Gods and Monsters

Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser play James Whale and his Lady Chatterley-type gardener.

Gods and Monsters is based on the novel Father of Frankenstein. It's a good read, especially if you loved the earliest Frankenstein movies and want to know more about the director. Do watch the Bride of Frankenstein if you liked this movie as well, since it will add new layers of perception to it.

James Whale battles old age, his diminishing fame, and an errant boyfriend as recluse in his home. He spies his gorgeous gardener and decides to paint him as an excuse to be close to him. It is not about lust for the boy, of which he feels almost nil, but about wanting the youthful company.

The two develop a platonic relationship, even though the boy makes it clear in no uncertain terms that he is not homosexual. The turning point comes when Whale makes a major decision on how he wants to go.

Don't expect anything beyond kissing though, but I would certainly snog Ian McKellen given the chance. Brendan Fraser is husky and alluring at the same time, power is juggled between him and McKellen. Other than a hasty scrambling about that is more sad than sensual, there is nothing racy in this film.

I highly recommend watching this simply to ruin Brendan Fraser's screwball personas in other movies like George of the Jungle.

I can't really say much more about this movie; it being semi biographical makes anything fantastical detraction from the plot more than anything else. This is not Velvet Goldmine, folks. The visuals are gorgeous, the cinematography is intimate. The music is gorgeous and moving--I bought the original soundtrack and it's worth every cent.

Was McKellen cheated out of an Oscar? I certainly think so.