Bikini Frankenstein

Last updated
Bikini Frankenstein
Bikini Frankenstein.jpg
Based on Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
Written byFred Olen Ray
Directed by Fred Olen Ray
Starring
  • Frankie Cullen
  • Jayden Cole
  • Brandin Rackley
  • Christine Nguyen
  • Billy Chappell
  • Ted Newsom
  • Ron Ford
  • Thea Samper
  • Alexis Texas
Theme music composerAnthony Francis
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerDan Golden
Running time81 minutes
Production companyRetromedia Entertainment
Original release
ReleaseJanuary 18, 2010 (2010-01-18)

Bikini Frankenstein is a 2010 American made for cable erotic film directed by Fred Olen Ray (under the pseudonym name Nicholas Juan Medina). It is based on the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. [1] Bikini Frankenstein depicts Dr. Frankenstein (Frankie Cullen) losing his job after sleeping with one of his science students Debbie Sloane (Alexis Texas). He travels back to his native Transylvania where he successfully revives the body of Eve (Jayden Cole), using electricity. After showing off his successful experiment to colleagues in America, Eve later explodes; leading Dr. Frankenstein to proclaim he will work further on his experiments.

Contents

The film was both written and directed by Ray, and produced by Retromedia Entertainment. It was shown on Cinemax before being distributed in DVD format. The New Annotated Frankenstein called it "soft porn", [1] and Postnaturalism: Frankenstein, Film, and the Anthropotechnical Interface placed it within the genre of horror and sexploitation. [2] The Oklahoma Gazette recommended its readers instead watch Weird Science . [3] A review from JoBlo.com criticized the film's script, but said viewers "might get a chuckle" from watching it. [4]

Plot

Bikini Frankenstein opens with credits stating, "Based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley".

Dr. Victor Frankenstein is a professor of science working at an institution called State University. Professor Frankenstein is shown engaging in relations in his classroom with Debbie one of his science students. They are discovered by Professor Frankenstein's rival, Clive, who reports them to the Dean of the university, Professor Van Sloane, and brings Van Sloane to the classroom. Debbie is Van Sloane's daughter, and Professor Van Sloane promptly removes Dr. Frankenstein from his role at the university.

Five years later, Dr. Frankenstein is shown having moved back home to Transylvania, to continue working on his research with his assistant, Ingrid. After sleeping with her, he succeeds in bringing the body of Eve, a deceased woman, back to life using energy from a lightning storm. After Eve is brought back to life, she kisses Ingrid and the two become physical with each other in Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory.

Dr. Frankenstein, Eve, and his assistant Ingrid all travel back to America, where Dr. Frankenstein impresses Van Sloane, Dr. Waldman, Dr. Frankenstein's rival Clive, and Claudia, Clive's wife. Dr. Frankenstein originally presents Eve as a sister of Ingrid, in order to for them to become familiar with Eve prior to revealing her true nature as a revived corpse. Dr. Frankenstein leaves for his hotel room to retrieve an object, leaving Eve and Ingrid at Clive's residence. Clive asks Claudia to follow Frankenstein and find out what he is up to, leaving Eve alone with Clive. Clive gives Eve a tour of his residence, and the two fornicate in his office. Claudia meets Dr. Frankenstein at his hotel room and they engage in relations in his room.

Once the group reconvenes their meeting with Eve at Clive's residence, Dr. Frankenstein is met initially with skepticism after revealing the true nature of Eve to the group of assembled onlookers. He provides the death certificate for Eve as a way to verify his scientific claims. Ingrid and Claudia escort Eve to a private room to prepare her for a physical examination. Following an erotic ceremony involving all three women, Eve explodes due to an overdose of excitation. Dr. Frankenstein is undeterred, and proclaims to the group that he will labor further on his experiment at a later date with another deceased body.

