Gods and Monsters

Rating:
Summary: A labor of love
Review: Director James Whale brought to life some of the most enduring cinematic images ever known. Every time that we see Frankenstein's Monster (flat head, neck conductors, etc.) we are touched with the creative vision of his art. In this labor of love, Whales's life is depicted in a semi-biographical light and his final days are displayed with the help of a fictional friend. Flashes of his films and history are sprinkled about, aiding character development here and filling out the story there.

"Gods and Monsters" is a work that entertains us with humor (I laughed out loud several times) while peppering us with serious ideas -- perceptions of homosexuality, encroaching age, impending death, unrealized dreams, etc. It all moves at a leisurely pace, but it never seems to be quite slow. The movie will occasionaly cause discomfort for heterosexual males, but there is often a humorous edge to these moments. Unfortunately, the picture will likely provoke disgust and disdain among those with inordinately homophobic leanings.

This is a high quality film delivered by several key persons that have a great interest in its subject matter. It is excellently directed and beautifully photographed. Ian McKellen and Lynn Redgrave are superb in their roles, rendering humor, drama, and poignancy throughout. As lead actor and supporting actress, they were justifiably nominated for "Oscars" at the 1998 Academy Awards. Brendan Frasier, while not up to the level of his older colleagues, performs admirably. Not to be overlooked is the haunting (no pun intended) score that is enjoyable for its own sake and matches the mood of the film perfectly. Although devotees of the horror classics, and Whale fans in particular, are the most obvious candidates for purchase of this movie, it has enough merits to warrant viewing by any serious film-lover.

The DVD version of this movie boasts strong picture quality that does justice the the considerable efforts of the cinematographer. The sound is good, and doesn't particularly suffer from the fact that the disc is only recorded in "Dolby Surround". Among other things, the special features include an enjoyable and informative James Whale documentary, and an adequate director commentary. If you've enjoyed this film and are considering purchase of the DVD, you won't be disappointed with its qualities. Never seen it? In that case, rent it. And don't be surprised if you wind up buying it.

Rating:
Summary: Emotionally exhausting
Review: I saw this movie because I really like Brendan Fraser. Whew. Now that that's out of the way, I can say I absolutely loved the film for every other reason than Brendan Fraser (though the fact that he's nearly nude is the reason I watched this in the first place). Lynn Redgrave nearly steals the show every time she has a scene. What a wonderful actress. I sort of knew who Ian McKellen was, but wow....what an astounding performance. I generally don't get movies with too much emotional content because I like to read books for thought and watch movies to turn off my brain. This movie had me up all night thinking about it. The subtle (and not-so-subtle) references between the characters and the monsters, the intricate development of an unusual friendship, facing your own fears and prejudices. It was enthralling. After tossing and turning until 3 am, I went back out to the living room and watched it again. Then I concentrated on Brendan's flawless body, and I was able to sleep easier.

Rating:
Summary: A modern classic about the classics
Review: Forget the dreadful "Shadow of a Vampire". This is the one to watch.

Here Ian McKellen possibly does his best performance to date (Yes, it is better than Gandalf but not by much!) and so does Brendan Fraser. So two actors have their best roles ever in this movie and that says a lot about the quality of this film. This one has also got a few Oscars, even though that might not say much, it is still quite an achievement given that this film is pretty much a medium budget movie with limited locations and sets.

The story is about the director James Whale who was primarily a horror director in the 1930s and 1940s. This is the story about the perils of old age, sexual discrimination, lust, anger, manipulation and love - all played out to the tune of a film that documents the reasons for this director's status as one of the all time greats.

McKellen is frighteningly real at times. He has an old-age seizure on camera that looks stunningly realistic. The man is an impeccable performer and takes on his role here like a bull by the horns. You feel sadness and grossness for him at the same time. He is a manipulator, a conman, a sexual deviant- but also a great heart. Strangely enough this film has similar themes as Lord of the Rings. Tolken wrote many of the battle scenes, especially the Dead Marshes, because of his real experiences during the war. Whale is also attributing much of his own personal horrors that he paints on his canvas (both films and portrait artwork that he makes) to these artefacts of battle. There is a lot of depth to Gods and Monsters and plenty of emotion to boot. It spans across nearly every era between the early 1900s and the 1940s. Much of it is told in flashbacks especially the making of Whale's horror films.

The plot is basically about Whale and his gardener (Fraser) and their relationship. It is a bit like asking questions and getting answers and showing a bit of skin in-between. Not only do both these actors stand out but Lynn Redgrave plays Whale's housekeeper in her best role to date too! She is an absolute side-splitting hoot and her cynicism is second to none.

