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

The story of James Whale, the Director of Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935), in the time period following the Korean War. Whale was homosexual, and develops a friendship with his gardener, an ex-Marine.

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Plot Keywords:

homosexual | gay interest | film history | film director | homosexuality | 

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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:

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:

$3,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$75,508, 8 November 1998, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$6,390,032, 23 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:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The ending scene, where Clay Boone lurches around his alley like Frankenstein's monster, was suggested to Writer and Director Bill Condon by Brendan Fraser.

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Goofs

When Clayton and Betty are by the car talking with the open car door between them, from one angle Betty is seen with her left hand on her hip then shown from the reverse angle her hand is on top of the car door.

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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 format of the end cast credits, headlined "A Great Cast is Worth Repeating," mirrors the way Universal gave their closing credits when James Whale was directing his horror classics.

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Connections

References One More River (1934)

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Soundtracks

Bride of Frankenstein
Written by Franz Waxman
Published by EMI Robbins/Fidelio Music Publishing

User Reviews

Brendan Fraser is terrific, and the film won over 30 awards.

Any film that has won over 30 awards must be respected. It is indeed a very good film, although the story line is deep and psychologically heavy so it is not everyone's cup of tea (or "everyone's tea cup" as the foreign maid played by Lynn Redgrave said in the film). Due credit must be given for a credible script and the story itself, based on truth although fictionalized as per the gardener's relationship with director Whale.

Brendan Fraser proves himself to be an excellent actor. We will no doubt see a lot more of him in leading roles.

Unbelievable that best-actor-Oscar-winner Ian McKellen was only 59 years old. He must be a smoker!

If you are a serious film buff, see it. It has lots of depth.