Cast

Production

Bikini Frankenstein was directed by Fred Olen Ray. [5] [6] Ray wrote the screenplay as well. [7] [8] The film was produced by the production company Retromedia Entertainment. [1] It was broadcast several times in Summer 2010 at fixed times and on demand on the premium channel Cinemax. [9] [10] It was released on DVD on January 19, 2010. [11] [12] The first indications of the movie Bikini Frankenstein were shown in the movie Bikini Airways. However, the film wasn't shown for a very long time, and the title was dismissed as a hoax. Later, due to the high demand of Cinemax, director Fred Olen Ray resurrected the title Bikini Frankenstein. The film was shot simultaneously with Twilight Vamps. It was released on DVD by BayView Entertainment on December 11, 2012. [13] [14] The film distribution company Full Moon Empire acquired the rights to broadcast and release to DVD Bikini Frankenstein, with their 2018 acquisition of New City Releasing's Torchlight Pictures. [15] [16]

Reception

Writing in The New Annotated Frankenstein, editor Leslie Klinger described the film as, "Soft porn, about an evil doctor who creates an undead sex kitten." [1] Shane Denson wrote in the 2014 book Postnaturalism: Frankenstein, Film, and the Anthropotechnical Interface that he would place the film within the genre of either "horror/porn or horror/sexploitation". [2] The book Nightmare Movies described it as "video 'product'" directed and produced by Fred Olen Ray. [7] The Oklahoma Gazette wrote of the film's genre, "at least one can't fault Bikini Frankenstein for saying it's based on Mary Shelley's novel, because the core idea of "man creates monster" is indeed there." [3] Dr. Gore's Movie Reviews reviewed Jayden Cole's performance, [17] while Mitch Lovell of The Video Vacuum declared the film as weak, compared to the performances of Christine Nguyen and Brandin Rackley. [18] Tarstarkas.net rated the film 8 out of 10. [19] Obscure Horror wrote, "It's a fun, entertaining film, with plenty of gorgeous folks and countless soft-core sex scenes." [20] HK and Cult Film News praised the film, given the allusions of earlier Frankenstein movies, the music and the cinematography. [21] A review of Bikini Frankenstein on JoBlo.com called it "dumb as a box of hammers" but "not entirely useless" and told the reader, "You might get a chuckle ... out of it". [4] The Oklahoma Gazette recommended readers instead watch Weird Science by John Hughes. [3] Will Pfeifer wrote, "it wins the 'best title of the week award' hands down." [22] Chace Thibodeaux praised the female actresses in the film, writing, "It’s saving grace is the female cast." [23] Thibodeaux highlighted in particular the acting of Alexis Texas, Brandin Rackley, Jayden Cole, and Christine Nguyen. [23]

Related Research Articles

<i>Bride of Frankenstein</i> 1935 film by James Whale

Bride of Frankenstein is a 1935 American science fiction horror film, and the first sequel to Universal Pictures' 1931 film Frankenstein. As with the first film, Bride of Frankenstein was directed by James Whale starring Boris Karloff as the Monster and Colin Clive as Dr. Frankenstein. The sequel features Elsa Lanchester in the dual role of Mary Shelley and the bride. Colin Clive reprises his role as Henry Frankenstein, and Ernest Thesiger plays the role of Doctor Septimus Pretorius. Oliver Peters Heggie plays the role of the old blind hermit.

<i>Frankenstein</i> (1931 film) 1931 film by James Whale

Frankenstein is a 1931 American pre-Code science fiction horror film directed by James Whale, produced by Carl Laemmle Jr., and adapted from a 1927 play by Peggy Webling, which in turn was based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. The Webling play was adapted by John L. Balderston and the screenplay written by Francis Edward Faragoh and Garrett Fort, with uncredited contributions from Robert Florey and John Russell.

<i>Young Frankenstein</i> 1974 film by Mel Brooks

Young Frankenstein is a 1974 American comedy horror film directed by Mel Brooks. The screenplay was co-written by Brooks and Gene Wilder. Wilder also starred in the lead role as the title character, a descendant of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Peter Boyle portrayed the monster. The film co-stars Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, Richard Haydn, and Gene Hackman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Splatter film</span> Horror genre

A splatter film is a subgenre of horror films that deliberately focuses on graphic portrayals of gore and graphic violence. These films, usually through the use of special effects, display a fascination with the vulnerability of the human body and the theatricality of its mutilation. The term "splatter cinema" was coined by George A. Romero to describe his film Dawn of the Dead, though Dawn of the Dead is generally considered by critics to have higher aspirations, such as social commentary, than to be simply exploitative for its own sake.

