The Bride (1985)

After years of research, the doctor finally succeeds in creating the perfect woman, who gets the name "Eva".

Director:

Franc Roddam

Writer:

Lloyd Fonvielle (screenplay)

Stars:

Sting, Jennifer Beals, Anthony Higgins

3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sting	...	Frankenstein
Jennifer Beals	...	Eva
Anthony Higgins	...	Clerval
Clancy Brown	...	Viktor
David Rappaport	...	Rinaldo
Geraldine Page	...	Mrs. Baumann
Alexei Sayle	...	Magar
Phil Daniels	...	Bela
Veruschka von Lehndorff	...	Countess (as Veruschka)
Quentin Crisp	...	Dr. Zahlus
Cary Elwes	...	Josef
Timothy Spall	...	Paulus (as Tim Spall)
Ken Campbell	...	Pedlar
Guy Rolfe	...	Count
Andy de la Tour	...	Priest (as Andrew de la Tour)

Storyline

After the creation of his creature, Dr. Frankenstein researches and creates the perfect woman, Eva, to be the mate of the creature. However, the anxiety of the creature creates havoc in the laboratory, which is burnt down and explodes, killing Frankenstein's assistants, Dr. Zahlus and Paulus. Dr. Frankenstein believes the creature died too, but he has fled to the woods. Soon he meets and befriends the dwarf Rinaldo, who gives him the name Viktor, and invites him to work in a circus in Budapest. Meanwhile, Frankenstein and his house keeper, Mrs. Baumann (Geraldine Page), teach Eva how to behave and to be independent. One day, Frankenstein introduces Eva to the high-society, telling her that she was an amnesic found in the woods and has become his protégée. Frankenstein becomes obsessed with Eva, while she and Viktor have a strange connection. What will happen to Eva?

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Plot Keywords:

female full frontal nudity | telepathic link | budapest hungary | cat | impalement | 

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Taglines:

A Woman Born Of Electricity. A Man Driven By Obsession.

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Genres:

Fantasy | Horror | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

The production shoot on this picture ran for around fourteen weeks.

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Quotes

Baron Charles Frankenstein: You must trust me, and you must obey me!
Eva: I will not obey you! I will not!
Baron Charles Frankenstein: Don't provoke me, Eva!
Eva: I will provoke you!

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Connections

Referenced in The Police: Synchronicity Concert - Interview in Melbourne, Australia (1984)

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Soundtracks

Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

User Reviews

A Dark Fantasy of a Movie

In this wonderful movie, Sting plays Dr. Frankenstein, who after already creating his first monster and finding him disappointing and annoying has decided to create the perfect woman. He's successful in his pursuit, but the first monster, Clancy Brown in a heartwarming role, is chased away after becoming a little to possessive of his new bride.

The monster runs off into the woods and befriends a little person, Rinaldo the Midget, played wonderfully by David Rappaport, on his way to join the circus. He invites the monster along, and gives him the name of Victor. It is from Rinaldo, who's patient and understanding in a way Dr. Frankenstein never was, that Victor learns how to get by in life, how to behave, how to share, and to go after your dreams.

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Dr. Frankenstein is trying to educate and enlighten his newest creation Eva, a lovely and talented Jennifer Beals. He aspires to create the perfect woman, as intelligent and independent as a man. He does not, however, consider the full implications of his aspirations.

As Eva grows and learns, she begins to ask questions. She has been lied to about who she is and where she comes from. Much to Dr. Frankenstein's annoyance, she has become strong-willed and independent, just like a man, but obviously not quite what he had considered. He had also not considered how arousing he would find her.

Victor and Rinaldo successfully join the circus after much persuading, but Rinaldo longs for his dream to visit Venice, and Victor discovers he longs for his dream of Eva, his intended.

As the movie progresses, there is an obvious connection between the two characters which they are aware of, but aren't in contact with each other.

As Dr. Frankenstein introduces Eva into society with a few little mishaps, Eva discovers a handsome young soldier played by a very young Cary Elwes. He pursues her as he would any woman he would like to bed, much to agitation of Dr. Frankenstein.

The movie moves towards its climax, bringing with it an intensity and a heartfelt conclusion that makes it overall a remarkable movie.

Sting manages to convey Dr. Frankenstein's increasing frustration with his independent, disobedient, yet lovely creation, a dark character who also enjoys his opium from time to time. The scenes with Victor and Rinaldo are wonderful. Jennifer Beals is perfectly bewitching, at first unknowing and naive, then becoming strong and intelligent as the movie progresses, yet still revealing an innocence to her character.

I think anyone would be charmed and entertained by this wonderful movie, and I highly recommend it to all.

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 August 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Bride

Filming Locations:

Ain, Rhône-Alpes, France

Box Office

Budget:

$13,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,763,277, 18 August 1985

Gross USA:

$3,558,669

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,558,669

Company Credits

Production Co:

Colgems Productions Ltd., Columbia Pictures, Delphi III Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1