Editing Blog Post-The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) vs. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Hailey Spencer  

Film Appreciation 

FILM 115-IN1

Professor Trevor 

September 29th, 2025 

    Editing is an interesting and incredibly important aspect of film. It not only influences the audience's emotions, but helps guide and immerse them in the world the film's writers and directors have created. Two films I watched that utilize various effective editing techniques are Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). These movies are from  two completely different genres of film, and this is reflected in the editing present in both. Since Bride of Frankenstein is a sci-fi/horror film, its editing is meant to create a creepy and disturbing atmosphere while The Adventures of Robin Hood is an action oriented film that employs fast-paced editing to create a vibrant and exhilarating environment. 

    In Bride of Frankenstein, the film's pacing is slow and methodical as it's meant to create a sense of unease, build tension, and suspense. One example is the use of cross-cutting throughout the film. In the sequence where the monster runs away from the angry mob of villagers, cross-cutting is used as it travels through the wilderness. The use of cross-cutting emphasizes the monsters isolation and confusion by contrasting its solitary journey through the woods with the large mob of hostile villagers. This editing technique presents the monster in a sympathetic light and highlights its persecution by humanity. 

In contrast, The Adventures of Robin Hood's pacing is fast and dynamic. The editing in this film is rapid and quickly paced to keep the audience excited and engaged. Editor Ralph Dawson utilizes continuous cuts throughout the film creating a fast-paced and energetic atmosphere. One example is the sequence when Robin escapes from the banquet at Nottingham castle. The editors used seamless cuts that connect the shots making the editing seem invisible. It makes the sequence feel natural and smooth while also enhancing the action making it appear uninterrupted and continuous. The fast-paced editing creates a sense of urgency and immerses the audience in the danger the characters are in. 

    Another difference between the two films is Bride of Frankenstein utilizes what's referred to as the Soviet Style Montage. This editing technique uses deliberate fade-ins and fade-outs and juxtaposes shots to evoke emotions from the audience. Director James Whale utilizes this technique to convey a sense of tragedy and enhance the psychological horror aspect of the film. At the end of Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Pretorius attempts to create a companion for the monster. During the creation sequence, instead of a seamless flow of shots like what is used in The Adventures of Robin Hood, discontinuous edits are used and the shots are intercut with images of the thunderstorm, the bride's lifeless body, and laboratory equipment. The montage used in this sequence creates an unsettling and chaotic tone while also conveying complex themes to the audience about the dangers of playing god and interfering with nature. 

    In conclusion, Bride of Frankenstein and The Adventures of Robin Hood both utilize a wide range of effective editing techniques. The editing present in The Adventures of Robin Hood is fast paced and uses  quick, seamless cuts and transitions in order to create an energetic and exiting atmosphere while Bride of Frankenstein has slower pacing and more deliberate cuts to create a feeling of tension and dread. The Adventures of Robin Hood also uses smooth and continuous edits to emphasize and enhance action sequences while Bride of Frankenstein uses longer takes to build anticipation and keep the audience on edge. The editing techniques present in both films are extremely effective, best suited for their genres, and help immerse the audience in the world the characters inhabit.