Gods and Monsters

Interesting film that won the Academy Awards back in 1998. James Whale was a director known best for his horror pictures such as Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. We look at a fictional gardener and how he interacts with Whale and how Clay (played by Brendan Fraser) deals with his own inner demons.

The film plays best when it deals with Whale's World War I experiences and a few scenes where he is creating Bride of Frankenstein. Especially touching is the party he goes to and drags his gardener along. The actors who portray Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester were nearly the spitting image (though I imagined Karloff as taller than that).

The film is really about Whale's homosexuality and in the Fifties America this is a taboo subject. The naked young guys and the nude Fraser may be hard for some to bear (and easier for others I assume).

I was hoping for more of a docu-drama and less of a concentration on Whale's sexual orientation (of which 75% of the film seems to be) and wanting more horror movie-making.

McKellen plays the role straight and Fraser's emotional range as an actor are pushed to the limit. Loneliness, memories and compassion with wry sarcasm played well by the housekeeper Lyn Redgrave. Great to see.

The DVD also has a "making of" with the cast interviews, commentary, language subtitles and trailer.

And just as in the early Universal films, the end credits say "a great cast is worth repeating". Little chestnuts like that were fun.

Here's the original book:


Father of Frankenstein

GODS AND MONSTERS(1998)---Sir Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, Lolita Davidovich, David Dukes, Kevin J. O'Conner.
This film is based on Christopher Bram's fictionalized novel about James Whale, the English director who made FRANKENSTEIN; BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN; THE OLD DARK HOUSE; and THE INVISIBLE MAN, among other films. Although not a true biography of Whale, the film is historically accurate in many respects. We learn that Whale was born to poor, lower-class parents(a fact which deeply affected him as an adult), that he served in WWI(the horror of which was something else that left an indelible mark on him), that he began his career in the theater and had an enormous stage success with the play, "Journey's End", which resulted in his being summoned to Hollywood to direct films, and that he was openly homosexual at a time in Hollywood when doing so could be disastrous for one's career---his long-time "companion" was David Lewis, who had a successful career as a producer---first at MGM, then at Warner Bros.---among the films he produced/co-produced were: RIFFRAFF; CAMILLE; ALL THIS AND HEAVEN TOO; KING'S ROW; IN THIS OUR LIFE; and RAINTREE COUNTY.

Sir Ian McKellen was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Whale and he is wonderful to watch in this film. Fraser plays a young ex-Marine who works as Whale's gardener and Redgrave plays Whale's devoted, but devoutly Catholic, housekeeper who fears for his salvation due to his homosexuality. Among Whale's avocations is painting and he asks Fraser if he would agree to let him paint his portrait in return for being paid to do so. Aware of his sexual orientation, Fraser agrees but makes it clear that he won't do any of that "nude stuff". Whale suffers a stroke(historically true) which leaves him physically unaffected but affects his mind so that he begins to have flashbacks to events from his past, primarily from WWI. Over time, McKellen and Fraser develop a friendship and we learn much that is historically true about the making of some of Whale's classic horror films and the sexual proclivities of some other famous Hollywood figures(most prominently, director George Cukor, who was a "closet homosexual").

As Whale's flashbacks become more frequent, his doctors confirm that he will eventually sink into a "mental twilight", unable to live in the "present". In the climactic scene of the film, Whale pours out his terror of losing his mind and not being able to do anything creative---even paint. In an attempt to comfort his friend, Fraser agrees to let Whale paint him in the nude, but stresses that there is to be no "hanky-panky". Whale begins to suffer one of his flashbacks and begins to think that Fraser is the young lover he met while serving in the trenches. He begins to try and make love to Fraser, who becomes angry and throws Whale to the floor, bringing him back to reality. Whale is horribly embarrassed, begs his forgiveness, and assures him that nothing like that will ever happen again. The next morning, Fraser discovers Whale's lifeless body floating in the swimming pool---a suicide who can't live with the thought of losing his mind. Whale's body was found in his pool in 1957 and was ruled a suicide.

