Product: Gods and Monsters (1998)
Rating: 5.0
View this movie for what it is
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.