The Bride (1985)

A superb sequel to a gothic masterpiece, The Bride extrapolates on the themes of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, providing a more satisfying follow-up than the endearing 1935 film "Bride of Frankenstein."

Sting suffices as a distant and dour Doctor Frankenstein, whose cold-heartedness contrasts sharply with the seething heart of his undead creation, Eva. Eva is an amalgam of all desirable female qualities, both physical and mental, fused in the person of Jennifer Beals. A genteel Eva, educated as well as engineered to be the perfect lifetime companion, taints the experiment with her curiosity concerning the haunting question of her origins.

One year before playing monstrous Victor the Kurgan in Highlander, Clancy Brown sharpened his acting chops as Viktor the Frankenstein monster. Deemed a failure by his creator, Viktor escapes into the wide world. Characteristically childlike -- potent but vulnerable -- Brown evokes all the pathos found in Robert Deniro's portrayal of the monster in 1994's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, sans the inextricable 'you-talkin'-to-me?' flavor of Deniro's performance. The monster's quest to win true love is led by a comic yet moving friendship with an enterprising midget who treats Viktor with compassion and dignity. The large man from the small world is introduced by the small man to the large world, rapidly expanding the monster's horizons, both geographical and emotional.

Fairy tale elements are wrought in an earthy yet enchanting ambiance; literary allusions abound; and historical detailing pays off in authenticity. Most compelling to some viewers might be the day-in-the-life cultural details of post-Renaissance Europe, while others will enjoy the philosophical musings of each character in his journey of self-discovery. Though Cary Elwes scrapes the nerves in a minor role, this film adds depth to tired characters that megalomaniacal filmmakers like Kenneth Branagh can only dream of reviving.

If you don't like this review, blame Todd.