Gods and Monsters (Widescreen Collector's Edition)

*Possible slight spoilers*So, first off, I've only heard of this film since it came out (it may be the first movie that I ever heard of Sir Ian Mckellan before he came into my purview more for roles for my era in XMen and LOTR). I never saw it before, though.The film has some incredible acting (Ian McKellan is of note) which is already known because of the awards the film won. I think Brendan Fraser is slightly miscast here, not really being the type to embody the tough military guy type. That is, until we understand that it is all a facade for his character. I don't think Brendan Fraser is a good enough actor to have pulled that part of the performance off fully, but it makes the casting make more sense once the film brings this to light so I don't fully look down on this casting choice. Fortunately, Brendan Fraser has always been a charming actor (I think it's because he seems like such a good dude in real life- the guy is one of those that was just born to be a dad it seems) and this works once the film reveals his true character.Unfortunately, if you are fascinated by the film, you'll quickly run to google to find out if it's a true story. Look, no Hollywood film is a "true story." Based on a true story is just that: literally only based on the fact that someone said this happened and then extrapolated into something to sell.Even that is stretched thin, here, as it's only slightly based on a true story. Brendan Fraser's character is not based on anybody that existed which means the entire movie is completely false- which angered somebody for... no reason worth taking seriously. The only thing that is true is the facts around James Whale- which is enough. Everything else is made up based on some true things that really did happen but bringing forth conclusions not based on any evidence. It's reality fantasy, as all stories truly are at some point. Even the ones you tell your kids about who you were when you were their age.With that out of the way, though, I find it a missed opportunity. If this is the case, why not make it unclear if Brendan Fraser's character is even real at all? It is a fact that James Whale suffered from strokes which caused him to have some form of dementia, or other nueral issues, late in life. Why not, instead of making up a fictional character, make that the driving force of the story? Why not have that be a mystery since there is so much mystery behind James Whale's death?I think the choice to make Brendan Fraser's character fully realized, merely because it's the singular lie in the film, is the ultimate missed opportunity. The film should never have the scenes where Brendan Fraser is with other people without James Whale. He should not have a clear through line after James Whale's passing. It should be a mystery if he ever truly even existed in the world of the film (in real life he is not based on anybody purposefully).Given how much of the film is true, and how much is not, to me it just makes more sense to play with the mystery of it. Have it be unclear so we can further the character study and have the audience as uncertain with reality as James Whale would have been at the time.Anyway, Sir Ian McKellan's performance should not be understated. He gives an incredible performance that very much drives the entire film (and he is much funnier than Brendan Fraser in this although who knows- maybe it was mandated). However, I think the writing is more simple than it needed to be given the subject matter.

Bill Condon’s 1998 film, “Gods and Monsters,” tells the story of the last days of James Whale, the director of “Frankenstein” (1931) and “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935). The film stars Ian McKellen as Whale, Brendan Fraser as Clayton Boone, Lynn Redgrave as Hanna, Lolita Davidovich as Betty, David Dukes as David Lewis, Rosalind Ayres as Elsa Lanchester, Jack Betts as Boris Karloff, Matt McKenzie as Colin Clive, and Cornelia Hayes O’Herlihy as Princess Margaret. Condon’s story adapts Christopher Bram’s 1995 novel, “Father of Frankenstein,” with a screenplay by Condon.The film focuses on Whale near the end of his life, following a stroke that affects his memory if not his balance. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with his gardener, Clay Boone, as he worries about the decline of his place in the Hollywood system. Unlike many in Hollywood, Whale does not hide his homosexuality, preferring to live as he is despite his health struggles. Condon shows how Whale’s stroke affects his memory, with him experiencing flashbacks to his youth as a working class child in Worcestershire, his time in the trenches during World War II, and his making of “Bride of Frankenstein.” Whale’s decline leads him to think about his death and desire to end his life with dignity while the story focuses on the monsters within us all.A poignant film about decline, McKellen and Fraser lead the film with powerful, subtle performances. Those interested in Hollywood history will find this particularly interesting, even as it fictionalizes history. Condon tells the story well and shows excellent craft in this film.

