Product: Gods and Monsters (1998)
Rating: 4.0
Wonderful acting
This is definitely a movie about a subject quite taboo in its respective 1950's timeframe, homosexuality. It explores this subject with long secluded and retired "Frankenstein" director, James Whale. In the process, he also tries to come to terms with his life.I thoroughly enjoyed the acting in this film, especially that of Lynn Redgrave who portrayed James Whale's doting and cynical housekeeper, Hannah. Everytime she appeared on the screen, I had to laugh, even before she uttered a word. This portrayal is one of the finest low keyed comic performances I've ever seen.I was equally impressed with Ian McKellan's performance as well. As he decays and his perception of reality withers away, you feel an awesome pity for this man. This makes the ending almost a relief.Brendan Fraser is your basic Californian young "dude". His performance is very typical of that, but I suppose he fit the part well. You can see the immaturity of his acting in relation to that of his veteran costars. His prime role I think was to be a beautiful inspiration to the man obsessed with him, James Whale. Its far from a romance, but this makes you pity the old director even more.