Gods and Monsters (1998)

The last days of Frankenstein director James Whale are explored.

Director:

Bill Condon

Writers:

Christopher Bram (novel), Bill Condon (screenplay)

Stars:

Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave

Won 1 Oscar. Another 35 wins & 23 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ian McKellen	...	James Whale
Brendan Fraser	...	Clayton Boone
Lynn Redgrave	...	Hanna
Lolita Davidovich	...	Betty
David Dukes	...	David Lewis
Kevin J. O'Connor	...	Harry
Mark Kiely	...	Dwight
Jack Plotnick	...	Edmund Kay
Rosalind Ayres	...	Elsa Lanchester
Jack Betts	...	Boris Karloff
Matt McKenzie	...	Colin Clive
Todd Babcock	...	Leonard Barnett
Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy	...	Princess Margaret
Brandon Kleyla	...	Young Whale
Pamela Salem	...	Sarah Whale

Storyline

The story of James Whale, the director of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein, in the time period following the Korean War. Whale is homosexual and develops a friendship with his gardener, an ex-Marine.

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Plot Keywords:

frankenstein | friendship | gardener | stroke | memory | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual material and language

Details

Official Sites:

Gods and Monsters

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Father of Frankenstein

Filming Locations:

Arden Villa - 1145 Arden Road, Pasadena, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£59,834 (UK) (26 March 1999)

Gross:

$6,390,032 (USA) (21 May 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lions Gate Films, Showtime Networks, Flashpoint (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The title comes from a line appeared in The Bride of Frankenstein. In it, Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger) say to Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive): "To a new world of gods and monsters."

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Goofs

During a meeting with James Whale, Clayton has a drink in his hand. The end of one shot shows the glass in one hand while the beginning of the next shot shows it in his other hand.

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Quotes

Edmund Kay: You're a dirty old man.
James Whale: Oh.

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Crazy Credits

The story of this motion picture is based upon certain, actual events and persons. However, some of the characters, incidents and names are fictionized.

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Connections

Featured in The 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards (1999)

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Soundtracks

"Just Might Be Tonight"
Written by Spencer Proffer & Steve Plunkett
Performed by Johnny Spark
Produced & Arranged by Spencer Proffer & Steve Plunkett

User Reviews

Terrific! (To A Degree)

From the opening credits to the (mostly) predictable climax, Bill Condon's film is a technical masterpiece and an excellent bit of arthouse fodder to boot.

The title, which comes from James Whale's classic film Bride Of Frankenstein, refers to the gods and monsters living in our lives and vicariously in our close associates' lives.

Condon has done a remarkable job editing in flashbacks, and the sketchy oblique, often contrasted shots pay great homage to Whale's early Universal pictures.

The story is a simple one: James Whale (Ian MacKellan), famed director, has had a stroke and is slowly dying. He is a lonely man in need of companionship and inner peace. He tries to find this solace in Clay Boone (Brendan Fraser, in a rare serious role), his yardman. The blossoming relationship between the two is the plot focus of the film.

Carter Burwell's score is wonderful as always, and Lynn Redgrave's role as Whale's housemaid is superbly put on. A great movie for any fans of the late Whale, or anyone looking for a true human drama.