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Ian McKellen delivers a riveting, award-winning performance as Hollywood horror director, James Whale. It's 1957, and Whale's heyday as the director of "Frankenstein", "Bride Of Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man" is long behind him. Retired and a semi-recluse, he lives his days accompanied only by images from his past. When his dour housekeeper, Hannah (Lynn Redgrave), hires a handsome young gardener, Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser), the flamboyant director and simple yard man develop an unlikely friendship. This powerful and poignant relationship will change their lives forever.Special Features: Feature Commentary with Director Bill CondonThe World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale Narrated by Clive Barker.Theatrical TrailerProduction NotesCast & Filmmakers' BiosFilm HighlightsWeb Links
Editor's Note
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.
| Features | Film Highlights | | Theatrical Trailer | | 30-minute Documentary The World Of Gods And Mon | | Production Notes | | Cast Bios | | Widescreen Version | | English 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital | | English Subtitles |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Universal |
| Release Date: 6/8/1999 |
| Running Time: 106 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1998 | | Catalog ID: 20584 | | UPC: 00025192058424 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English [CC], English | | Video: Color |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Academy Awards (1998) |  | Bill Condon, Winner, Best Adapted Screenplay |
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| | Professional Reviews | Rolling Stone
"...McKellan gives the performance of his career..." 11/12/1998 p.122Sight and Sound
"...A funny, darkening portrait of James Whale, the director of 'Frankenstein' brings this neglected auteur back to life..." 03/??/1999 p.34-42 Movieline's Hollywood Life
"...Beautifully crafted....Fraser gives the movie its shattering emotional impact..." 06/01/1999 p.91 Entertainment Weekly
"...Condon has made a deeply touching, elegant, and inventive biographical fantasy....An extraordinarily graceful film..." -- Rating: A 11/13/1998 p.53 New York Times
"...An immensely touching character study that is heightened by well-chosen glimpses of Hollywood's past....GODS AND MONSTERS creates a deeply resonant portrait..." 11/04/1998 p.E5 Box Office
"...Simultaneously poignant and tremendously entertaining....A triumph of both style and soul, a vessel well worthy of its esteemed subject matter..." 11/01/1998 p.155 Los Angeles Times
"...There are so many colors to McKellen's performance, so many diverse emotions fleetingly play on his face, that resisting his art is out of the question. Better work by an actor will not be seen this year..." 11/04/1998 p.C3 |
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| Customer Reviews | ![]() | | Cinematography |  5 | | Plot |  4 | | Acting | 5 | | Overall Satisfaction | 5 |
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5 of 5 Ian McKellan at his best Thursday, June 17, 1999
A Viewer from San Francisco, CA
Excellent movie. Ian McKellan and Brendan Fraser were superb. Was this review helpful?  
5 of 5 Monster Smash Wednesday, June 16, 1999
Brian from Alabama
This is a film that is deserving of the hype it has received. It has brilliant acting, lead by Sir Ian McKellen, in a remarkable performance worthy of his Oscar nomination, and Brendan Fraser, who gives the performance of his young career. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fresh, interesting drama and character development. Was this review helpful?
5 of 5 Wow Tuesday, June 01, 1999
A Viewer from New York City
This film was amazing. You did get the name of director wrong though! Christopher Bram is the author of the amazing novel that this film is based on -- not the director.
But folks should rent it anyway! It's really poignant, funny, and beautiful.
Was this review helpful?
5 of 5 One of the Best Films of 1998 Saturday, May 29, 1999
Jyster17 from LA, CA
A great film. I personally recommend it to anyone who wants to watching wonderful acting, directing, and cinematography. Was this review helpful?
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