down the blind man's house? You gotta feel something there.
This review of Bride of Frankenstein (1935) was written by Ryan H on 28 Sep 2011.
Bride of Frankenstein has generally received very positive reviews.
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