I think this is a wonderful film---by turns funny, informative, and deeply moving. In addition to McKellen's superb performance, both Fraser and Redgrave are completely convincing in their roles and the cinematography is beautiful. Highly recommended

To me, the best films are those whose essence remains with you long after you've seen them. Chaplin, The Quiet American, and Gods and Monsters are dramatic films that remained with me long after the movie was over. After first seeing in in 1999, it has remained in my mind as a dramatic film to which I compare all others. I find myself thinking, "That performance or movie was ok, but it wasn't as good as Gods and Monsters."

How easily this story could have been sensationalized and cheapened, but instead, it was provocative without hardcore graphics and glamorous without the usual "Hollywood Gay Man's Abode" surrounding a story. It was a visual, as well as dramatic delight from the start untill the last moments, as seen through the tears in my eyes.

I will rewatch it often and I'm sure I'll see things in each viewing I may not have seen before.

I have read the majority of customers reviews of this movie good and bad, and I would like to start by saying, take out the homosexual component of the movie. Every review centers on that aspect. If this had been between a man and a woman and the theme was identical, would it make it any better or worse. This is a human story, about lonliness and last days of life, not a happy topic I admit. If you remove the local and drop Ian and Brendan in any other setting and have them perform, it would still be an amazing movie. James Whale is handled with empathy by Sir Ian. Mr. Frazier shows he can act...in fact this is the only movie in which he shows this and it is truly a shame. Who knew he ever had talent other than acting like an idiot. Hollywood has missed the boat with Mr. Frazier's ability. The chemistry between the two men comes out of the screen. Yes, this movie is a bit slow, but this is not an action film, it is not meant to be. Not to be overlooked is Lynn Redgrave. She does play the character a bit over the top, but it creates a great balance to the bleakness in both male charcters lives. The final scene between Whale and Clay is nothing short of "heart stopping", not because Frazier is naked, but because of the way it unfolds. The emotionals are raw and real...and you feel it.

This is one of my favorite films, superbly written, directed and acted. It is what film making should be, it should move you not always entertain you. So forget the gay aspect and view this as two people with lonely lives, shattered dreams and a need to end it all.

I loved this movie! I have seen it over and over again. All the actors were wonderful! The only thing I didn't like was how it ended.

1. one may try to impress others by talking up this artsy fartsy movie, but the intellectually honest will realize that this movie is just... lame.

2. the acting is stilted and so unrealistic and of course--> the storyline is just bizarre. but of course, the self-indulgent and narcissistic love unusual storylines so as to fool the general public.

3. at the end of the day, dismiss the high brow critics and realize this movie for what it is--> an odd / bizarre movie with surprisingly lame acting.

The Bottom Line:

Everyone seems to love Gods and Monsters so I think it's my duty to inform you that it has an interesting first half but kinda flies off the handle in its hard-to-believe final act; the acting is fine and the concept interesting but the execution is rather spotty.

2.5/4

Gods and Monsters is one incredible display of unsurpassed acting. Whow! You can feel the emotion of loneliness, frustration and longing Ian displays from his character. lynn redgrave is brilliant. For me this is one of those videos once viewed will draw me back to watching it again. This DVD will make you a fan of Ian Mckellen if you are not already.

It hardly seems like 11 years since Gods and Monsters was released. I had the opportunity to view it again just recently and I am happy to say that this film remains as rich and full as I had recalled it being. The performance by Sir Ian McKellan reminds us just how masterful he is as an actor, and Brendan Frasier gives a nuanced performance that is subtle and reflective and reminds one that much of the art of acting is listening and reacting. Lynne Redgrave spectacularly burst back onto the scene, giving a performance as Whale's maid/friend/caretaker that is richly complex: She is a friend and employee, both loving and judgmental of Whale for his homosexual "lifestyle."

The story is a simple one of friendship and understanding. It is about the ghosts which haunt us all. The Gods that have created us and the Monsters which have torn us down, and how sometimes the Monsters are what we need the most. Director Condon expertly intersperses clips from Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein with flashbacks to WWI, Whale's bygone days of fame, and young Jimmy Whale's childhood in order to give us an overview of the remarkable life this man has led. The result is that while Whale may seem like a broken down old man at the point the movie takes place, these flash backs paint a full picture of the man. Likewise, this lets us understand how Whale feels that all that he was is slipping away, just like his art is falling by the wayside. In the end, we see an immensely dignified, human being, who did wonderful things. He loved. He lost. He fought in the war. He was a hedonist. He was a pacifist. And he was loved.

