“The Bride of Frankenstein” is, and will always be, considered one of the most classic horror movies of all time. I’m sure that in the 1930’s, this movie was without a doubt scary; but is now, due to far more advanced technology and picture quality, considered laughable. Watching the film for the first time myself, I too began to laugh at certain parts that were probably not meant to be funny; however, “The Bride of Frankenstein,” scary or not, will always be an undeniable classic. But what makes it a classic? I believe that because of the black and white quality of the film, and the fact that Frankenstein will always be known as one of the first major monsters in history, this film will always be considered classic. After all Frankenstein is one of the most recognizable Halloween costumes to this day. Let’s take a closer look at the film itself.
This story begins with many citizens trying to kill the monster, Frankenstein. After Frankenstein was unsuccessfully burned alive, he escapes killing anyone that tries to stand in his way. Meanwhile, Henry Frankenstein (creator of the monster), and who is thought to be dead during the burning of the monster, lives to marry Elizabeth. Shortly after the realization that he is alive, a doctor comes to the house. Essentially the doctor wants Henry to help him create more monsters like Frankenstein, specifically a bride for Frankenstein, because he believes that she will tame him. Henry, knowing how crazy Frankenstein is, is reluctant to help the mad doctor.
While the scheming begins to immense, and the citizens are still out for the monster, Frankenstein finds a friend. His friend teaches him to talk, and behave in a more civilized manner. We also find out in this scene that the monster likes music… a lot. After citizens realize that Frankenstein is in the woods they go after him. It doesn’t take long before the monster escapes from the chains the citizens had put him in, and runs away for the second time. After the doctor finds Frankenstein hiding out in a grave, he uses him to capture Elizabeth and persuade Henry to make him a bride. Now Henry is trapped, and must help the doctor in order to save his wife.
Finally the Bride of Frankenstein is alive; however, once she lays eyes on him, she (much like the citizens) is very frightened. During the excitement, Elizabeth finds her way to Henry and they escape as a fed up Frankenstein destroys the lab, killing not only himself, but his bride and the doctor.
As I watched, I went from thinking that Frankenstein was indeed a monster, to feeling sorry for him. Many things go unanswered. Why couldn’t the monster find anyone, other than the blind man, to care about him? How did Elizabeth escape to find Henry? Why was this tale written? What was the author’s intent? However you feel, this is a truly tragic tale, and will go down in history as one of the best in horror classics.
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I found your review very descriptive and accurate to the film. I would have liked to see more analysis and interpretation as to why is it a "horror classic" or differences between scary in this movie in comparison to a horror film today. I find your writing easy to read and engrossing so I want to know more about what you think about the film. Don't hesitate to put more of yourself into your writing. Believe me, your audience (us), wants to know.
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