The Bride

The Bride (1985) is a multifaceted and historic horror spin-off, inspired by Mary Shelley's gothic novel, Frankenstein. The film features the acclaimed musician and actor, Sting, as Baron Charles Frankenstein accompanied by talented Jennifer Beals playing Eva, the beautiful bride, and Anthony Higgins portraying Clerval. The film unfolds in the backdrop of a visually immaculate 19th-century Eastern Europe, magnificently captured by cinematographer Stephen H. Burum and brought to life by director Franc Roddam.

In terms of a plot framework, the movie stands as a reimagining of the infamous Dr. Frankenstein's quest to conquer death and create life artificially. Baron Charles Frankenstein, personified with rare authenticity by Sting, remains consistently invested in unearthing the scientific path to life's secrets. His approach, audacious and unyielding, culminates in the birth of Eva, played by Jennifer Beals.

Beals, with her strikingly ethereal beauty and expressive eyes, provides layers to the character of Eva, the titular Bride. Her performance highlights the difficult transition from the creature of the experiment to a woman discovering her identity. Her evolution through the movie provides the emotional core of the story and examines the themes of self and identity in the tale's gothic setting.

Peppered with philosophical undertones, the film is as much a story about creation as it is an exploration of being and morality. While Sting's character dominates the narrative with his relentless experimentation, the story wonders about the ethics of playing God, with Charles shaping Eva's personality by controlling the knowledge and experiences she is allowed.

The movie also investigates another unintended consequence of Frankenstein's creation. A subplot revolves around Rinaldo, a dwarf who escapes from a circus and stumbles upon the creation of the Bride. Playing the classic 'other', the one who doesn't match societal expectations, Rinaldo forms a poignant connection with Eva, showcasing the alienation and loneliness that outcasts often experience. This subplot interrogates the notion of beauty. The contrast between the visually perfect but artificially created Eva to the marginalized circus dwarf creates an exciting dichotomy to reflect on.

Throughout the movie, the presence of Anthony Higgins as Clerval can't be ignored. His character vacillates between the assistant and rival of Frankenstein, adding layers to the narrative and an extra layer of conflict to the story.

The film's atmosphere is haunting and vivid against the backdrop of 19th century Europe. Burum's cinematography expertly captures dark castle interiors, barren landscapes, and crowded city squares, immersing viewers in a chilling, immersive environment. In addition, Maurice Jarre's score adds to the atmosphere, underlining the chilling suspense and gothic tragedy of the narrative.

While The Bride is described as a horror movie, it subtly deviates from traditional themes associated with the genre. It intertwines elements of romance, suspense and drama, focusing less on chills and thrills, and more on character development, moral dilemmas, and philosophical pondering. Roddam's direction celebrates the emotional and intellectual landscape of its central characters while depicting an existential crisis spawned from a scientific breakthrough gone awry.

The movie diligently strikes a balance between a science fiction premise, a gothic setting, and a unique love story, providing an immersive cinematic experience. Overall, The Bride is an engrossing and deeply thoughtful reinterpretation of the Frankenstein myth, boasting powerful performances by a talented cast, effective atmospheric cinematography, and an intriguing exploration of the human thirst for knowledge and the potential consequences of technological and scientific advancement.