It would be hard to tell you much more about the plot without giving lots of it away but let's just say that you will learn a lot about everyone in this delightful film and it does come with a shock attached towards the end as the characters move a little closer to one another. The ending is moving and filled with sadness and loss with the passing of time. You can bring a lot to this movie and take a lot of it away with you too.

This is an inspiring movie about talent, friendship and filmmaking. It is hard to find dramas much better than Gods and Monsters...

Rating:
Summary: Powerfully acted, psychologically mesmerizing.
Review: At one point in "Gods and Monsters," Ian McKellan's character, James Whale, gestures to his head and remarks, "The real monsters are up here." The film spends its entire creating a way of life around this observation, portraying the last days of the well-known film director in ways that evoke humor, touching emotion, and above all else, emotionally haunting reflection on one's life.

It's a most unusual film, not completely a biopic, yet not entirely fictional; it's more of a speculation on his latter days, based on the novel "Father of Frankenstein," written by Christopher Bram. The reality of Whale's life, from his superior and delectable wit to the memories of war and Hollywood that delight and haunt him, is the basis of the novel and the film, as Whale relates them to a young gardener in whom he takes an emotional and physical interest.

The story begins by introducing us to Whale's way of life, from his slowly deteriorating health and mental state, to his luxurious home, where he lives with his maid, Hanna (Lynn Redgrave), who is caring yet keeps up a stern demeanor when it comes to his dealings in homosexuality. The presence of the new gardener, Clay Boone (Brendan Fraser), strikes a chord within Whale, who resumes his sketching by asking the young ex-Marine to pose for his drawing, offering a face-only clause as a way of quelling Clay's obvious insecurities.

The film's own openness with the issues of sexuality effectively portrays the flamboyance of its main character, who apparently saw no shame in his ways despite the resentment of homosexuality in the 1950's. The movie embodies this ignorance in Clay, who, at first, is unaware of his newfound friend's orientation. Once he discovers the truth from Hanna, his discomfort becomes even more unstable, to the point where he storms out in a rage of fury over the old man's excessive way with discomforting words. And yet, he returns to act as Whale's model, intrigued by the heartwarming and heartbreaking stories he offers as he sketches.

This is a most fragile and unsteady friendship, yet in spite of the discomfort that surrounds their bond, their is a certain degree of comfort to be found within it. This stems from director Bill Condon's avoidance of character glorification: in "Gods and Monsters," everyone has flaws. We see Whale's mood swings, his obsession with young boys in his old age, and his reluctance to recall his past; Clay also spends his time running, from his family, commitment, and stability. Ultimately, this makes their friendship mutually beneficial, allowing Clay a broader, richer view of life while allotting Whale the chance to face memories he would otherwise hide away forever.

All of this is painted in broad strokes by Condon, who employs humor, wit, and sadness into his stunning adaptation. The discomfort that arises as a result of Clay's discovery of his friend's sexuality is handled lightly in earlier scenes, slowly gaining resonance and meaning as the plot moves along its dreamlike path. Whale's memories of filming the "Frankenstein" movies are realistic in their approach, while his recollections of war and his lost love are emotionally charged. All of this is given a slow yet mesmerizing pace that allows us into the deepest subconscious of the characters, so that we not only see what is going on in their minds, but can feel it as well.

In the film's favor is its credible casting choices, most notably McKellan, who employs wit and real emotional range as Whale. Making sudden and drastic jumps from jubilant to unstable, McKellan's Whale is portrayed as someone whom we feel for, a man whose life is put into perspective in a manner that calls us to look at it with unblinking eyes. Fraser evokes a subtle sexual tension and eroticism as Clay, whose resemblance of Frankenstein's monster is the focal point of Whale's fascination. Redgrave makes a wonderful turn as Hanna, putting her wit and sarcasm to good use as the woman who embodies a maid, a wife, and a mother all at the same time.

Above all else, the most perplexing aspect of "Gods and Monsters" is its connection to Whale's film, "Frankenstein." Clay's resemblance and sense of naivety when in the presence of Whale is very much like the scene from that earlier film that this film's final scene. Seeing that final scene is to finally realize and acknowledge the film's purpose; it's one of those forceful moments in cinema that only come once in a blue moon. The film itself is a most touching achievement, deriving its success from its examination of Whale's life in a manner that makes it compelling rather than interesting.

Rating:
Summary: An intimate portrait of director, James Whale
Review: If you are interested in the old classic Universal Studio films of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein, you will especially enjoy this feature, since it is basically a story about the last days of the creative genius and the director of those films, James Whale.

