Product: Gods and Monsters (1998)
Rating: 5.0
Beautiful! A must see!
This film is a very faithful adaptation of Christopher Bram's excellent novel Father of Frankenstein (which is probably why it got the Oscar for Best Screenplay Adaptation). Performances by Sir Ian McKellan, Lynne Redgrave and Brenden Fraser keep the action moving along at a fast but believable pace. When the film is done, the viewer feels quite rightly worn out from having run an emotional gamut. Sir Ian makes a splendid James Whale--a man of dignity, talent and superb artistry in the process of losing his mental capabilities, and all too aware of the gradual deterioration of his mind. Does Whale or does he not have the right to direct his final grand exit? That's a question society still struggles with. I especially liked the way Fraser portrayed a "straight", very virile male unabashedly publicly befriending a gay man--something that gives plenty of "straight" males pause today. Vanessa Redgrave truly should have gotten the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, for which she was nominated for her work in this film. Her portrayal of the loyal but often disapproving housekeeper was flawless, superb and consistent. There is real power in McKellan's portrayal of a man very at peace with himself as a successful person in an environment that was for the most part hostile to homosexuals--claiming what was rightfully his against any existing odds. But you will take issue with the character's assessment about where his personal rights begin and end, as he manipulates Clayton in a drama that the trusting gardener has no idea is being played out. At the end of the film you are at odds with yourself about Whale's brillance and aplomb and good humor, which co-exists with his often callous and inconsiderate treatment of those closest to him. McKellan shines as a "god" and a "monster" rolled into one. Also, this movie is a terrific slice of life in Hollywood at its peak in the 1930's and 40's. This film lacks nothing that makes a movie great.