Gods and Monsters

Gods and Monsters

One of the greatest movies I've ever seen. Great acting -- I felt like I was there. Brendan Fraser was sadly overlooked for an award. What a wonderful talent he is!!

I loved this movie. It was the funniest movie i have ever seen. Ian McKellen really plays well as a homosexual. The funniest part was when he tried to seduce Brenden Fraser. I suggest you go out to rent this movie. But seriously, it was enjoyable film about the friendship between a director and his gardener.

Frankly, I found the movie depressing. James Whale's life and career are whittled down to little more than the image of a witty-but-tortured queen. So what if Ian McKellen's performance is brilliant? That Whale's career could be reduced to his "gayness", and done in such a kitschy manner, struck me as cheap. And that "poignant" ending was a laughable piece of melodramatic cornball.

32 Awards, including an Oscar, and another 23 nominations. In all that they almost neglected to mention that this is possibly the best work that Brendan Fraser has ever done, at least in my opinion. It is the story of the last days of James Whale, played exquisitely by Sir Ian McKellen, who's Bride of Frankenstein was among the best films to ever come out of Universal Studios. Whale was the master of horror at Universal. His Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein made a star of Boris Karloff. He made films that transcended their place and were the backbone of the monster era at Universal. Lynn Redgrave as Whale's housekeeper Hanna, was absolutely fabulous and provided much humor to this film. Of course, director Bill Condon's screenplay was just full of humor. You cannot possible call yourself human and not find this film to be touching and powerful.

Just after viewing the picture, I immediately thought it was good, not great. Then, later it lingers and you think more about it, and the film was astounding. James Whale created 2 movies where you felt sympathy for the monster, just like the other black-and-white classics, "Creature From the Black Lagoon", "The Wolf Man", "The Elephant Monster" (not really a monster). They are so alone, seeking friendship and love. This translates to the feelings of a gay man coping with isolation and loneliness during the 1950s. Ian McClellan and Lynn Redgrave were superb, as expected, but the biggest surprise was Brendan Fraser, who was magnificent in his role. This was a sensitive, beautifully written and photographed drama, lovingly created and directed.

This movie really isn't about anything. It COULD be a movie about a lonely man who has lost his loved ones, can't take care of himself, and is slowly dying. It COULD be a movie about Hollywood's homosexual background, and the effect the coverups had on those making movies in the 30's. It COULD even be a movie about some boring friendship that no-one really cared to see between a lower-class gardener and his lower-class, graduated to fame, director buddy. Instead, it is simply a boring movie that tries to cover EVERYTHING, and instead does nothing. Tell me it really mattered that the main character was "the father of Frankenstein"! It didn't matter at all! This COULD have been a movie about my gay uncle Freddy and his beefcake, meathead mechanic 'friend'. Most definately over-rated.

I just rented this movie today and I must say it is a great one. I do believe that Ian McKellen and Lynn Redgrave were robbed of acting Oscars. This is a movie about an unusual friendship between a washed-up homosexual movie director James Whale (McKellen) and his hunky gardener Clayton Boone (Brendan Frasier). The very final scene of this movie is a wonderful one. I suggest that you go out and rent this flick. It's definitely worth the $3.50.

So good it was terrifying! A fascinating film with great performances. I watched the entire film before I realized that Lynn Redgrave played a lead role. Not only unrecognizable, but she totally immersed herself into her role! A fabulous performance. Brendan Fraser is also good, plus he removes his clothes which is always a treat!