Theme Week p2-Frankenstein

The Bride

plot: After creating his second creature, a fire breaks out in the tower lab, destroying it, and killing the staff. Charlies Frankenstein, along with his second creature a female he names Eva, return to the family home, while the first creature, Viktor, runs off into the woods for safety. Before long, Viktor meets up with a man on his way to join the circus and he convinces Viktor to do the same, leaving Eva to the mercy of a jealous Frankenstein.

This is the 1985 drama starring Jennifer Beals and Clancy Brown. Based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley.

The film parallels the two creature's journey of self discovery. Viktor isn't given his name until after he meets up with the dwarf Rinaldo and is on his way to join the circus. While, Eva is given an identity right off the bat. Almost targeting the importance of how some people are forced to find themselves, while others are never given the real chance to do so.
The big theme here is loneliness. Each of the creatures feeling the separation from the rest of the world in different ways. While Viktor's journey takes a gentler road, showing him kindness in the most basic human ways, Eva's journey takes a harsher one, exposing the lies and greed that can hide behind the wall of society.

One thing I always loved about this movie, and wished had been given a little more respect; is the fact the two creatures are linked. Each feeling the pains/joys of the others. Like the scene where Eva shows a skill for horses, and how Viktor becomes obsessed with the idea of horses from that point on. Or how when Viktor and Rinaldo begin traveling to Budapest, we see Eva giggling as she follows the map of the same area. It would lead you to assume that the empathic/psychic bond they unknowingly share is suppose to be a soulmate bond.

As each of the creatures learn to become more independent, they find their way back "home" to each other.

This version of the doctor isn't just a "madman" per say, as much as he is cold and heartless. Sting's performance in this as the jealous abusive baron, leaves you thinking he's completely soulless. The character practically borders on being a psychopath.

This is not a happy movie. It's gritty, unkind, and at times disloyal. But, I think that's what makes it such an interesting take on the classic story. One of the few versions of Frankenstein I've come across that actually remembers there is a lesson in it.