Writer/Director: Bill Condon
Starring: Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser and Lynn Redgrave
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved the recognition of Ian McKellen. Ever since his rise to stardom amid the 1990’s, McKellen has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s troubled soldiers, magical ring bearers or bold leaders, McKellen has portrayed many bold characters. Arguably, McKellen’s best strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talents for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Although he is best known for his iconic role as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, McKellen has proven he can make engaging movies in every single genre. Despite reaching the age of retirement, McKellen has never lost his lifelong passion for making entertainment. Throughout his lasting career, McKellen has made several memorable movies which are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of McKellen and adore all films that he has made through his career. However, “Gods and Monsters” is my favourite. Released in 1998, Bill Condon’s movie offered a powerful adaptation of an iconic book about a beloved filmmaker. Packed with engrossing production, stirring storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best period dramas ever made. At a centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ian McKellen, who embodies a homosexual filmmaker which seeks recognition. Ultimately, what makes “Gods and Monsters” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about filmmakers, it tackles strong themes everyone can relate to. An engaging masterpiece about a famous filmmaker, there are several reasons why “Gods and Monsters” is a commemorated movie which is worth seeing.
Set amid 1950’s London, “Gods and Monsters” tells a story of a director seeking recognition. Ian McKellen portrays James Whale, a retired filmmaker that has left his profession. After his tragic retirement from the film industry, Whale spends his days locked up in his home isolated from society. A closeted homosexual, Whale is forced to keep his sexual identity shrouded in secrecy. However, Whale’s life changes when he falls in love with his bold gardener. Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser) is a friendly gardener that gives Whale the chance to find romance. As the two form an unlikely bond, Whale finds a chance to relive his past love for filmmaking. Discovering the uncompromising reality of being an artist in the 20th Century, Whale questions whether it’s possible for him to find happiness during an era of uncertainty.
Bill Condon is a newcomer towards the stories of filmmakers seeking recognition. A fantastic filmmaker, Condon had never created a movie about bold artists before. It was the director’s first attempt to adapt a legendary book about bold filmmakers but he succeeded immensely. Through captivating cinematography, Condon captures a filmmaker embarking on a journey to discover identity. Condon successfully uses montages to capture a filmmaker that seeks to find prosperity. For instance, montages elevate the memory scene. During this heartfelt scene, Whale recounts his fond memories of being a filmmaker before he retired from the industry. Through stunning montages, Condon creates a portrayal of filmmakers which is compelling. Montages are tricky techniques to use in films. As Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring” suggested, montages elevate fantasy films about rings. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals. Condon celebrates legacy of an artist that’s fascinating.
Another strong aspect of “Gods and Monsters” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is well made. Evoking James Ivory’s “The Remains of the Day”, Condon effectively uses costumes to capture lonely butlers that face a price to pay. Throughout the film, the costumes play a bold role capturing the lives of lonely British artists. For instance, costumes enhance the meetings scene. During this unforgettable scene, Whale has his first ever meeting with Clayton falling in love with his gardener. Using strong costumes, Condon creates a portrait of filmmakers which is captivating. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Carter Burwell’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing a heavy burden that aging filmmakers bear. Through engaging production, Condon celebrates a commemorated book about filmmakers seeking recognition.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Gods and Monsters” is a literary adaptation that’s engaging. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses flashbacks to capture the life of an aging filmmaker. The film effectively switches back and forth between two distinct timelines: flashbacks of James’ tragic past as a filmmaker and present-day scenes detailing life as an old citizen. For instance, flashbacks enhance the childhood memory scene. During this unforgettable scene, Whale recounts his joyous memories of being a filmmaker from his past. Through captivating flashbacks, Condon creates a portrait of directors that’s engaging. Flashbacks are complex techniques to use. As Bryan Singer’s “X-Men: Days of Future Past” suggested, flashbacks enhance comic book movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this moves. Through an engrossing screenplay, Condon honours a book about filmmakers that is beloved today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ian McKellen delivers one of his best career performances as James Whale. McKellen achieved appreciation for playing magical wizards in fantasy films. With “Gods and Monsters”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a famous filmmaker that endured adversities but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most bold role. McKellen has often excelled at playing emotional heroes which are under pressure, and “Gods and Monsters” showcased his strengths as an actor. Through mesmerizing expressions, he captures angst, desperation and grief of an aging filmmaker. It’s a strong performance from one of the best actors in Britain today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Ian McKellen, the supporting cast is superb and worthy of appreciations. Brendan Fraser is fantastic, capturing the sweet nature of a gay gardener that falls in love with a world famous filmmaker. Lynn Redgrave is remarkable, and captures the grave nature of a housekeeper seeking to care for an aging filmmaker. Lastly, David Dukes merits appreciation. As an iconic filmmaker, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Gods and Monsters” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing lives of filmmakers. Unlike most movies about famous filmmakers, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film discusses celebrated themes including ambition, mental health and sexuality which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the iconic book to enjoy it. It delivers a heartfelt message about identity which would resonate amongst everyone. Therefore, “Gods and Monsters” is one of those rare films about directors which everyone would adore.
Fans of Ian McKellen will definitely enjoy “Gods And Monsters” and so would movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating biopic, it honours the legacy of an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a legendary filmmaker, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated British actor that has portrayed memorable characters in unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 