Mixing Genres In James Whale's The Bride Of Frankenstein

Throughout James Whale’s 1935 film, The Bride Of Frankenstein there are several instances the audience finds themselves laughing. The film is not completely held down to the horror genre rather it crosses between horror comedy and slightly touches on the romance side. As someone who has seen the film multiple times, it is true that each time the film is viewed we can enjoy it more, and laugh at certain scenes.

            While remaining a horror film through the black and white, and different dimmed lighting throughout the film different angles allow us to see the film on a brighter, funnier side. A truly comedic scene in the film begins with an eerie feeling and gradually has us laughing. When Pretorius is showing Henry his inventions we begin the scene through the eyes of Henry and there is creepy background music playing. The scene begins to shift when Pretorius begins lifting the clothes off of the jars, which are containing miniature people. The music becomes friendlier and more witty as he reveals the miniature Queen and King. As the King escapes the music becomes wittier and the reactions of the Queen and the priest are bound to leave the audience laughing. The music in this scene triggers the humor and allows the audience to relax rather than being tense with creepy background music. The music of a scene triggers a lot throughout a film, and often without the audience even realizing it decides their reactions for them.

            Another scene, which triggers the audience, to enjoy themselves and share in laughs is the cabin scene. Whale creates the twist of comedy in this scene through the use of language. He creates an environment that society enjoys; drinking a glass of wine and smoking a cigar normally are associated with enjoyment, and fun. On top of these actions which adults love and mixes it with childish actions, and language. While smoking the cigar and drinking his wine Frankenstein shouts repeatedly “Friend GOOD” as a child would. Frankenstein repeats what the blind man does as if he is mimicking everything he does like the game kids often play. He then has the man play an upbeat song on the violin as he sits in the chair, clapping his hands and stomping his feet childishly and happily.  The scene quickly turns back to the eerie horror feel when the townsman walk in and the cabin lights on fire.

            Often times when we find ourselves laughing in the film it is when the camera is angled directly looking at the characters from Frankenstein’s point of view, when both characters are at the same spot in the shot or when we are looking up at Frankenstein from a low angle.  Often when we feel scared or nervous it is when Frankenstein is placed higher up or looking down at the people in the town. Whales is sure to keep the grotesque feel but does not deny the mix of comedy he added, “Instead of insisting on the story’s high seriousness, then as the novel does, Whale’s films openly acknowledge its comic grotesque potentialities.” (Cogner, 243)  

                                                Works Cited

Conger, Sydney M., and Janice R. Welsch. "The Comic and the Grotesque in James Whale's Frankenstein Films." (1984): 240-54. Print.