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The Bride (1985/I)

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8 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
A Great Gothic Romance-Not a Horror Film, 18 April 2005

Author: aimless-46 from Kentucky

"The Bride" is more Thomas Hardy than Mary Shelley, and more Gothic romance than horror. Director Franc Roddam points out (on his DVD commentary) that he wanted to make a very different version of the old story by eliminating almost all elements of horror; so only the first ten minutes qualify as authentic horror.

Roddam does not discuss the illogic of making a film devoid of the very elements its "target audience" was interested in seeing, but we already know that "The Bride" had a very poor showing at the box office. This target audience disconnect was most likely the cause. Nor does he comment on the failure to market the film to another audience segment; those interested in Gothic period pieces.

It is especially cool that 20 years later the film is finally being discovered by this other audience and they are finding it a beautifully photographed example of their genre that emphasizes story-line and atmosphere over blood and gore.

Even the much criticized casting of inexperienced leads Jennifer Beals and Sting (although both look great in period costume) takes on a different dimension when the film is re-classified into the Gothic genre. Suddenly you see that it was the director who was responsible for the apparent lack of chemistry between the two stars, particularly Beals lack of passion in the scenes they share. Roddam wanted these performances from his actors to advance his story; they are not not a reflection of inexperience or talent limitation. Which is not to say that Sting will ever be mistaken for a great acting talent but Beals has been unjustly criticized for a shallow performance when she simply gave Roddam what he wanted from her character Eva. Eva is only learning how to feel as the film progresses and when the events have all played out you realize that her emotionless attitude was meant to convey the indifference she felt toward her creator.

I highly recommend this movie as Roddam is an excellent stylistic director and has made a very good and very original Gothic romance. The fantastic production design unifies what are two stories as Roddam cuts back and forth between the Baron (Sting) teaching his creation Eva (Beals) while David Rappaport as Rinaldo teaches his other creation Victor, played by Clancy Brown. There is a psychic link between the two creations which will result in a interesting plot twist.

Roddam has created a visually gorgeous film that has held up much better than the 1980's mainstream features that outperformed it at the box office. Don't be scared away by the negative comments, if you know what to expect (gothic romance not horror) almost any fan of films will enjoy "The Bride". I recommend the DVD, it was made from a flawless print and the widescreen presentation really showcases both the top-notch photography and the terrific work of the production designer.

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7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
Eye-candy cinematography, thought-provoking story..., 28 October 2001
Author: Eric-1226 from Seattle, Washington

A beautiful movie! It was really quite lusciously filmed, where everything - the set designs, the costumes, outdoor locations, and luscious depiction of an early 18th century Transylvania setting – are absolutely top-notch, and give the film an almost magical sort of quality. This is "must see" film making.

The movie basically deals with the lives and fates of two living creations of Dr. Frankenstein (played by Sting): one, Viktor, (whom you might think of as "Frankenstein's Monster") is a big scary guy. The other, Eva (played by Jennifer Beals), is a beautiful young woman. Both have been created from spare body parts, and then brought to life by Dr. Frankenstein in the laboratory. There is a storm and a fire, the tower in which the laboratory is housed is destroyed, and Viktor escapes to fend for himself out in the countryside of Transylvania. Eva is taken care of by Dr. Frankenstein who, along with others in the castle, helps to educate the helpless young woman.

That, essentially, is the setting for the movie, and it is told in a surprisingly effective "dual tales" sort of technique. In one story, we watch as Viktor goes out on his own, and meets up with Rinaldo, a sly but very lovable midget (played by David Rappaport). Rinaldo convinces Viktor that the two of them would make a good living by going off to join the circus, and so off they go, getting involved in a couple of amusing scrapes along the way. Eventually they do indeed end up with the circus, where both are mercilessly exploited by the circus entrepreneurs Magar and Bela (played by Alexei Sayles and Phil Daniels).

Meanwhile, back at the castle... We watch how Eva is carefully groomed and schooled in the finest European fashion, and meticulously transformed, Eliza Doolittle-style, into quite the proper upper class young lady.

The movie carefully, and with nicely-timed pacing, switches back and forth between these two stories, and these stories prove to be very enjoyable watching.

I didn't find it distracting whatsoever to see Sting playing Dr. Frankenstein. Sure, they could have found a different and arguably better actor to play the good (?) doctor, but at the time this movie was made (1985) Sting was "the Man" – you know, the dude with the star-power name who could pull in the teenagers. And probably the same could be said for Jennifer Beals, who was still riding high from her recent fame in 1983's Flashdance. They need to fill those seats in the theaters, folks! No, they aren't that bad: don't let that deter you from seeing the movie. (And if you are a Sting fan or a Jennifer Beals fan (and we know how painful THAT can be) then you will be even more delighted with this film).

