Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | July 04, 2005 | | Summary | "He's never met a princess before, only queens." | Content
 | 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). |
| Rating | | | Date | June 06, 2005 | | Summary | Fascinating in many ways | Content
| This movie drew me in on every level. As a film buff, it was a magical experience to see the portrayal of a legendary director, his actors and films. As a gay man, I identified with the story of theme of Whale's sexuality; McKellen's compelling performance is surely the main reason to see this film. And as a human being, I was moved by the tragedy and irony. Gods and Monsters is a wonderful, dramatic, emotional experience bolstered by its visual beauty -- the final image of Whale is not easily forgotten. |
| Rating | | | Date | June 03, 2005 | | Summary | Beautiful, touching movie | Content
| This movie had such a small arthouse distribution when it was in the theater you'd never guess it is the gem that it is. And it is a gem.
The movie combines many great cinematic elements: depth of characters; an engaging, credible storyline; set, setting, and scenery that match the film's overall beauty; and a poignant soundtrack that gracefully fills in the background and the transitions between scenes.
Ian McKellan plays the character of James Whale exceptionally well. I'm not sure if this movie was meant for a wide audience, but if it was, it is nice to see the role of a gay man being played by a gay man. Not that James Whale is intensely gay, if you will, but as a gay man myself, I see strengths in his character that exhibit some of the best traits gay men have. Ian McKellan does his character justice by exhibiting the wit and wisdom of Whale that I don't think another actor could easily have pulled off. And that's the trick. It seems indeed easy for McKellan to exhibit the full range of his character's persona. He wins your confidence immediately.
Good acting knows no sexual orientation. Playing the decidedly straight, brooding lawn man, and new object of Whale's admiration and friendship, Clay Boone, is Brendan Fraser. Fraser plays the role with an intimacy that matches McKellan's role as Whale. From the first interaction between the two (McKellan and Fraser) Fraser earnestly portrays with earnest the not so worldly Clay Boone, blue collar laborer, and the Clay Boone who's smarter than he appears and not your average buffoon. Fraser adeptly shows the full range of intellect and emotion of Clay Boone and in turn exhibits his talent as an actor. You're given a very precise image of Clay Boone as a near-drifter in life who's smarter than the average guy but lacks the cunning to put it all together into a life as equally as rich. It's a unique contrast for a character's personality and Fraser handles it well.
The storyline surrounds the dynamics of the relationship between Whale and Boone, two people who couldn't seem to be any further apart but who are remarkably similar, as we learn. The two develop an understanding of each other and slowly learn to appreciate the other for who they are.
Whale, being in declining mental health and advanced in years, is equally as intersted in Boone's companionship as he is in the sexual awe of Boone the innocently seductive straight man. Boone is not necessarily innocent, but certainly earns the compassion of the audience with his sincerity, and likewise pursues his friendship with Whale largely out of interst, though there is some financial connection with Boone as Whale's groundskeeper. Nevertheless, a memorable bond develops between the two and you see their emotions build as friends as different in person as these two are.
The setting is the 50's (?) in Hollywood or at least LA, and primarily during the springtime, which in S. California has its own magical enchantment (coming from a NYer). Whale is an unabashedly gay former director who appears washed up to the cinema world by his irreverance (His Directorial ne plus ultra being "Bride of Frankenstein"), but who we see is still quite alive, if not angry and resentful with a streak of mild hatred. We learn that he's ultimately in great pain, physically, as the movie progresses, and mentally and emotionally, from the movie's begining to its end. The bulk of the film largely occurs at Whale's luxury home.
I find the setting at Whale's beautiful, lushly vegetative Hollywood home a perfect match for this film. Every scene is filled with this sheer beauty from the decor of the house to the house grounds and even at the few places where Whale and Boone venture away. It's the type of beauty, that like both main characters, is hidden in plain sight, yet never quite attains its due recognition. It's almost overkill in its presence, but that also helps it to blend in the background. It's always there being understatement. But play this DVD on a nice flat-panel TV and see if your eyes don't light up at the lush enchanting color of Whale's residence, inside and out. As a backdrop for the drama of this film, the settings and scenery very accurately portray Whale's environment.