With Clayton Boone, the director and Brendan Frasier, give us a modern day physicality of the Frankenstein monster which first draws Whale to the young man. In the beginning, we're not quite sure what Whale wants from the lad -- does he desire a true friendship or is he just a lecherous old man-but as things progress we realize that while the friendship is important, his desire for the young Boone are a bit darker that even we could have thought. Likewise we're not sure what Clayton wants from Whale. But as we watch them become friends, we see a unique bond form...gay man to straight man...and each has found in the other someone to listen to them and understand.

Perhaps unsung in this movie is the brilliant performance by Redgrave. Her housekeeper Hanna is not only an homage to Una O'Conner's "Minnie" in The Bride of Frankenstein, but an expert characterization that is humorous and judgmental and, ultimately, loving. The characterization is as broad as Whale might have directed O'Conner, but the humanity underneath it all is very, very real.

Gods and Monsters is clearly fiction. No one really knows about the last days of Whale. But in that speculation, the film manages to paint a portrait of a man who was ahead of his time and who lived a life worth living. In the end, Director Condon and novelist Christopher Bram -- whose book The Father of Frankenstein serves as the underlying source of the movie -- gave Whale a friend in his last days, a young man named Clayton who was as different from Whale as he could be. They gave him a friendship, and as a result they have created a sad, touching, joyful movie about living and dying with dignity.

As the Monster himself would say: Alone, bad...Friend, good.

Originally reviewed for Uniquely Pleasurable.

It appear to be a movie about the last days of an historical English gay Hollywood film director.
The acting is good, but the theme is just not what I like in a movie.
He makes passes at a college student and his ex-marine gardener.
Lynn Redgrave is very good as the maid/ cook character actor.
The English seem, like the Catholic Priesthood, have a real problem
with homosexuality.

"Gods and Monsters" is not a film for everyone.The film does drag a bit,but the ending is worth the wait.I've seen alot of Brenden Fraser's work,and I think this is his best,but Ian Mckellen was brilliant in his Oscar nominated performance.

its a good movie that tells about a gay director. it got a good cast. homo erotic scenes and good plot. also if u like brendon fraser in a towel and almost see is his cock.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A hollywood over the hill Gay Blade,with few flicks to his producer credits except (The Bride of Frankenstein) focuses in on a handsome man gardener, exit gardening, enter modeling (with clothes on)up the ladder to modeling (with clothes off)Advances spurred and rejected, queen to swimming pool, face down.Acting and filming fairly well done. Academy award quality-definity not. Interesting story ? Well its different ?

Ian McKellen, together maybe with Patrick Stewart and Christopher Plummer are today's equivalents to yesteryear's Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud and Richard Burton.

Especially here, in "Gods and Monsters", a tale based on the last few years in James Whale's life (legendary director of both "Frankenstein", 1931 and "The Bride of Frankenstein", 1935), in the mid fifties.

This is a very stylish told story. It has everything. Elegance, tragedy and comedy, all tied closely together to form an admirable tapestry of a man's story at the end of his career and life.

Brendan Fraser delivers a low-key performance, worth watching, especially when compared to his work in the Mummy series.

Lynn Redgrave, is as always, mistress of her skills and gives a superb performance with an appropriate Danish accent, as the Governess of this odd household.

Even the theme regarding Whale's latent/rampant homosexuality is kept at a discreet and elegant distance. Never too blatant, nor vulgar, but rather stylishly knit into a very coherent story.

It's a kind of a Mephisto's waltz performed by an aging Faustus-like figure, in search for a self-redeeming auto-destruction, which eventually will see itself fulfilled, but not the way the hero of our story expects.

In the key words to this movie there are definitions to gay DVD, gay movie or gay romance. It is far from that.

This movie has absolutely nothing of a gay movie, nor has it anything to do with being directed at gay people.

This work has far more style than this alone. It deals with an old man's conflict, who may be a bit of a dandy, when it comes to "boys", but who also genuinely expresses feelings of true tenderness and love, sentiments that today may be unknown to some, even in the so-called heterosexual community, but who are very real and alive in every true human being, be he a woman, a man, or as in this case, a homosexual.

