'The Bride': More 'Bonnie & Clyde' Than Horror

Cinematographer Lawrence Sher found director Maggie Gyllenhaal's script for "The Bride" to be one of the most unique he had ever encountered, describing its material as dense. Sher viewed Gyllenhaal's revisionist take on "The Bride of Frankenstein" not as a horror film, but as an outlaw movie.

Sher and Gyllenhaal drew inspiration from films like "Wild at Heart," "True Romance," and "Bonnie and Clyde," aiming for an energy akin to "Butch and Sundance" or "Thelma and Louise." They explored visual references from road pictures, other "Frankenstein" films, and period pieces, reflecting Sher's broad cinephilia.

This cinephilia is also evident in Sher's side project, Shotdeck, a comprehensive, searchable database of film images designed to inspire filmmakers. Shotdeck offers millions of shots from thousands of films, serving as a visual encyclopedia for creative conversations.

Sher found the project challenging yet rewarding, allowing his imagination to flourish. He appreciated the opportunity for unbridled creativity, with disparate ideas ultimately connecting in the finished product. He collaborated closely with actors Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, with their performances informing lighting and composition choices.