The film is also accompanied by a mildly haunting score that, while not upbeat, is very hopeful, stately and not at all depressing in its portrayal of melancholy. It matches well the tone of Whale's advanced years and to a degree Boone's identity. Both characters are somewhat lost in life, Whale an aging director bereft of respect from his peers, and Boone a young former marine trying to find himself and make sense of the world around him. The music conveys this imagery well.
I think this movie is excellent and I highly recommend it. It is not really a gay movie, though it does give an honest portrayal of one gay man's life. There is very brief frontal male nudity along with nudity from behind but it's not sexual and incidental to the film's success. More accurately, the film acknowledges the value and contribution of Whale as an aging former director and brilliant, contributing, functioning member of society, who is very much gay. |
| Rating | | | Date | May 17, 2005 | | Summary | A Whale Of A Movie | Content
| This had to be one of the best movies of 1998 and one that holds up well after many viewings. Based on the novel by Christopher Braum, FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, and directed by Bill Condon (winner of an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay), GODS AND MONSTERS is the fictionalized account of the last days of James Whale-- "Mr. Jimmy" to his doting houskeeper played brilliantly by Lynn Redgrave-- who made the original FRANKENSTEIN and other Hollywood movies. Although the plot is rather thin at times, the acting is superb. Ian McKellen as the ailing but still dapper Whale has not lost his eye for attractive men and is still handsome in his silks, wools and tweeds. Brendan Fraser as the yard man gets so into his role that you can almost smell his sweat; but Lynn Redgrave as the housekeeper is simply wonderful. She is totally in character-- just watch her at any given moment-- and should have won an Oscar for this performance instead of another fine British actress Judi Dench who won that year for Best Supporting Actress. With another director and other, lesser actors, this film could have degenerated into another tasteless story of a sad, aging homosexual. But it did not. It is rife with both humor and pathos. Mr. Whale's meeting with Princess Margaret-- with his yardman in tow-- is hilarious, for example, while the flashbacks into his love for a World War I comrade are the stuff that tragedy is made of.
This is a really very fine movie. |
| Rating | | | Date | March 25, 2005 | | Summary | A New Look At Frankenstein | Content
| The Oscar-winning "Gods And Monsters" is a highly compelling film released in 1998 starring Ian McKellen ("Lord of the Rings" trilogy), Brendan Fraser ("Looney Toones", 2003), and Lynn Redgrave. It explores the last days of real-life director James Whale, the director of several films, the most famous being "Bride of Frankenstein". Ironically, he was one of very few openly gay filmmakers in Hollywood at a time when the issue was never expressed. The moments before his death, many major events happen in his personal life. He befriends a handsome gardener who learns a lot about life through this. Meanwhile, he suffers flashbacks from his days in World War II and his days on the set of "Bride of Frankenstein". Through this journey the characters learn more about themselves than any other time.
This story is told beautifully. The flashbacks and the 1957 (their present) time are separated wonderfully, allowing audiences to slowly learn more about the characters and why they live in such turmoil. This emotional story explores issues that give the communities a positive outlook: namely GLBT issues. Therefore, this is a story about more than a former film director. This is a story about passion, friendship, yearning, sickness, trauma, and life itself. Everything combined leads to a powerful conclusion that will keep audiences thinking. Such overall film substance, thanks to director and writer Bill Condon, gives great homage to the original Christopher Bram's novel version of "Father of Frankenstein".
Ian McKellen and Lynn Redgrave received an Oscar nomination for their performances in this film (Best Actor/ Best Supporting Actress). McKellen's portrayal of James Whale was expressed emotionally painful throughout the film, never losing his stance. His dramatic expressions give this film a more powerful theme. Brendan Fraser gives a powerful performance in this drama as the gardener. Though he's better known to participate in comedies, he separates the two themes beautifully. His acting quality is surprisingly better here than his comedies. Though Redgrave's role as Whale's nanny is brief, she makes an unforgettable presence. Her character's witty remarks are sometimes humorous. Yet, they don't disrupt the overall dramatic theme. Though the remaining cast performed well, this trio of actors stand out.
Such overall film quality makes "Gods And Monsters" an unforgettable film that will surely please its audiences for a long time. Those people probably will not watch "Bride of Frankenstein" the same as everybody else. |
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