Product: Gods and Monsters (1998)
Rating: 5.0
Charismatic Performances from McKellen, Fraser, & Redgrave
This was a superb film. Not only does it deal with sexuality issues, it delves deeper into the beliefs of the viewer. McKellen & Fraser give outstanding performances as Whale and Boone. Although it has a superficial hint about Whale being a "ditry old queer" "chasing young boys," the relationship that develops between Whale (McKellen)and Boone (Fraser)is not sexual. In fact, it goes beyond the sexual. Many heterosexual men would feel uncomfortable with some of the content, however, this is an excellent example of facing one's beliefs. Fraser's character is faced with the similar situation. Consequently, the characters grow beyond the superficial and move on. While I do not think that Fraser's character ever becomes comfortable with homosexuality, he learns to tolerate it. As for the nudity in it, I felt that it lent to the movie. Whale had been talking about the days gone by and suddenly gets this flashback of a pool party with handsome young men running around and swimming naked. The scene is brief, strategically lit, and well-staged. Even with DVD, the scene went by so fast we had to play it again in slow motion just to see anything. Even then, it was nothing much. So the straight men need not worry about this being a skin flick. As for Redgrave's character, she gives a powerful performance portraying a devout Catholic who works for Whale as his housekeeper. While her words are often muddled, the accent (I believe it's Hungarian) is the cause, not to mention the American colloquialization of the English language and the Brittish slang used. In her case, her actions, not her words, are the most important. The poignant turn of events toward the end, exemplifies her love and respect for Whale even though, according to her, "he will go to hell for his sins of the flesh." It is because of this that she "will go to hell too to look after him." Over all, Gods & Monsters is a fantastic movie worth buying. Although it is a film for mature audiences, I think it forces one to think about how they would respond if put in a similar situation. Bottom line? -- If you enjoy a superb drama that requires some thought to enjoy, RENT IT or better yet, BUY IT! You won't be disappointed.