"The Bride": The Forgotten Film Where Sting Played Frankenstein

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On October 2nd, Sting turned 74. For millions of fans, he's known primarily as a singer. But in the '80s and '90s, the musician had another passion—film.

And that's when he unexpectedly took on one of the strangest roles of his career: Doctor Frankenstein in "The Bride" (1985).

What's It About

Director Frank Roddam's film offered a loose retelling of Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" and served as a sort of sequel to the 1935 movie "Bride of Frankenstein."

plays Baron Charles Frankenstein, who creates the perfect woman—Eva (Jennifer Beals). But the scientist's old creation, the monster Viktor (Clancy Brown), demands her for himself.
Trailer for "The Bride" (1985)
The story splits into two threads: we watch Eva transform into a lady under Frankenstein's guidance, while Viktor learns to understand the human world alongside circus performer Rinaldo. Eventually, the doctor's two "children" collide again, and the monster becomes a hero ready to protect Eva from her creator's tyranny.

The Experience

The film looks like a beautiful gothic fairy tale. The sets, costumes, and atmosphere of 18th-century Transylvania are crafted with care—viewers note—even if questions remain about the plot itself. They also praise the Viktor and Rinaldo duo.

As for Sting himself, he landed in a tough spot. On one hand, his star power drew audiences. On the other, his performance felt too stiff, cold, and restrained for a mad doctor.
Sure, they could have found another and possibly more suitable actor for the good (?) doctor, but at the time this film was made (1985), Sting was "the man"—you know, the guy with star power who could pull in teenagers.
IMDb user Eric-1226

What Viewers Say

Audience reaction was mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film sits at just 27% fresh, with a 5.4 rating on IMDb. Some viewers praise "The Bride" for its sets and costumes, while others criticize its slow pace and weak script.
Singer Sting in period costume with a giant lightning sphere on the right
Scenes from "The Bride" (1985)
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Some admire the emancipation theme: Eva gradually breaks free from Frankenstein's control and chooses her own destiny. But most agree: the secondary storyline of Viktor and Rinaldo is far stronger than the Bride's own story.

Worth Watching?

"The Bride" is for niche audiences. It wasn't a hit, but for Sting fans, it's a rare chance to see how an '80s rock icon tried his hand at playing a mad genius.

So if you're curious about how a world-class singer attempted to become the new Frankenstein, "The Bride" is exactly that film. Maybe not perfect, but definitely unique.

It's worth revisiting if only to compare it with the new Frankenstein (2025) film directed by the legendary Guillermo del Toro. And earlier on zoomboola.com, we told you about the film "Shaytan": Monica Bellucci's smallest role that you definitely didn't notice.