Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein

The use of music in Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein is drastically different. In Frankenstein, there is little to no music heard at all, except for the opening and ending credits and during the wedding scene. This underscoring credits music is ominous in the beginning, foreshadowing the dark mood of the movie and changes to uplifting in the end, reflecting the happy ending. Other that those two appearances, the only other music heard in the film is church bells and band music playing before the wedding ceremony. This lack of music creates a kind of dry emotional response in the viewer, which makes it hard for them to fully engage in the events of the movie.

On the other hand, The Bride of Frankenstein is full of music, both underscoring and diagetic. Music begins during the title sequence, again foreshadowing the dark mood of the movie, and continues throughout the film. The music in the movie matches the emotional state of the scene. For example, low slow music is played when Dr. Precarious enters the room, signaling the viewer that this person has evil motives. Also, when the monster is being chased, chaotic music plays faster and faster until he is caught, heightening the suspense and anticipation of the viewer. The music in the closing credits mimics that of the opening credits, signifying that the end of this movie is not as uplifting as the previous ending. Overall, the existence of regular music in The Bride of Frankenstein makes for a much more enjoyable and engaging experience for the viewer than the lack thereof in Frankenstein.