Review of Bride of Frankenstein (1935) by Gareth B — 16 Aug 2007

James Whale's The Bride of Frankenstien may at times appear stranger and more mainstream than its predecessor, but in my opinion it more than stands toe to toe. Although giving Karloff's Monster a voice is a bit of a cop out, what it does do is allow the character to grow, further developing the air of pathos that its child like tendancies touched on in the first film.

This time, however, Whale provokes sympathy for his Monster by directly presenting it as a figure of alienation. As a poor misunderstood creature who longs only for some one to relate to but instead finds only resentment and prejudice, even from his own Bride.

It is also pleasing to find that the screenplay is less abrstract than the first by presenting the audience with a human villain to complement the usual angry mob of villagers and prove that the only real monster in this world is society.

A classic in any one's book and a definate source of inspiration for a certain Mr. Burton.