Why Bride Of Frankenstein Is Considered An LGBTQ+ Icon
In an ever-expanding collection of iconic LGBTQ+ horror movies, The Bride of Frankenstein is considered a classic. Having appeared in everything from Hotel Transylvania to 1994’s Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s bride is perhaps one of the most represented but misunderstood members of the Universal Monsters pantheon. Few understand the Bride is more than a monster; she’s also an LGBTQ+ cinematic legend.
In Mary Shelley’s original novel, Frankenstein, the creature demanded his creator forge a companion after being rejected. Although in Shelley’s original story, the monster’s companion never saw completion, for the sequel to 1931’s Frankenstein movie, Universal decided to bring his “mate” to life and see this idea to full fruition. Co-star of actor Boris Karloff (who returned as Frankenstein’s monster) was actress Elsa Lanchester, who portrayed his crafted companion. Designed by makeup artist Jack Pierce, although she has only minutes of screen time the Bride became a beloved horror character, adapted into countless different works in the decades to follow.
Related: Why The Wolf Man Is The Most Tragic Universal Classic Horror Monster (Not Frankenstein)
Although often portrayed as the wife of Frankenstein’s creation in movies such as Hotel Transylvania and Mad Monster Party?, ironically, The Bride of Frankenstein was a film made with LGBTQ+ subtext. The Bride accepting her “mate” was not part of the character originally. Even Universal has seemingly forgotten who the Bride was and what her movie represented to the LGBTQ+ community. As a remake looms, the Bride is reborn, and her legacy continues; perhaps it’s time to reflect on how she gave the LGBTQ+ community a voice in horror movies and officially embrace her
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