Product: Gods and Monsters (1998)
Rating: 5.0
A moving drama that evokes old Hollywood
"Gods and Monsters," directed by Bill Condon, is an excellent drama with some fine performances. Condon write the screenplay, which was based on Christopher Bram's novel "Father of Frankenstein." The film is a fictionalized account of the latter days in the life of James Whale, the gay filmmaker who directed such classics as "Frankenstein" and "Bride of Frankenstein."As Whale (played by Ian McKellen) copes with a degenerative brain condition, he strikes up a friendship with his heterosexual yard worker (Brendan Fraser). Condon deftly blends together scenes from this relationship with Whale's memories of World War I, recreations of behind-the-scenes action on the set of "Bride of Frankenstein," and other images from Whale's increasingly tormented mind.McKellen is superb in his challenging role: at times delightfully sly and witty, at times torn with lust or despair, Whale is an unforgettable figure. Fraser is also excellent. And Lynn Redgrave is similarly memorable in her role as Whale's devoted housekeeper (who nonetheless disapproves of his "bugger" lifestyle). The film's production values and additional performances are excellent; I was particularly impressed by the recreation of the set of "Bride." And Carter Burwell's moody, elegant musical score really helps to unify and elevate the film as a whole."G&M" contains some delicious comic moments. But the film is, above all, a serious drama. Condon's intelligent script takes on such topics as the Hollywood "closet," friendship that transcends differences, the trauma of war, and the place of the artist and his work in society. If you have been haunted by some of the images from the real-life Whale's films, you may find yourself similarly haunted, and enriched, by the superb "Gods and Monsters."