The Bride [DVD]

Such a great film. It a nice twist on the Frankenstein story. Definitely a must watch for anyone who is a fan of 80's films. Clancy Brown is the true star of this film. Almost Oscar worthy performance. What stops this from being a 5 star film is Sting's performance.

Good.

The scale of this endeavor is impressive from its very outset as Doctor Frankenstein (Sting; Dune) prepares to bring life to a bride for his first creation (Clancy Brown; Highlander, Pet Sematary II). From the pulleys and fulcrums to formaldehyde specimen vessels and engine-like turbines, his vaulted laboratory is an impressive sight. And when the lightning strikes, his new creation, mummified in bandages, begins to twitch and moan.Now denied his bride and recently exiled from castle Frankenstein by his possessive creator, Viktor (i.e., Frankenstein’s monster) befriends a diminutive man on his was to the circus of Budapest who teaches him his self-worth. Meanwhile, the Doctor tutors his latest creation Eva (Jennifer Beals; Flashdance, The Book of Eli, Swamp Thing, The Grudge 2) in the ways of speech, etiquette, and how to comprehend the world around her by which she is childishly bedazzled.So as Eva is taught in the ways of elegant finery by the Doctor, Viktor hones his friendship and future with Renaldo. It seems that Viktor, in fact, was freed from his prison of castle Frankenstein, and Eva found herself its newest heavily judged tenant. And as Eva learns more about being human, she likewise finds more reasons to question her creator’s motives and her own true origins. Villainy is abundant as well in the form of controlling jealousy. Whether the Doctor’s lies to mask Eva’s past, or the circus owner’s intentions for his newest hires.This film comes with much unexpected kindness to soften and humanize Viktor. His friendship and encouragement from Renaldo warmly prepares him for the world. He is so pure and warm, even the shady roadside vendor couldn’t bring himself to take advantage of such a well-intentioned man. As Viktor hopes to earn the means to win the hand of his created love, Eva is courted, coveted, sheltered and manipulated by would-be suitors.The set design and wardrobe are bold for a 1985. Big laboratory designs, regal attire and explosions grace our eyes along with an impressive cast including Cary Elwes (Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Saw, Stranger Things), Timothy Spall (Gothic, Dream Demon, Wake Wood) and (Guy Rolfe (Dolls, Puppet Master 3-5).Director Franc Roddam’s take on the gothic Bride of Frankenstein (1935) is anything but horror. Rather this finds itself comfortably in the ranks of a rather grounded romantic fantasy. The film moves at a slow but pleasant pace with nothing more to prove than its own humanity. A very pleasant and recommended watch for fans of low fantasy.

Thankfully this is out on DVD and a new audience can appreciate how well it was made and can learn from the Director's Commentary what makes it so special."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 (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 the director was the one most responsible for the apparent lack of chemistry between the two stars, particularly Beals lack of passion in the scenes they share. These were the performances the Roddam wanted and not a reflection of inexperience or talent limitations. 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 it was simply everything Roddam wanted it to be. Her character is only learning how to feel as the film progresses and as events play out we learn that her emotionless attitude simply conveys her indifferent feelings toward her creator.I highly recommend this movie as Roddam is an excellent stylistic director and has made a very good Gothic romance. The fantastic production design works to unify 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 better showcases both the top-notch photography and the terrific work of the production designer.Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

This movie has never won any mainstream popularity contests, but that’s because hidden gems never do. It’s a very unique perspective within the Frankenstein mythos. It doesn’t fit perfectly into any specific genre, but instead borrows elements from several: including horror, suspense, comedy, romance, and drama. It might just make you cry or laugh. Warning: it does seem to be rated a bit too lightly for sensitive viewers as there are scenes of gore and even nudity. To everyone not sensitive, though, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Surprisingly good adaptation of the 'bride of Frankenstein' story.Dr. Frankenstein (a young Sting, handsome with flowing blond hair) creates a beautiful young woman, Eva, (Jennifer Beals) as a partner for his original male creation. But, once he sees how beautifully she turned out, he selfishly decides to keep her for himself. The 'monster' (played most touchingly and sensitively by Clancy Brown), who falls in love with Eva on sight, runs off. He meets Rinaldo who befriends him and helps him find his way.A lovely relationship grows between Viktor, as Rinaldo has named the 'monster', and they find work in a circus. Their act becomes very popular and the owner hates paying the two what they are worth. The knife thrower, played most evilly by a young and beautiful Phil Daniels, hates them for their success and, after hearing the owner wish to be rid of them, arranges just that. Viktor, who has never thought he had a heart, finds his breaking now.The Doctor has grown jealous and possessive of his creation, Eva, and she rebels. He decides to take her whether she likes it or not, but his plans are thwarted when, in the nick of time, Viktor interrupts them.The film is beautifully realized, stylishly designed, intelligently written and executed. The characters are stunningly beautiful -- Sting, Jennifer Beals, Phil Daniels, and especially the extraordinary Cary Elwes (as a young Captain who also wants Eva). The message -- that the 'normal' people act in a far more 'monstrous' fashion -- may be a tad overdone (but that can't be helped, I suppose), but the romance of the couple that were 'made for each other', quite literally, is welcome and refreshing.

a truly great retelling of the bride of frankenstien story ,not a horror but a touching story of love and freindship.the relationship between the monster and the circus dwarf are the best parts of the film may have you crying at one point.the acting is ok apart from the monster who is great and with a top storyline this makes for really good entertainment.

This film shouldn't work but it does...brilliantly! Sting is a bit bit wooden as usual but he doe deliver a couple of lines well especially the classic reply to the female creatures ire at being told what to do " You didn't make me " " As a matter of fact, I did".Clancy Brown is a superb Frankenstein creature and the scenes with his friend David Rappaport are full of pathos and understanding.The music by Maurice Jarre is excellent too.

Good product :) Thanks

QUICK SERVICE, GOOD VALUE.