What is explored in this picture, is far more the "soul" of the matter, and not just the plain physical aspects of it, although elements of this also briefly appear, but always with a sense of style and never just to shock the audience.

It is a movie for mature, and thinking audiences, not for those seeking a self-gratifying moment or a sexually oriented one.

The DVD has a very good film transfer, sharp and clean, as well as a very well balanced sound included.

It is well worth the money, if one is interested in good actor's performances and in a well told story.

I can only recommend it. You have the final saying in this...

When I first saw this film, I was absolutely knocked out by it. Ian McKellen turned in a rich, Oscar-worthy performance as horror-director James Whale (whose homosexuality came at a time when the subject was forbidden in Hollywood), a man who is haunted by past images--and at the same time, welcomes those hauntings--in his life. The supporting cast is outstanding too: Brendan Fraser as the hunky ex-Marine gardener who forges an unlikely but delicately beautiful friendship with Whale; and Lynn Redgrave (who walks the tricky tightrope between depth and caricature)as his longtime Hungarian servant, Hannah.
Beautifully crafted & told by writer/director Bill Condon, this film will burn its imagery into your mind for a long time to come. A definite must-see!

I went into watching this film expecting to see nothing more than some Oscar caliber acting. It's not that I'm not a fan of the biopic, quite the opposite indeed, but I remember when this film was released and I remember having no desire to see it whatsoever. I broke down last week and said "what the heck" and watched it, beginning to end, and I have to say that I was utterly impressed by just about every aspect of this film. I wasn't privy to the life of famed Frankenstein director James Whale previous to watching this film, in fact the only part of his life I was aware of was his open homosexuality. What I wasn't aware of was his constant pains of loneliness and despair. The film so richly helps us to see that James only craved company, really nothing more than that.

Ian McKellen probably gives his most superb performance here with his portrayal of the ailing Whale. His every movement is so intricate and well thought out that you forget your watching an actor. He was completely confidant and convincing in every way and well deserved that Oscar nod, and arguably the Oscar (I'm still on the Edward Norton bandwagon myself).

The film explores the last days of Whale's life, as he becomes infatuated with his new gardener Clay Boone (Played by Brendan Fraser in a performance filled with talent I feel he lacks) while yet drifting further from his grip on reality. As Whale's condition worsens he is plagued by flashbacks that have horrible effects on his mental state causing him to hallucinate and making his relationships with others somewhat unstable. The tragic conclusion to the film involving the events leading up to Whale's suicide are completely engrossing and touching as they expose this man for who he really was, sad, alone and desperate.

Lyn Redgrave does a wonderful job as Whale's long time housekeeper Hanna, giving the movie a sarcastic somewhat comedic edge, and Fraser, as I mentioned, played his part so wonderfully I was shocked I was watching that guy from the Mummy movies. He actually gave an Oscar caliber performance indeed. But, through and through, this is McKellen's movie and his finest hour indeed. Directed brilliantly by Bill Condon and masterfully adapted from Christopher Bram's novel `Father of Frankenstein', `Gods and Monsters' thrives with authenticity and affection in everything from the set pieces to the flash backs to the words left unspoken in the eyes of the actors. This is a truly moving picture that says so much about a man of whom I knew so little.

this film is so good the acting is indescribably great Ian Mckellen is absolutely brilliant
and brendan fraser does an excellent performance although i didnt wanna see Ian Mckellen be gay that much but it's not that bad this film is brilliant i'm sure James Whale is dancing in his grave right now for the excellence of this film

OK, there's a lot I didn't like about this movie. Number 1, the subject, James Whale of Frankenstein fame, is not portrayed very sympathetically. In fact, I found the character (played by McKlellan) quite displeasing, with his raunchy and egotistical appetites. There is a term, "growing old gracefully." Mr. Whale in this portrayal does not seem to have become wiser with age and experience, but to have become a sad, pathetic old coot.

Secondly, the film goes nowhere in the first 45 minutes. The narrative merely circles around the central facts of Whale's celebrity, his main films, a possible scandal, all of which are planted in the dialog just so the audience can be informed, for instance, that James Whale made Frankenstein, that he helped create the horror genre, that he is gay, etc. It just seemed jarring to hear these facts trotted out for narrative purposes, when they could have been revealed in a more timely and less obvious manner in the course of the film. But as the director wanted to set up the drama early, we are given a crash course on James Whale via the conversations of bar patrons, the gardener and the maid. Puleeeze!

