Product: Gods and Monsters (1998)
Rating: 5.0
EXCELLENT ON ALL COUNTS
The story and script, performances and sheer artistry of this unusual movie are superb. The subject matter, compelling to say the least, brings to vivid life James Whale during his final days, along with his housekeeper and the garden boy who serves as his model, and object of desire. The screenplay has that ring of truth and poetry rarely heard in movies today; it is both fresh and classic. Lynn Redgrave is nearly unrecognizable, and brilliant, as the housekeeper; Brendan Fraser does an amazingly sympathic job with a character who both grows internally and who grows on you; and Ian McKellen is simply beautiful to watch in a glinting, fascinating performance that deserved an Oscar. Period scenic and costume details, along with well-crafted black/white images from Whale's classic horror films add flavor, spice and a dream-like quality to this very human movie, which will remain in your mind long after the tape is over.