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Bill Condon
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Gods
and Monsters (1998, 105 min, US) Directed by Bill
Condon
In a performance that is nothing short of
brilliant, McKellen hypnotizes as gay film director James Whale in
this moving, poetic adaptation of Christopher Bram's novel
"Father of Frankenstein." The story ostensibly follows
the friendship between Whale -- now in his early 60s and suffering
the effects of a stroke -- and his handsome straight gardener
(Fraser); but at the core of this lyrical tale is a study of
desire and self-determination. In the 1930s, Whale made a handful
of Hollywood classics (including Frankenstein); it's now
1957, and he is no longer able to live his life on his terms.
Knowing that Whale was found dead in his swimming pool, the
filmmakers have concocted a probable scenario which ends in a
cynical pièce de résistance. Bringing compassion and
elegance to Whale, McKellen's portrayal is so rich in nuance and
shading that he makes you forget it's acting. Fraser is excellent
as the ex-Marine who captures Whale's heart and, in turn, respect.
Their bond is poignantly resilient. It is what gives Condon's film
its power, its grace and its heart.
Starring: Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser,
Lynn Redgrave, Lolita Davidovich, Kevin J. O'Connor, David Dukes
Winner of the Academy Award® (Oscar®) Best
Screenplay Adaptation - Bill Condon
Winner - Best Picture - National Board of
Review, The Independent Spirit Award, San Diego Film Critics
Society
Winner - Best Screenplay Adaptation - The Golden
Satellite Award
Bill Condon Filmography
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Award worthy performances from Ian McKellen, Lynn Redgrave, and Brendan Fraser in Bill Condon's film.
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Interview with Keith Phipps for The Onion
Introduction:
A veteran of the film industry, director Bill
Condon has until recently been best known for directing the second
installment in the Candyman series, 1995's Candyman: Farewell To
The Flesh. Gods And Monsters, his new adaptation of Christopher
Bram's novel Father Of Frankenstein, seems to be changing that.
The film and book tell the story of the final days of director
James Whale, the man behind the original film version of
Frankenstein, as well as its sequel (Bride Of Frankenstein), The
Invisible Man, and a handful of other notable films from the '30s.
Ian McKellen plays the director, who made no attempt to hide his
homosexuality, quit the industry in disgust in the '40s, and
committed suicide in 1957, shortly before his films came back into
vogue. Condon recently spoke to The Onion about the project...
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By Guido Henkel
Excerpt:In
his film, director Bill Condon makes liberal use of the techniques
James Whale had established in his own film, creating an
atmosphere that adds a haunting, yet enchanting familiarity to the
entire movie. It is this pregnant visual and narrative style that
intrigues the viewer with all the mysteries surrounding James
Whales’ death, and slowly you begin to wonder what is more
significant about the story. The mystery, the homosexual aspects
or the crumbling glamour surrounding a former Hollywood icon that
had hit rock bottom? “The Fall-From-Grace is always
interesting to look at.” Condon indicates without hesitation.
“Whale was an artist who was losing his powers. It was his last
chance to express himself, and I found that very interesting. Of
course, the gay issues of the story are interesting, too,
especially the way he dealt with them. It was
not a very cheerful, positive thing. He was an older gay guy who
was very lonely and had other qualities that people wouldn’t
find appealing. All that was a real challenge, both in writing the
screenplay and later having it acted out appropriately.” Aside
from all that...
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By Rob Blackwelder
Excerpt:
"Gods and Monsters" is the epitome of
a cinematic homage. A semi-fictional biography of the last weeks
of "Frankenstein" director James Whale, it is clearly a
labor of love from writer-director Bill Condon, who sees beyond
the camp of Whale's most memorable works and into the soul of a
man whose films often reflected at once his inner discord and his
dark sense of humor...
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Names Index:
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