Thirdly, I thought the screenplay forced it's points too much. To take one instance, Fraser's gardener character is first shown coming out of a broken down trailer and stepping into a broken down pickup truck. OK, he's white trash; got it. In another scene, following one in which he is offended by James Whales' fliratious manner, he has sex with a girl he picks up in a bar. Okayyy...feeling a bit unmasculine, are we? I mean, almost every point of the movie is telegraphed, so the audience is smashed over the head with each point the director wishes to bring home.

I guess, I just wish the movie's producers had been more subtle and cunning in how they portrayed people and their emotions. I wish they had taken the audience's intelligence for granted. Who did they think would go see Gods and Monsters anyway? Joe Sixpack? If you're going to make a small independent film, one thing you can take for granted is that those going to see it are going because they have an interest in the film and in the subject matter of the film. You can dispense with the *setup* and just get into the meat of what you want to say with the film.

I watched this movie in 1998 with my wife just for killing some time because at that day we were at the mall just hanging around. What a wonderful surprise!! A very touching movie by director Bill Condon whose Sister, Sister I had seen several years ago. I don't know why Sir Ian McKellen didn't win the Academy Award (I think Roberto Begnini won that year). This is probably his best interpretation EVER, so subtly, portraying a very solitary old man, director James Whale, overwhelmed by his own demons. Incredibly, Brendan Fraser (a comedian) is very good portraying the young and handsome gardener the subject of Whales affection. In my humble opinion he deserved being nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The other surprise is Lynn Redgrave as Whales' maid. She's just fantastic. The soundtrack (especially the last track "Friend?") is also very moving and at times so relaxing.
Forget about Dream girls this is Bill Condon at his best. A must see!

Gods and Monsters is a work of fiction based on fact. James Whale was a great director at Universal that created the horror genre and most remembered for his films Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and Show Boat with Irene Dunne. And he was openly gay.

Ian McKellan plays Whale and Lynn Redgrave his devoted servant Hannah. In the film, they have added a character of Boone (Brenden Frasier). Boone is a gardener and cuts the lawn at Whale's estate. Boone also represents an alter ego of the Frankenstein monster (including a hair cut that resembles a flat top.)

The film takes place during the final years of Whale's life. He has had a couple of minor strokes that disrupts his thought filters. Therefore, little things make is mind wander to other times. The film floats from the present to Whale's childhood to the filming of Bride of Frankenstein.

Whale becomes infatuated with Boone, not sexually but as the personification of the his creature. He starts by drawing them, then he befriends him. Boone cannot understand this platonic relationship but accepts it. The film ends with Whale's drowning death.

Ian McKellan and Lynn Redgrave give master classes in acting and both received Oscar nomination - both should have won. Brendan Frasier continues his dichotomy of performances, wonderful nuanced performance like this followed by mind numbing drivel (which, I guess, pays the bills.)

DVD EXTRAS:
Director Commentary

The World of Gods and Monsters - A very well made 30 minute making of documentary featuring cast, director and guest commentary by director Clive Barker.

Gods and Monsters directed by Bill Condon and starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, and Lynn Redgrave is a film about the last days of director James Whale. While it is a fictional account of Whale's last days it seems to based on fact.

Whale is most famous for his direction of the films, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, and the 1936 version of Showboat.

Ian McKellen is superb as the ex-patriot homosexual forgotten director. He portrays Whale as a man haunted by his past and desires. Fraser as the lawn boy who befriends Whale is great. Fraser's portrayal of a young man without purpose questioning his own sexuality is acting at its finest. Finally, Lynn Redgrave is great as the religious Hungarian housekeeper, sure Whale is destined for hell, but despite her employer's failings continues to show him love and compassion.

Director Condon does a great job visually of portraying how Whale's humor came across in his films. But, more importantly shows how the backdrop for Whale's horror films were a reflection of his past.

If you like me were led to believe that Karloff was the force behind our great horror film masterpieces see this DVD.

If you've enjoyed the old classic Universal Studio films of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein, you will especially enjoy this feature, since it is basically a story about the last days of the creative genius and the director of those films, James Whale.