Oh yes, I said in the summary bar above that this is also a thought-provoking story. Well, basically, both Viktor and Eva are subjected to varying degrees of exploitation by their "benefactors," and one can't help but feel that the movie is an allegory for how the strong exploit the weak. This was especially true back in the days of old, where man exploited man. Now, thankfully, we live in a modern and enlightened age, and it's just the opposite!

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7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
Half good, half not so good, 10 October 2000
Author: mord39 from New York

MORD39 RATING: ** out of ****

This movie is too wrongly maligned. It's at least enjoyable half of the time, since it functions as two different stories which merge together later on.

The best part of the movie regards the adventures of the Frankenstein Monster (well-played by Clancy Brown) and his friendly dwarf companion (the excellent David Rappaport) as they roam the exquisite countryside trying to discover their dreams. When this half of the movie is playing, you can't help but be moved.

Unfortunately, the other half consists of rock star Sting (it hurts me to say this, but I think he makes a good Frankenstein) and the gorgeous Jennifer Beals as his latest creation. They don't add anything to the whole mix, though,, and only get in the way and slow things down. This film could have been quite good indeed had these parts been removed, and the exploits of the monster and his pal been fleshed out.

I think my opinion is a popular one among critics and fans, but one thing is clear: this film is not as bad as some think, and it's in no way intended to be a re-make of 1935's BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN.

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4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
Not a remake, a continuation, 10 October 2001

Author: Nozz from Israel

I don't see this as a remake of _Bride of Frankenstein_ at all. In _Bride of Frankenstein_ the bride is created, rejects the idea of being the monster's mate, and is brought down together with monster, maker, and laboratory. That happens here too, but it's only the beginning and the movie mostly gives us the further adventures of the trio after they have picked themselves up and dusted themselves off.

The bride on the one hand is groomed to be a woman who can achieve anything but is unaware of her origin, though she is does find an ossuary a fascinating place to be. The monster on the other hand is all too aware of his origin but unaware of his potential as a human being. This makes an interesting contrast, but mostly the film is just more of the James Whale sort of thing, for people who like that sort of thing. It's respectful, not exploitative, but not ground-breaking either.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Worthwhile rethinking of a classic film; absorbing and beautiful, if inert..., 28 October 2007

Author: moonspinner55 from redlands, ca

The beautiful young ward of Baron Charles Frankenstein tires of being his student and rebels against his strict tutelage, unaware that she was indeed brought to life by the mad doctor--sewn together from corpses--and that a male counterpart to whom she was intended is roaming the countryside. Director Franc Roddam and screenwriter Lloyd Fonvielle's underrated, well-paced rethinking of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein" hasn't much intrinsic spirit, though it does have lyrical scenes and an absorbing narrative which qualify it as a fascinating misfire. As the Baron, rock star Sting poses sufficiently and glowers moodily, though he's all on one-note; Jennifer Beals is somewhat better as his charge--with feminist leanings--and a number of her scenes (such as her first run-in with a cat, and her dialogue with a derelict traveler) are quite beguiling; Beals however can't escape her ineffectual delivery (a non-musical sing-song), and though Roddam's close-ups of her are very pretty, she doesn't have much going on underneath (it's beauty without mystery). Clancy Brown is the sympathetic star here playing Frankenstein's initial creation, and his relationship with happy-go-lucky dwarf David Rappaport is marvelous. A better film than many critics gave it credit for being, "The Bride" is surprisingly ambitious and yet it isn't paced like a tableaux "epic". Roddam is careful but also spry, and once the plot takes hold, coupled with the handsome settings, it makes for a rather grand experience. **1/2 from ****

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
A Dark Fantasy of a Movie, 19 October 2006

Author: moon110581 from United States

In this wonderful movie, Sting plays Dr. Frankenstein, who after already creating his first monster and finding him disappointing and annoying has decided to create the perfect woman. He's successful in his pursuit, but the first monster, Clancy Brown in a heartwarming role, is chased away after becoming a little to possessive of his new bride.

The monster runs off into the woods and befriends a little person, Rinaldo the Midget, played wonderfully by David Rappaport, on his way to join the circus. He invites the monster along, and gives him the name of Victor. It is from Rinaldo, who's patient and understanding in a way Dr. Frankenstein never was, that Victor learns how to get by in life, how to behave, how to share, and to go after your dreams.

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Dr. Frankenstein is trying to educate and enlighten his newest creation Eva, a lovely and talented Jennifer Beals. He aspires to create the perfect woman, as intelligent and independent as a man. He does not, however, consider the full implications of his aspirations.