<i>The Wolf Man</i> (1941 film) American horror film

The Wolf Man is a 1941 American gothic horror film written by Curt Siodmak and produced and directed by George Waggner. The film stars Lon Chaney Jr. in the title role. Claude Rains, Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles, Bela Lugosi, Evelyn Ankers, and Maria Ouspenskaya star in supporting roles. The title character has had a great deal of influence on Hollywood's depictions of the legend of the werewolf. The film is the second Universal Pictures werewolf film, preceded six years earlier by the less commercially successful Werewolf of London (1935). This film is part of the Universal Monsters movies and is of great cinematic acclaim for its production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Naschy</span> Spanish actor and filmmaker (1934-2009)

Jacinto Molina Álvarez known by his stage name Paul Naschy, was a Spanish film actor, screenwriter, and director working primarily in horror films. His portrayals of numerous classic horror figures—The Wolfman, Frankenstein's monster, Count Dracula, Quasimodo, Fu Manchu and a mummy—earned him recognition as the Spanish Lon Chaney. Naschy also starred in dozens of action films, historical dramas, crime films, TV shows and documentaries. He also wrote the screenplays for most of his films and directed a number of them as well, signing many of them "Jacinto Molina". Naschy was bestowed Spain's Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts in 2001.

Fred Olen Ray is an American Emmy winning film producer, director, and screenwriter of more than 200 low-to-medium-quality feature films in many genres, including horror, science fiction, action/adventure, erotic thrillers, crime dramas, and holiday films.

<i>Jack-O</i> 1995 American horror film by Steve Latshaw

Jack-O a 1995 American horror film directed and co-produced by Steve Latshaw and executive produced by Fred Olen Ray. It is the third collaboration between Latshaw as director and Ray as executive producer, following 1993's Dark Universe and 1994's Biohazard: The Alien Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal Monsters</span> Horror and science fiction films made by Universal Studios (1930s–1950s)

The Universal Monsters media franchise includes characters based on a series of horror films produced by Universal Pictures and released between 1913-1956.

<i>Bikini Cavegirl</i> 2004 American film

Bikini Cavegirl is a softcore pornographic film made by Fred Olen Ray under the pseudonyms "Nicholas Medina" and "Sherman Scott". It has been described as "a sexy makeover", but not a remake, of Ray's earlier film Dinosaur Island. It was released directly to video in 2004 under the title Teenage Cavegirl, and is shown on cable as Bikini Cavegirl.

<i>The Alien Factor</i> 1978 film

The Alien Factor is a 1978 science fiction horror film written, edited, produced, and directed by Don Dohler. The film centers on a small town that is besieged by three aliens that have crash-landed in the nearby forest. A mysterious stranger named "Ben Zachary" shows up claiming to be able to save the day. Can he do what he claims?

<i>Frankenstein</i> (2004 film) 2004 American TV series or program

Frankenstein is a 2004 American science fiction horror television film produced and directed by Marcus Nispel and written by John Shiban. It is a loose adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and stars Parker Posey as a police detective on the trail of a serial killer, played by Thomas Kretschmann, in present-day New Orleans. The detective is aided in her search by one of the killer's creations, played by Vincent Perez. Adam Goldberg, Ivana Miličević and Michael Madsen co-star. It was produced by Lions Gate Films, and aired on the USA Network on October 10, 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexis Texas</span> American pornographic actress

Alexis Texas is an American pornographic actress. In 2020, Texas was characterized as one of "the most popular porn performers", based on her Instagram following of around 3.8 million followers. She was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame in 2022.

<i>Scalps</i> (1983 film) 1983 American horror film directed by Fred Olen Ray

Scalps is a 1983 American horror film directed by Fred Olen Ray that concerns a vengeful Native American spirit.

<i>Billy Frankenstein</i> 1998 American film

Billy Frankenstein is a 1998 horror-comedy movie directed by Fred Olen Ray and written by his wife Kim Ray.

<i>Bikini a Go-Go</i> TV series or program

Bikini a Go-Go is a 2004 American made-for-cable erotic film directed by Fred Olen Ray. It is also known by the alternate name Curse of the Erotic Tiki.

<i>Bikini Jones and the Temple of Eros</i> 2010 television film directed by Fred Olen Ray

Bikini Jones and the Temple of Eros is a 2010 American made for cable comedy erotic film written and directed by Fred Olen Ray. It is a porn spoof of Indiana Jones.

<i>Bikini Airways</i> American TV series or program

Bikini Airways is a 2003 American made for cable erotic film written and directed by Fred Olen Ray.

<i>The Hills Have Thighs</i> 2010 television film directed by Jim Wynorski

The Hills Have Thighs is a 2010 American made for cable erotic film written and directed by Jim Wynorski under the pseudonym Salvadore Ross. It is based on the 1977 horror feature The Hills Have Eyes written and directed by Wes Craven.

