A Frank(enstein) Discussion

I recently watched the movie Gods and Monsters. I knew very little going into it, other than a hint of its subject matter, and that it had been widely praised for the acting of stars Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, and Lynn Redgrave.

The story, it turned out, is a somewhat fictionalized account of James Whale (played by McKellen), the gay director who made the classic horror films Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. He's long since retired as the film begins, and has recently suffered a stroke that has set him on a slow and dehumanizing loss of his faculties. The movie revolves around the relationship he strikes up with a new gardener in his employ (Fraser).

As promised, the acting is phenomenal. Ian McKellen gives a deeply touching performance full of subtlety. It's the sort of role that would stand up well to repeat viewings; there's another meaning to what he's doing that isn't completely clear until the final act. Lynn Redgrave is excellent in a small role as the director's housekeeper. She's given only a scene or two in which to really shine, but she does so. And then there's Brendan Fraser. He might have a "popcorn film" reputation, but he's not at all outclassed here by the other talent involved.

For the most part, the story is interesting, but not anything exceptional. It seemed like a fairly stereotypical showcase for acting for the bulk of the film. But then things did take an interesting turn in the final act. I don't really want to bill it as a "twist," but it does turn out that the motivations of one of the characters aren't really what one might have expected. This script did win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. I don't know what the competition was, so that might be going a bit far; nevertheless, I was surprised and moved by the final destination.

If you have the patience for what is certainly a quiet (though never dull) film, I'd certainly recommend this one. I give Gods and Monsters a B.