As Eva grows and learns, she begins to ask questions. She has been lied to about who she is and where she comes from. Much to Dr. Frankenstein's annoyance, she has become strong-willed and independent, just like a man, but obviously not quite what he had considered. He had also not considered how arousing he would find her.

Victor and Rinaldo successfully join the circus after much persuading, but Rinaldo longs for his dream to visit Venice, and Victor discovers he longs for his dream of Eva, his intended.

As the movie progresses, there is an obvious connection between the two characters which they are aware of, but aren't in contact with each other.

As Dr. Frankenstein introduces Eva into society with a few little mishaps, Eva discovers a handsome young soldier played by a very young Cary Elwes. He pursues her as he would any woman he would like to bed, much to agitation of Dr. Frankenstein.

The movie moves towards its climax, bringing with it an intensity and a heartfelt conclusion that makes it overall a remarkable movie.

Sting manages to convey Dr. Frankenstein's increasing frustration with his independent, disobedient, yet lovely creation, a dark character who also enjoys his opium from time to time. The scenes with Victor and Rinaldo are wonderful. Jennifer Beals is perfectly bewitching, at first unknowing and naive, then becoming strong and intelligent as the movie progresses, yet still revealing an innocence to her character.

I think anyone would be charmed and entertained by this wonderful movie, and I highly recommend it to all.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
A story for dreamers, 13 August 2005

Author: michellemurmurs6244 from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

This version of Mary Shelley's famous story has often been heavily criticized surprisingly. Actually I find it a refreshing and imaginative effort. It concerns the efforts of Baron Charles Frankenstein (Sting) to create, control and ultimately to conquer the perfect woman. After an electrifying creation scene the baron's first male creation comes to claim his counterpart but disaster results and he runs off into the night. After rescuing the raven haired beauty from the flames engulfing his laboratory the baron decides to tell people she was brought to him after being discovered unconscious in the woods. He gives her the name Eva and begins educating her. In the meantime the male creature befriends a dwarf after rescuing him from a group of tormenting schoolboys. The dwarf looks beyond the creature's unusual appearance and sees a man simply longing for friendship and acceptance. He gives him the name Viktor teaches him about life on the road. The two stories intertwine until circumstances bring Viktor back to the Baron's castle to try to win back his "bride". The Baron's creations are played by Jennifer Beals and Clancy Brown. The late Dasvid Rappaport plays the dwarf Rinaldo. If I have any criticisms it's that Sting in his portrayal of the Baron has a constant irritated look on his face and final confrontation between Eva and the Baron could have been better written. Other than that I really enjoyed it.

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3 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
The best in romantic horror., 18 April 2002

Author: whiteraven-4 from U.S.A.

"The Bride" is another of those slash-bang thrillers which does not simply present the merit of its intrinsic entertainment value. Instead it dares you to draw out the psychological fun. On the surface, it retells the classic story about Frankenstein's monster. Underneath, it is an intense drama about love, forgiveness, and - if you will excuse the expression - explosions and mad scientists. (Or perhaps I should say exploding mad scientists. You just have to see it.) Watchers beware if you are not prepared with an open mind.

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Sting as Frankenstein?, 21 April 2006

Author: wnterstar from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Sting is the only good thing in this movie. He is delightfully over the top as Charles Frankenstein. When Frankenstein creates Viktor (Clancy Brown), he realizes that Victor needs a mate, and creates Eve (Jennifer Beals).

The problem comes in when Frankenstein becomes obsessed with Eve. What follows is supposed to be the touching way that Eve decides that being with the sweet, lovable, ugly Victor is better than being with the handsome but shallow and cruel Frankenstein...big shocker.

There may be no real surprises here, but it does have some decent special effects, and, as I mentioned earlier, Sting is wonderful!

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A pleasant surprise, 10 April 2006

Author: spinman140 from United States

I love it when I find a movie in the bargain bin, watch it, and it turns out to be really good. Such is the case with The Bride. The cinematography is beautifully done, creating a rich atmosphere and setting for the story. Filmed in England and France, the locations add some real authenticity to the story; this is no Hollywood back lot. Some may criticize the acting skills of the leads or the degree of depth in the story line, but one thing is sure, the movie is consistent in story, direction, mood, and content from beginning to end, a well delivered package. I also enjoyed this spin on the Frankenstein monster; he's got personality and character. Instead of being only an object of horror as in other films, the viewer gets to know and identify with him as the movie progresses, coming to care for his success and well being. As another viewer stated previously, approach this movie as a Gothic novel instead of a horror story, and you're sure to find some enjoyment from it.

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