<i>The Phantom Empire</i> (1988 film) 1988 American film

The Phantom Empire is an American 1988 science fiction horror film directed by Fred Olen Ray.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Klinger, Leslie, ed. (2017), "Frankenstein on the Stage and Screen", The New Annotated Frankenstein, Liveright, pp. 322–324, ISBN   978-0871409492
  2. 1 2 Denson, Shane (2014), Postnaturalism: Frankenstein, Film, and the Anthropotechnical Interface, Transcript Verlag, pp. 32–34, ISBN   9783839428177
  3. 1 2 3 Lott, Rod (23 February 2010), "Twilight Vamps / Bikini Frankenstein / Bikini Jones and the Temple of Eros", Oklahoma Gazette , retrieved 26 October 2020
  4. 1 2 "The DVD Pub reviews Bikini Frankenstein", JoBlo.com , 2010, archived from the original on 7 April 2010, retrieved 26 October 2020
  5. McKnight, Brent (14 June 2010), "'American Bandits' Ain't No 'Treasure of Sierra Madre'", PopMatters, archived from the original on 10 August 2020, retrieved 26 October 2020
  6. "Why Dee Wallace is cinema's ultimate mother", Charleston City Paper, 9 May 2018, archived from the original on 26 October 2020, retrieved 26 October 2020
  7. 1 2 Newman, Kim (2011), "The Weirdo Horror film or", Nightmare Movies: Horror on Screen Since the 1960s, Bloomsbury, pp. 194–196, ISBN   9781408805039
  8. Rocca, Daniele Della (2018), "Bikini Frankenstein", Frankenstein - La storia del mostro più famoso attraverso la letteratura, il teatro, cinema e i fumetti. (in Italian), Youcanprint, ISBN   9788827826331
  9. Shain, Michael (14 February 2011), "HBO's stealth plan to kill off 'Skinemax'", New York Post , archived from the original on 21 September 2013, But HBO hopes it can begin to create a new identity for the channel that goes beyond 'Hotel Erotica' and 'Bikini Frankenstein.'
  10. Takiff, Jonathan (25 August 2011), "Porn on the iPad", The Philadelphia Inquirer , archived from the original on 26 October 2020, retrieved 26 October 2020
  11. Bentley, Rick (17 January 2010), "'Whiteout' delivers chills", The Fresno Bee , Tribune, Coming to DVD Tuesday - 'Bikini Frankenstein': Dr. Frankenstein sets out to create the perfect woman.
  12. Bentley, Rick (26 January 2010), "Out on DVD Jan. 19: 'Whiteout' delivers chills", The Fresno Bee , Tribune
  13. "Bikini Frankenstein - Releases", Allmovie , archived from the original on 29 May 2013, retrieved 26 October 2020
  14. Five New Feature Films from Retromedia Coming to DVD in December from BayView Entertainment, BayView Entertainment, 29 September 2012, archived from the original on 1 October 2012, retrieved 26 October 2020
  15. Hoekstra, Kenn (19 October 2018), "Full Moon Empire Acquires New City Releasing's Torchlight", PopHorror, archived from the original on 26 October 2020
  16. McNary, Dave (2 October 2018), "Film News Roundup: Samuel Goldwyn Buys Singapore's 'Buffalo Boys' for North America", Variety , archived from the original on 3 October 2018, retrieved 26 October 2020
  17. "'Bikini Frankenstein' review", Dr. Gore's Movie Reviews, 14 June 2010, archived from the original on 12 November 2011, retrieved 26 October 2020
  18. Lovell, Mitch (24 May 2011), "Sirens of Skinamax: Christine Nguyen", The Video Vacuum, archived from the original on 24 April 2013
  19. Tarkas, Tars (17 September 2020), "Bikini Frankenstein (Review)", Tarstarkas.net, archived from the original on 20 September 2010, retrieved 26 October 2020
  20. "Bikini Frankenstein (2010)", Obscure Horror, 11 June 2010, archived from the original on 11 October 2011, retrieved 26 October 2020
  21. "Bikini Frankenstein and Twilight Vamps -- DVD reviews", HK and Cult Film News, 29 January 2010, archived from the original on 14 December 2011, retrieved 26 October 2020
  22. Pfeifer, Will (15 January 2010), "Movie Man: Zombie idea gets a terrifying twist", Hillsdale Daily News
  23. 1 2 Thibodeaux, Chace (15 February 2014), "Bikini Frankenstein", Chacebook, archived from the original on 16 February 2014, retrieved 26 October 2020