Review of Gods and Monsters (1998) by David A — 10 May 2010

(from The Watermark, 01/07/99).

A haunting fictionalization of the death of James Whale, the gifted Hollywood director who made Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. Whale was found dead floating in his pool back in 1957, an apparent suicide, and the film draws a sad but affectionate portrait of the artist as he slowly comes apart at the seams in his final days. Whale (played by openly-gay Ian McKellen), forced into retirement after a sex scandal made his homosexuality public, finds his health in decline. The latest object of his lust is the hot and hunky new lawn boy (Fraser), whose height, bulkiness and square-top 'do are reminiscent of the Franksenstein monster himself. McKellen tries to get closer to his very-straight new friend, but as he does so, more images from his past haunt him, including the monstrosities he endured when he fought in the first World War. As friendship and understanding develop between the two men, parallels emerge between Whale's work and life: Not too unlike Dr. Frankenstein and his creature, a brilliant tapestry of role-reversal is woven: McKellen's Whale plays God when he is a film director, but he is also a monster to many because he is a homosexual. The simple-minded and uneducated Fraser is the ultimate monster, a dumb butch straight guy, yet he is also a god as McKellen looks to his Adonis-like presence for salvation from his failing health. Oscar-worthy McKellen gives a spot-on performance as Whale which is at once commanding and heartbreaking. Fraser is perfectly cast on a physical level, and actually rises to the acting challenge of the role. The direction is excellent due to its effective use of visual imagery that sparks Whale's memories. In a surprising turn, Redgrave is almost unrecognizable as Whale's disapproving yet faithful hausfrau. QUEER QUOTIENT: Lots o' gay stuff here! Whale briefly remembers parties where naked men frolic around his pool, and in the most you-go-girl moment in the film, he brings Fraser to a dinner party hosted by none other than George Cukor, the closeted director of The Women and A Star Is Born. You can just see the envy in her eyes as McKellen parades Fraser around and introduces him as his "escort.".