Gods and Monsters

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Gods and Monsters

R

Released Jan 21, 1998

1h 45m

Biography

LGBTQ+

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Popcornmeter

96%

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71 Reviews

82%

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10,000+ Ratings

Once a powerful Hollywood director best known for Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein, James Whale (Ian McKellen) is long since retired and in increasingly poor health. His stalwart housekeeper, Hanna (Lynn Redgrave), quietly disapproves of Whale's faceless, nameless parade of young gay lovers, but when the director takes an interest in new gardener Clayton Boone, a former Marine and Korean War veteran, it seems to be for something more than his usual casual conquest.

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Critics Consensus

Gods and Monsters is a spellbinding, confusing piece of semi-fiction, featuring fine performances; McKellen leads the way, but Redgrave and Fraser don't lag far behind.

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Anthony Lane

The New Yorker

Few films have made it seem so natural to be haunted.

Oct 12, 2020

Full Review

Sight & Sound

While Condon may not quite have captured an accurate Whale, he and his cast have brought a memorable creation to life.

Jun 18, 2012

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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: A

Sep 7, 2011

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

“Gods and Monsters” is easily one of the best films of the year. It is a real treat for any movie lover and will easily span the test of time like the films of the man it portrayed.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 7, 2023

Full Review

Sean P. Means

Salt Lake Tribune

The film is a revelation for writer-director Bill Condon, whose last movie, the horror schlock Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh, showed no indication of the intelligence and tenderness at work here.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 4, 2023

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Michael Cuby

them.

it still feels remarkably current today.

Oct 3, 2022

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Martijn t

Very interestingly told biopic, where sometimes Whale's movies and his real life mix up in flashbacks. The movie dares to show dark sides of Whale and Boone characters, although in Whale's case the stroke he has had plays a role in that too. Sometimes it is a bit too much of a literary adaptation though, with McKellen giving long monologues clearly lifted right from the book while sitting on a chair.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/27/24

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Andy B

A fictional account of the last days of the director James Whale. His life story is told in flash backs, showing us his involvement in World War I and the filming of Bride of Frankenstein. The majority of the film is about the relationship between Whale (Ian McKellen) and the man employed to trim his lawn, Boone (Brendan Fraser). We always expect a considered and powerful performance from McKellen, but at the time Fraser was not really known for serious acting. This shows his range as he virtually matches McKellen and the scenes between the two are both compelling and convincing. Amazing film and I’m glad I finally watched it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/08/24

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Leaburn O

There are good scenes but generally it’s a pointless film that seems very unlikely. Watched on DVD.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/04/24

Full Review

Farah R

It's difficult to dislike a film when the performances are so stellar. Gods and Monsters may be slow and uncomfortable at certain parts, but it's undoubtedly well-crafted and a surprising showcase of Brendan Fraser's terrific acting.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/13/24

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Jerod S

No idea that Fraser could actually act. H's befriended by old Hollywood director James Whale (Ian McKellen). Whale created the Frankenstein movies but is trying to hang on to significance as he ages.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/04/23

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Katya V

Ian McKellen gets a bit much, but Brendan Fraser is excellent! Great script and interesting cinematography. And it does have the air of old Hollywood about it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/12/23

Full Review

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Bill Condon

Director

Ian McKellen

James Whale

Brendan Fraser

Clayton Boone

Lynn Redgrave

Hanna

Lolita Davidovich

Betty

Kevin J. O'Connor

Harry

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Synopsis

Once a powerful Hollywood director best known for Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein, James Whale (Ian McKellen) is long since retired and in increasingly poor health. His stalwart housekeeper, Hanna (Lynn Redgrave), quietly disapproves of Whale's faceless, nameless parade of young gay lovers, but when the director takes an interest in new gardener Clayton Boone, a former Marine and Korean War veteran, it seems to be for something more than his usual casual conquest.

Director: Bill Condon
Producer: Mark R. Harris, Paul Colichman, Gregg Fienberg
Screenwriter: Christopher Bram, Bill Condon
Distributor: Universal Studios Inc.
Production Co: Showtime Networks Inc., Regent Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Biography, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 27, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.4M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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