Gods and Monsters (1998)

One of the most critically acclaimed films of 1998 and winner of several awards including the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, Gods and Monsters is a compassionate speculation about the final days of James Whale (1889-1957), the director of Frankenstein and 20 other films of the 1930s and '40s, who was openly gay at a time when homosexuality in Hollywood was discreetly concealed. Adapted and directed by Bill Condon from Christopher Bram's novel Father of Frankenstein, the film stars Ian McKellen in a sublime performance as the white-haired Whale, who is portrayed as a dapper gent and amateur artist prompted by failing health into melancholy remembrance of things past. Flashbacks of lost love, World War I battle trauma, and glory days in Hollywood combine with Whale's present-day attraction to a newly hired yard worker (Brendan Fraser) whose hunky, Frankenstein-like physique makes him an ideal model for Whale's fixated sketching.

The friendship between the handsome gardener and his elderly gay admirer is by turns tenuous, humorous, mutually beneficial, and ultimately rather sad--but to Condon's credit Whale is never seen as pathetic, lecherous, or senile. Equally rich is the rapport between Whale and his long-time housekeeper (played with wry sarcasm by Lynn Redgrave), who serves as protector, mother, and even surrogate spouse while Whale's mental state deteriorates. Flashbacks to Whale's filmmaking days are painstakingly authentic (particularly in the casting of look-alike actors playing Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester), and all of these ingredients combine to make Gods and Monsters (executive produced by horror novelist-filmmaker Clive Barker) a touchingly affectionate film that succeeds on many levels. It is at once a keen glimpse of Hollywood's past, a loving tribute to James Whale, and a richly moving, delicately balanced drama about loneliness, memory, and the passions that keep us alive. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

One of Hollywood's Best Gay-Themed Films

"Gods and Monsters" boasts an elegant and insightful script, fine acting from all the principals (Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser in particular), and a delicate sense of fading eroticism (the brief reverie of a remembered pool party is one of the most poignant evocations of lost romantic vigor ever put on film). The historical and fictional elements are well integrated. A film that "stays with you" long after the final image fades. The transfer to DVD is sharp and the layered sound quality excellent. Highly recommended. December 27, 2008

Quite simply beautiful.

This movie is quite simply perfect. Life and death, love and friendship they're all explored here in some detail. There is so much more here than just a film for people looking for gay issues explored. Here we have the story of the fictionalized last days of Frankenstein director James Whale, but more specifically what we have is the story of a friendship between two characters who need something from each other. One who doesn't know how to live, and the other who doesn't know how to die. They both have something to bring to the relationship that ultimately helps the other to grow, although in a sad bittersweet context in the case of Ian McKellen's character.

The movie is a wonderful showplace for Ian McKellen's talents as an actor, and he is mesmerizing as Whale. And Brendan Fraser unexpectantly demonstrates that he is much much more than just another sometimes goofy Hollywood pretty boy, in his portrayal of Clayton Boone. But it is the growth and development of the friendship between Whale and Boone culminating in the dramatic final scene between the two characters is what ultimately makes this movie unforgettable. The beauty of watching Clay rise above his fears of homosexuality and leave himself vulnerable in an act of love and compassion towards helping his ailing friend is breathtaking to behold, and the final resulting climax when Whale reveals what he really wants from Boone, will leave you in tears.

In short, no matter what subject matter you're looking for in a movie, if you just love movies that are brilliantly acted, can easily pull you into a story line, and that stay with you long after the DVD has ended, buy this movie. You won't regret it. July 16, 2008

"Alone bad. Friend good."

An elderly man, mostly isolated and dying from the effects of a series of strokes, befriends the least likely of friends.

James Whale was a clergyman's son, grew up poor outside London, a WW1 veteran and was gay. He joined the movie industry as a set designer and became a director. He helmed about 20 movies in the thirties and early forties and retired early to paint and relax by the pool. After a series of strokes, he committed suicide rather than suffer for the rest of his life. Gods and Monsters, adapted from a novel, tells a story imagining the last days of the director of Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Waterloo Bridge, Showboat & The Old Dark House.

The story is fanciful, of course, only the biographical details imparted as memory or flashbacks are true. All the "real-time" story is make believe. Ian McKellan plays Whale with a tremendous amount of sympathy, even tenderness. He seems to be saying to the audience, "please don't judge this scared, lonely, slightly vain old man. He's just trying to have a little fun and connect with someone before he goes."

Brendan Fraser plays a kindhearted gardener who finds himself intrigued by the fey old man with all the Hollywood and war stories. He sees the older man as a curiosity but his sympathy shows through as we watch him watch Whale's movies. He is not too bright but he has a patient sort of understanding. It is possible he is lonely too. Fraser's performance is professional, subtle and nuanced. Its really McKellan's movie but Fraser doesn't disappoint, by any means.

Throughout the movie, the straight young man and the gay older man play a game of push-pull as each try to understand what the other wants in the relationship. Initially Whale just wants the young man, named Clay Boone, to sit for a sketch. He'll pay and Boone needs the money. The strokes cause Whale to flash back to the war, his childhood, and his directing days. Most of the memories are tinged with shame, regret and, sometimes, fear. The gardener has his own past and his own shame. This develops into a friendship of sorts and, as they they grow in fondness, the mental/emotional stakes rise. The denouement scene (during a dark and stormy night, of course), is a bit heavyhanded but I can forgive the excesses of those who have taken us this far so well.

Gods and Monsters is a touching, thoughtful meditation on the need for companionship and understanding, particularly the need for a person to understand himself in the quiet moments of his waning hours. June 15, 2008

We aren't made of sugar!

I thought this was an excellent, well cast movie. I really liked the concept and the look that it gave us into the real people behind the scenes of old Hollywood. Brendan Frasier is not a great actor by any means but he is perfect in the part of the hulking everyman landscaper. Really good movie but I fear that many will not be able to put their homophobia aside and give it a chance. May 14, 2008

Yuck!

I never would have bought this except that I lost the copy I naively borrowed from the library, and I needed a replacement copy. I tried twice to watch it, and both times quit in disgust. July 8, 2007

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