He Want Friend Like Him

The Bride of Frankenstein is a demented classic of horror and camp and quite a pleasant surprise. Its interesting prologue--where Lord Byron, Percy Shelley and Mary Shelley (the author of the original Frankenstein novel) are discussing the merits of Shelley's book--segues nicely into the final scene of the original Frankenstein...

By John Freeman

October 1, 2009

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The Bride of Frankenstein is a demented classic of horror and camp and quite a pleasant surprise. Its interesting prologue--where Lord Byron, Percy Shelley and Mary Shelley (the author of the original Frankenstein novel) are discussing the merits of Shelley's book--segues nicely into the final scene of the original Frankenstein. The story basically takes over where the original left off. There may be a problem here, though. Anyone who has seen Mel Brooks' and Gene Wilder's amazingly detailed homage to these films, Young Frankenstein, will recognize dozens of references from the original Frankenstein films. And while Bride of Frankenstein is not technically a comedy, in this day of over-saturated, hipster irony, it is almost impossible to view it and not giggle in parts. But don't be surprised if you experience a few chills and thrills. As an added bonus, openly gay genius director, James Whale, supposedly filled the film with "secret" homosexual themes and subtle Christ imagery. So, watch out for those. And I'm not even gonna start on The Bride's hairdo. That would take a whole separate article to explain. The Bride of Frankenstein shows at Landmark's Inwood Theatre, midnight Friday and Saturday. Visit landmarktheatres.com.
Fri., Oct. 9; Sat., Oct. 10, 2009

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