Watching "Bride of Frankenstein" is both an interesting and somewhat poignant experience. As a film from 1935, it was undoubtedly a technical marvel of its time, but today, some of its special effects and plot elements do feel a bit dated. However, this is precisely the charm of old movies: they allow us to see the evolution and progress of the film industry.
In the movie, Frankenstein is portrayed as a lonely and pitiful creature, not evil, but driven to self-defense. His character is vastly different from the monsters in modern horror films, presenting more of a tragic figure. His creator is coerced into making a companion for him, who will become his bride. This plot itself carries a strong sci-fi flavor, with the idea of creating new life from corpses being very novel at the time.
There are many scenes in the film that left a deep impression on me. For instance, the monster escaping and then suddenly returning to the original village puzzled me. How the professor's wife escaped and found the laboratory, and why the monster ultimately let the professor and his wife go, were also aspects of the plot I couldn't quite grasp. However, this unique plot arrangement and the characters' distinctive ways of speaking did add a peculiar charm to the film.
The overall atmosphere of horror in the film seems somewhat lacking compared to modern horror movies. It misses the kind of chilling background music and terrifying visuals. As a black-and-white film, "Bride of Frankenstein" indeed faced significant challenges in creating a truly scary ambiance. Nevertheless, this doesn't detract from its sci-fi elements. The tiny people in glass jars, the various research equipment, and the lightning-receiving devices all demonstrate the film's innovative spirit in its era.
After watching this movie, I felt both nostalgic and respectful. Nostalgic because it took me back to a time filled with creativity and a spirit of exploration; respectful because of the filmmakers' ability to produce such an influential work despite the relatively primitive technology of the time. "Bride of Frankenstein" is not just a horror movie but a classic that intertwines sci-fi and humanity. Although it may seem a bit outdated today, it still deserves our reflection and respect.