Sir McKellan absolutely delivers, one hundred percent.Mr Fraser delivers like no other, proving beyond any shadow of a doubt that he is so much more than the dumb muscle-y goof he is so adept at portraying. His depth and range of emotion, without saying a single word, is incredible and, coupled with the innocence he somehow manages to maintain even to this day it is no small wonder how he has maintained his appeal.This film is so incredibly underrated, yet I would recommend it to any and all.

Good movie and cast

If you want to know what a really great actor is, watch Sir Ian McKellen in Gods and Monsters. His performance is absolutely incredible in terms of intelligence, accuracy and emotion. For those who still doubt that Sir Ian is the greatest British actor of his generation, here is the best answer. I was fascinated from the first to the last minute.

What I loved about this film,is that the strength of the performances by all the leading cast,were consistently good,and that,combined with a good story,makes for something special. Ian McKellen plays the aged movie director James Whale,shown long after his star has faded. McKellen plays the role with a sad reminiscing quality rather than with bitterness. Outstandingly done. James Whale finds himself drawn to his handsome young gardener Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser)who although not homosexual, seems to have some curiosity and is perhaps flattered by the attentions of the lonely old man. The scenes between McKellen & Fraser capture the awkwardness and confusion perfectly. Lynn Redgrave as the housekeeper is also top rate here. The film has had to take a few liberties with reality, as not that much is known about James Whale in his later years. It is all superbly believable though. Special features on the DVD include the original trailer, director's commentary, cast biographies, a stills gallery, and a making of documentary. Also included is an 8 page booklet of production notes and trivia. This film stayed with me long after I had watched it.

An excellent portrayal of James whale the director of the Frankenstein movies as well as the superb Show Boat musical.Ian McKellan deserved an Oscar for this as he pulls out all the stops in using his talent..he has timing and perfection in his expression of marvelous lines as at the poolside with the Fan Interviewer and the scene at Cuckor's Garden Party with Princess Margaret is almost hilarious! It's pure McKellan at his best showing his superb talent and understatement delivery as well as his ability for deadpan comedy.Brendan Fraser is simply outstanding and shows off his inumerable talents both in portrayal of dialogue and his body language in every sense..seemingly this much underated actor is almost equal to McKellan's gifts and should have be given recognition for making this film work..of course the late Lynn Redgrave is superb as Mr Jimmy's loyal, loving housekeeper with many opportunities to show off her great comic ability as well as to express deep sensitivity at the moments of torment and deep sadness within the life of her employer..seeing the portrayals of Karloff,Thesinger and Lanchester one is convinced it's for real and their lines are brillant as they converse amongst themselves..this film really is full of Gods and Monsters as Whale assures us.

This blu-ray is an on-demand title, so isn't finished to the professional standard of a usual disc you would buy in a store, but the picture quality is great and looks the best this film has ever done on home media. Only downside is that this release doesn't have any of the extras featured on the DVD, so if you're upgrading hold on to your DVD for the commentary and extras.

Gods & Monsters the film itself is excellent, I couldn't recommend it enough. I felt urged to leave a review of the DVD itself because I was quite disappointed...the film was originally released by MGM in the UK & I urge you to seek out that copy if you can (though it is now out of print) and/or a region 1 disc (if you can play American DVDs). I snapped up the Anchor Bay copy because it was a bargain price, but that's exactly what you get. A bargain bin version of the film. There is visible picture noise & a hiss on the soundtrack of the Anchor Bay release. I wish I was being nitpicky but I'm sure even the casual viewer will spot this. I even watched mine on a 22 inch LCD TV to give you an idea of how distracting it is. The soundtrack is also stereo!...Now the original release boasts a Dolby soundtrack, a commentary & a making of...Anchor Bay are normally on the ball with their DVDs, but this is a let down.