All you need is love, right? Unfortunately, no… not if you’re a monster. 1935’s entry into sequels brought our dear Frankenstein’s monster a girlfriend, brought to life by the same unholy actions as he was. Henry Frankenstein can only recoil in utter horror as he is forced to see out the lives of his creations. Enter the Bride of Frankenstein.
It’s funny that Bride is one of those films where the title character doesn’t show up in the film until the end. Yet she still steals the show and is an instant icon not only in the horror-verse, but in all films — a true pop culture queen! Played by the accomplished Elsa Lanchester (who also portrayed Mary Shelley in the same film), the Bride stands up there with the likes of Elvira, Morticia Addams, Vampira, and a host of others.
For the movie itself, Bride is not so much a lesson in finding love, it’s more another cautionary tale about making something you’re not supposed to. Like Frankenstein’s monster before her, the Bride is an amalgamation of different body parts sewn together and electrified into horrid existence. Upon her first breath, she not only is terrified of suddenly being alive, but horrified at the monster (our dear old “Frankie”) standing before her, beckoning for attention. With an unrequited want for affection, Frankenstein’s monster goes on another tirade and destroys the lab, absolutely heartbroken.
Bride though, is not just about the infamous female “Frankenstein,” but two other relationships: those of Henry Frankenstein and fiancée-turned-wife Elizabeth, as well as Mary Shelley and husband Percy Bysshe Shelley. Henry and Elizabeth’s relationship goes from mild inconvenience between 1931’s Frankenstein and 1935’s Bride, with a crazed Henry somehow still trying to solve life’s mysteries and Elizabeth seeing visions of death. Mary and Percy have a better time, reciting stories during the legendary “Year Without a Summer.”
It seems there are three types of relationships depicted here: a wonderful one full of hope and love, one that begs to be destroyed, and one that loves so much that both parties essentially go mad. Bride of Frankenstein is more than just a tale expanding on a manmade monster; it’s a lesson in love and life.
What did you think of Bride of Frankenstein? Let us know in the comments!
