Product: Gods and Monsters (1998)
Rating: 5.0
A monster in the mirror of the mind
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.