The story of Gods and Monsters generally revolves around an emotionally traumatized and physically ailing movie director (majestically played by Ian McKellan), his attraction to his new gardener (played by Brendan Fraser), and the resulting emotionally intense and tumultous relationship that follows. In this movie, Brendan Fraser gives one of his better acting perfomances. Ironically, Fraser's overall physique and head shape are some very striking physical features which happen to resemble Whale's Frankenstein monster. Lynn Redgrave (who you can barely recognize in her part) is cast as James Whale's annoyingly moralizing yet concerned caretaker (and she's just as annoying as the caretaker in the original Bride of Frankenstein)

Initially, this movie is slow moving but it is no doubt, a thought and affect provoking film that provides some interesting and intriguing insights into man's fears, and the nature of intimacy, loneliness, love and human nature in general. By portraying Whale's experiences, Gods and Monsters also provides some excellent insights into Whale's movie themes and brings you behind the curtain into the Hollywood movie culture.

The bright and vivid colors of the cinematography of this film are an ironic contrast to Whale's old B&W horror movies and to his themes which generally involved the 'darker' or more 'taboo' sides of human nature and emotion.

This is a cerebral drama. Gods and Monsters is a movie about genuine relationships rich in emotion and affect. It's likely to trigger your own strong emotional response. Beware!

A promising movie, that never finally delivers. The acting is very good, most of the time. The use of a few moviestar look-alikes was fun. Brendan Fraser was ok. He could have had more depth and more presence. Ian McKellen was terrific. His devilish, weak-lipped, wry smile carried the film, as it does in his other films. The Frankenstein myth was interpolated into a grander metaphor to some extent, but not to complete satisfaction. I pretty much "got it" by the middle of the movie and was expecting the movie to traverse some higher plateau on the back of the conflict and metaphor, but it never really got there and the second half didn't add a whole lot of sparkle. I was disappointed. It didn't live up to being what I had been expecting from all the glowing reviews. Like the monster, it had all the parts, but there wasn't any transforming thunderclaps, no touch of the gods. The ending was rather simple, not at all profound, and the last scene was a bit contrived, even silly, in an amateur film-school kind of way. I suspect others are taken with this film more by the nostalgia it conjures than by the dramatic resolution of its storyline. It's just not the great film of its reputation. It's worth watching, but there are many films worth watching, and many others I'd much more recommend for your time. This one, you could easily go without, unless maybe, you're a real Frankenstein or gay buff, but even then, it's not sufficiently strong on either of those themes. It had great potential. It was "close, but no cigar"--or maybe, that should have been Mr. Whale's line.

It was a waste of money. In my opinion, it was just shy of being labeled a porno film.

The 1998 film "Gods and Monsters" is a thought-provoking film that speculates on the final days of an early Hollywood film director named James Whale (1889-1957), who had directed two classic Hollywood monster films: "Frankenstein" (1931) and "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935). Portrayed by the brilliant actor Ian McKellan (best known for his portrayal of the character Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy between 2001 and 2003, as well as the character Magneto in the "X-Men" films of 2000 and 2003), James Whale lived a relatively solitary life in his later years, except for the companionship of his housekeeper Hanna (Lynn Redgrave). James Whale was also gay and found his new gardener, Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser), quite attractive. After talking with Clayton, James was able to convince Clayton to model for him, as James was also an artist. However, James was always reluctant to show Clayton what he had drawn. Not being gay himself, Clayton didn't always feel comfortable around James; but the relationship that developed between them was one of mutual. Clayton was interested in James' stories about his early Hollywood years, as well as his military career during World War I, and James even invited Clayton to go with him to a posh Hollywood party. Unfortunately, James was not as healthy as he wanted to be (having survived a stroke). This became an increasingly pressing issue for him as time passed, but he had not shared this issue with Clayton until an intensely emotional night.

To its credit, "Gods and Monsters" won the Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. Ian McKellan received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and Lynn Redgrave received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. With a fascinating cast of characters, wonderful acting and an engaging plot, I rate "Gods and Monsters" with a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. Other memorable characters include Edmund Kay (Jack Plotnick), Boris Karloff (Jack Betts), Princess Margaret (Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy), and the young James Whale (Brandon Kleyla).