The story of Gods and Monsters generally revolves around an emotionally traumatized and physically ailing movie director (majestically played by Ian McKellan), his attraction to his new gardener (played by Brendan Fraser), and the resulting emotionally intense and tumultous relationship that follows. In this movie, Brendan Fraser gives one of his better acting perfomances. Ironically, Fraser's overall physique and head shape are some very striking physical features which happen to resemble Whale's Frankenstein monster. Lynn Redgrave (who you can barely recognize in her part) is cast as James Whale's annoyingly moralizing yet concerned caretaker.

Initially, this movie is slow moving but it is no doubt, a thought and affect provoking film that provides some interesting and intriguing insights into man's fears, and the nature of intimacy, loneliness, love and human nature in general. By portraying Whale's experiences, Gods and Monsters also provides some excellent insights into Whale's movie themes and brings you behind the curtain into the Hollywood movie culture.

The bright and vivid colors of the cinematography of this film are an ironic contrast to Whale's old B&W horror movies and his themes which generally involved the 'darker' or more 'taboo' sides of human nature and emotion.

This is a cerebral drama. Gods and Monsters is a movie about genuine relationships rich in emotion and affect. It's likely to trigger your own strong emotional response. Beware!

Rating:
Summary: Good movie but slim on the extras
Review: Without a doubt, those who appreciate fine, character-driven films will find much to like in Bill Condon's 1988 critically acclaimed biopic on legendary horror director James Whale. Ian McKellen delivers his finest performance to date as the charming, charismatic director whose best days are behind him along with Lynn Redgrave as the doting maid and Brendan Fraser as a young gardener who strikes up a quick and quirky friendship with Whale. The beauty of this film lies in its narrow scope with its very small palette of locations and supporting characters, giving the film a very intimate feel in the close confines of the three major players along with the subtlety of their interaction.

On the disc itself all you'll get is a poorly transferred trailer and a ho-hum 30 minute featurette that offers little in the way of further value. Also disappointing is the lack of a proper Dolby 5.1 audio track - all you'll get on this shiny disc is a paltry 2.0 mono job.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting DVD of an interesting film...
Review: The film is so interesting that the DVD capitalizes on the opportunity of further informing the viewer about the real facts behind the "fact-tion" story of director James Whale. Unfortunately the production of the special features seemed a bit rushed and "unproduced," apparently (according to the director) much the same way as the film itself. Interesting insight into the world of indie film and leaves the audience wondering what glorious heights this one might have reached had the filmmakers had ample time and resources to recognize their vision. Nonetheless, it is a beautifully acted and packaged piece...well worth the time and attention!

Rating:
Summary: a beautiful film
Review: a stunningly beautiful film and a truly heartfelt homage to a great artist.

Rating:
Summary: Absorbing, deeply affecting masterpiece
Review: Amazing that such a great film could be made for only 3 million.
Bill Condon directs with elegant simplicity, thoroughly allowing the viewer to revel in the dynamics of the story and in the development and playing out of the characterizations. This is a film which allows us to become immersed in the depth and richness of the very real human beings which inhabit this poignant, affecting story. No cheap melodramatic or pat resolutions here; everything looms unerringly real and on a believable human level. It helps of course that Condon has the actors to do it justice. Sir Ian McKellen faultlessly establishes Whale's persona; the nuances and facial expressions are revealing of a whole myriad of emotions, thoughts and feelings. He brings such a charge, such a presence, he almost doesn't need words, and yet, there is no discernible "technique" at play, no self-concious "actory" mannerisms. We are aware of something extraordinary here, a near-transference of another's persona into McKellen's own. He takes us to places in a way that Olivier once did. Lynn Redgrave is fixating as Hannah, the completely off-the-wall yet endearing servant. Redgrave is always careful never to let schtick mar what could be a caricature of this severely limited character; one can see a real person behind the granite wall of unimaginative denial. Brendan Fraser is the film's most pleasant surprise. Redgrave in the Special Features section of the DVD says of Fraser, "He's a real actor," and this is certainly borne out in the finished result. With a powerhouse of artistic sagacity like McKellan, many a young actor could threaten to flounder helplessly, but Fraser not only holds his own astonishingly, he matches Sir Ian scene for scene. Most impressively, Fraser as his character appears to be paying rapt attention when McKellan's Whale speaks. His reactions are spontaneous and natural, the timing impeccably established. Moreover, Fraser declines to merely play the brooding hunk. When McKellan attacks Fraser's character in lascivious desperation, Fraser's depiction of his horror, trauma, outrage and pain is flinchingly palpable. It does not hurt either than Fraser is physically believable as the object of Whale's attraction.
Don't miss this absorbing masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: Fantactic film making and acting!!!
Review: I can not say enough about this film. It was great and the acting was Oscar quality. Buy this movie and you will understand. An excellant investment.