Gods and Monsters (1998)
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins
Synopsis: Based on Christopher Bram's novel FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, Bill Condon's semi-fictional 1998 sleeper stars Sir Ian McKellen in a fantastic performance as director James Whale (FRANKENSTEIN, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, SHOW BOAT). It is 1957, and Whale is living in semiseclusion in Southern... Based on Christopher Bram's novel FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, Bill Condon's semi-fictional 1998 sleeper stars Sir Ian McKellen in a fantastic performance as director James Whale (FRANKENSTEIN, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, SHOW BOAT). It is 1957, and Whale is living in semiseclusion in Southern California with his scrutinizing maid, Hannah (Lynn Redgrave). His health is failing, and he is able to do little but lounge around and contemplate his younger days--his many male loves, his days in WWI, and the film world that has forsaken him. When Whale first gazes upon his musclebound gardener, Clay (Brendan Fraser), however, it is the beginning of an unusual (and platonic) friendship. Seasoned with multiple flashbacks to the sets of his films and to the battlefield, GODS AND MONSTERS is a haunting and touching look at the life of a man who was at the top of the Hollywood hierarchy but soon found himself out of favor--and the offbeat friendship he formed in his final days. McKellen and Redgrave were both nominated for Oscars, and the film garnered one statue for Best Adapted Screenplay. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Ian McKellen, Lynn Redgrave, Brendan Fraser, Lolita Davidovich, David Dukes
DVD Info
Release:
Jun 17, 2003
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
- Dolby Digital Stereo - English
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - 1. Bill Condon - Director
- Trailer - 1. Theatrical
- Featurette - 1. THE WORLD OF GODS & MONSERS: A JOURNEY WITH JAMES WHALE Narrated by Clive Barker
- Film Highlights
Interactive Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Scene Selection
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Production Notes
- Cast & Filmmaker's bios
DVD-Rom Features:
- Web Links
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
Condon's indie is narrwoly focused in depicting James Whale's personal and professional frustrations as an old man, but Ian McKellen, who must have felt strong affinity with the openly gay director, gives an astonishingly sophisticated performance.
travels far beyond the usual chronological re-telling of highlights
Ian McKellen shines in this well-acted drama about a mysterious Hollywood celebrity.
I can't remember the last time I was so emotionally pounded by a film...Ian McKellan is a god.
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by: imdayoung1 12/9/02


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