Lists are great. They inspire discussion, create arguments, and tend to spiral off into fun new lists. When you do a list about the “BEST” of anything it goes from being fun to becoming a hotbed for arguments. There’s no such thing as a definitive list but I’ve decided to pull from my rather extensive life of film watching and put it to good use.
This is not the “film critic’s top 100” list. There’s no guarantee Citizen Kane or The Bicycle Thief will be in the top echelon or even on the list. This is the 100 movies I would put my name on as my top 100. If I died tomorrow this would represent the 100 films I find most vital, special, or ones that bonded to whatever it is that makes me me. I’m not including documentaries, though that might make for a nice supplemental list.
The first 80 will be in no particular order. The last 20 will be in very particular order. One a day, you have my word.
#38 – The Bride of Frankenstein
Message Board Thread Discussion.
Master Index of the 100 Best Movies Ever.
Why is it here:
Note: Remember that the first 80 are in no particular order.
A cornerstone movie that is so much deeper, interesting, beautiful, and shattering than the original. And the original is deep, interesting, beautiful, and shattering. The perfect sequel, a story of obsession and ambition and love and weakness. Shot in delightful black and white, it’s a Desert Island Movie like few others. Given the choice between this and any other classic horror film it’s this every time. The Creature from the Black Lagoon is my favorite but as a film this obliterates it. It’s flawless.
Moments to savor:
Adorable homunculii. How they explain the end of the first film. The bride is born. The heartbreaking ending. Watching the Monster develop a “personality”. The magic of black and white.
Rewatchability:
Better than you think. In fact, once a year doesn’t suck.
Miscellany:
This movie has seeds fucking everywhere. Watch it and you’ll see.