Prep your cone hair and your swan screams because we're travelling back to the 30s to tackle another James Whale film. This time it's the iconic The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), which features no shortage of queer talent (Whale, Ernest Thesiger, Colin Clive) OR queer readings (the Creature as Other; Dr. Frankenstein and Pretorius as gay dads; Pretorius as corruptor/mentor to the Creature, etc).
We discuss the importance of the opening sequence featuring Elsa Lanchester as Mary Shelley, criticize the idiocy of Joseph Breen and the Hays Code, and touch on the film's connection to German Expressionism.
Plus: cum wrestling, praise for Una O'Connor's hilarious performance, a discussion of whether Whale intended the film to be read as queer, and speculation about why The Bride has become a horror icon (it's the lewk, henny!)
References:
- Benshoff, Harry M. Monsters in the Closet
- Morris, Gary. 'Sexual Subversion: The Bride of Frankenstein.' Bright Lights Film Journal
- Russo, Vito. The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies
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> Trace: @tracedthurman
> Joe: @bstolemyremote
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