Gods and Monsters (1998)

The last days of Frankenstein (1931) 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 37 wins & 33 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

1957. Long having retired, James Whale, arguably most famous for directing Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935) among some other 1930s horror classics, has burned his bridges with the Hollywood community in they having abandoned him, the possible exception being his continuing friendship with former lover David Lewis, James openly gay even during his working period. He is in declining health having recently been released from hospital where he was recuperating from a stroke, he left with some permanent health issues the aftermath of the stroke. Much against the disapproval of his loyal longtime housekeeper Hanna, his health does not prevent him from toying with the handsome young men who may wander into his midst in his continuing homosexual desires, although Hanna is as much if not more concerned about any of those young men taking advantage of him in his elderly and fragile state. The young man who catches his eye among the most recent is Clayton Boone, who Hanna ...

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Plot Keywords:

gay interest | film history | film director | los angeles california | gardener | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual material and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

James Whale directed Valerie Hobson in Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Sir Ian McKellen, who plays Whale in this movie, previously played Hobson's husband, the British Conservative Member of Parliament John Profumo, in Scandal (1989).

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Goofs

When Whale and Boone get caught in the rain they shelter under an umbrella. In one shot Whale's right side is completely drenched, in a following shot his right side is much drier.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Hannah: [whispering] She was ugly when I brought her. I not like her. Mr. Jimmy not like her. Better you indicate, Mr. David.
David Lewis: Stop.
Hannah: Shhh.

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Crazy Credits

The character name "Boris Karloff" has the 'TM' symbol next to it, meaning it's trademarked.

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Connections

Featured in The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster (2002)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Moving

Gods and Monsters

This human drama by talented director Bill Condon is an emotional masterpiece! Based from Christopher Bram's novel, Gods and Monsters depicts the last days of famed director James Whales and his flourishing relationship with his gardener Clayton Boone. Ian McKellen plays the ill-fated director haunted by painful memories of the past while Brendan Fraser, in a very serious role, is the man from which Whales finds peace.

Director Bill Condon is especially remarkable with his use of flashbacks to delineate James Whales' haunting past and imageries from the late director's own creations. He makes his audiences feel the growing bond between Whales and Boone, and effectively touches his audiences during the director's tragic end. Though this episode is a predictable story, it makes us explore within ourselves the Gods and Monsters of our lives.

I'm surprised that the Academy ignored Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser for their extremely fine performances. Ian McKellen gives an outstanding performance as the late director while Brendan Fraser fully shines in the film's climax. Lynn Redgrave is also commendable for her light performance as Hanna, the maid.

This is superbly recommended for anyone looking for a film loaded with emotions

Details

Official Sites:

Gods and Monsters

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English Hungarian

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:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$75,508, 8 November 1998

Gross USA:

$6,451,628

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,451,628

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:

2.39 : 1