Gods and Monsters
3/4
Starring: Ian McKellan, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave
Rated R for Sexual Material and Language
Like more than a few films, "Gods and Monsters" is closer to a misfire than a complete success. It's emotionally cold, but well-acted and always interesting.
The film takes place after the Korean War. Filmmaker James Whale (McKellan) is retired and living out his life in his home. Although he has a few friends come to visit, usually it is just him and Hana (Redgrave), his dutiful housekeeper. One day he spies a handsome man working in his yard. His name is Clayton Boone (Fraser). James, who was one of the few openly gay men working in Hollywood, wishes to meet him and sketch his face. They quickly form a strong bond that changes them both forever.
The best thing about this movie is the characters. James, Clay, and to a lesser extent, Hana, are well drawn, three dimensional individuals. It's interesting to spend time with them. James's career may have been squashed by the powers that be, but he is happy with his life. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much time left because he is suffering from constant minor strokes that will eventually kill him. Memories flood his mind, mixing and matching in a disjointed order. Still, he has his dry wit intact. Initially, Clay seems to be a big dumb galoot, but appearances can be deceiving. "Thoreau...with a lawnmower," he says of himself at one point. While his employer's homosexuality makes him uncomfortable, he decides to take a "live and let live" approach to it (James has a tendency to tow the line a little too closely for Clay's taste, however). Hana is also interesting. She's been James's housekeeper for 15 years, and they know each other far too well. Hana, who is devoutly religious, is convinced that James will spend eternity in hell because of his sexuality, but she still cares deeply for him.
As you can imagine, sexuality is an ever present theme in this film. But it is not about being gay or straight. Rather, it's about the complex relationship that develops between James and Clay. It's a deep friendship and a mentor/pupil relationship combo. Writer/director Bill Condon understands this and presents it beautifully.
The performances are top notch. Leading the pack is Ian McKellan, who rightfully scored an Oscar nomination for his performance as James. James is an intelligent man, who, more than anything, needs companionship (preferably a handsome hunk). The role is tricky because we have to get on his side even though he does some strange and borderline reprehensible things (his encounter with a fan who interviews him is an example). McKellan nails the role, a successfully navigates the psychological aspect of his character (which is uniquely presented).
Before he became famous for slaying mummies with Rachel Weisz, Brendan Fraser was known as a character actor in movies like "School Ties" and comedies like "Airheads" and "The Scout." While his performance isn't as brilliant as McKellan's or Redgraves (partly due to the fact that his character isn't as interesting nor is he given as strong dialogue), he does more than hold his own against the British legends. Clay is the ideal partner (so to speak) for James. He's straight but handsome, tough but willing to listen and care. Moviegoers who approach this film with memories of Rick O'Connell will be surprised at the depth of his performance.
Unfortunately, the film doesn't work on an emotional level. While I liked and understood the characters, I didn't feel their emotions (one exception: James's reminiscing about Leonard Barnett (Todd Babcock), his lover during World War I). That renders some of the film confusing as to why the characters do what they do (particularly the final clip).
Still, the film is strongly written; Bill Condon won an Oscar for adapting the novel "Father of Frankenstein" by Christopher Bram (this is not a factual biopic but a fictionalized one...Clayton Boone was not a real person). And the film allows us to spend time with three very interesting and compelling individuals. Not bad for someone whose previous film was "Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh."
Starring: Ian McKellan, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave
Rated R for Sexual Material and Language
Like more than a few films, "Gods and Monsters" is closer to a misfire than a complete success. It's emotionally cold, but well-acted and always interesting.
The film takes place after the Korean War. Filmmaker James Whale (McKellan) is retired and living out his life in his home. Although he has a few friends come to visit, usually it is just him and Hana (Redgrave), his dutiful housekeeper. One day he spies a handsome man working in his yard. His name is Clayton Boone (Fraser). James, who was one of the few openly gay men working in Hollywood, wishes to meet him and sketch his face. They quickly form a strong bond that changes them both forever.
The best thing about this movie is the characters. James, Clay, and to a lesser extent, Hana, are well drawn, three dimensional individuals. It's interesting to spend time with them. James's career may have been squashed by the powers that be, but he is happy with his life. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much time left because he is suffering from constant minor strokes that will eventually kill him. Memories flood his mind, mixing and matching in a disjointed order. Still, he has his dry wit intact. Initially, Clay seems to be a big dumb galoot, but appearances can be deceiving. "Thoreau...with a lawnmower," he says of himself at one point. While his employer's homosexuality makes him uncomfortable, he decides to take a "live and let live" approach to it (James has a tendency to tow the line a little too closely for Clay's taste, however). Hana is also interesting. She's been James's housekeeper for 15 years, and they know each other far too well. Hana, who is devoutly religious, is convinced that James will spend eternity in hell because of his sexuality, but she still cares deeply for him.
As you can imagine, sexuality is an ever present theme in this film. But it is not about being gay or straight. Rather, it's about the complex relationship that develops between James and Clay. It's a deep friendship and a mentor/pupil relationship combo. Writer/director Bill Condon understands this and presents it beautifully.
The performances are top notch. Leading the pack is Ian McKellan, who rightfully scored an Oscar nomination for his performance as James. James is an intelligent man, who, more than anything, needs companionship (preferably a handsome hunk). The role is tricky because we have to get on his side even though he does some strange and borderline reprehensible things (his encounter with a fan who interviews him is an example). McKellan nails the role, a successfully navigates the psychological aspect of his character (which is uniquely presented).
Before he became famous for slaying mummies with Rachel Weisz, Brendan Fraser was known as a character actor in movies like "School Ties" and comedies like "Airheads" and "The Scout." While his performance isn't as brilliant as McKellan's or Redgraves (partly due to the fact that his character isn't as interesting nor is he given as strong dialogue), he does more than hold his own against the British legends. Clay is the ideal partner (so to speak) for James. He's straight but handsome, tough but willing to listen and care. Moviegoers who approach this film with memories of Rick O'Connell will be surprised at the depth of his performance.
Unfortunately, the film doesn't work on an emotional level. While I liked and understood the characters, I didn't feel their emotions (one exception: James's reminiscing about Leonard Barnett (Todd Babcock), his lover during World War I). That renders some of the film confusing as to why the characters do what they do (particularly the final clip).
Still, the film is strongly written; Bill Condon won an Oscar for adapting the novel "Father of Frankenstein" by Christopher Bram (this is not a factual biopic but a fictionalized one...Clayton Boone was not a real person). And the film allows us to spend time with three very interesting and compelling individuals. Not bad for someone whose previous film was "Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh."
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