Based on Christopher Bram's novel FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, Bill Condon's semi-fictional 1998 sleeper stars Sir Ian McKellen in a fantastic performance as director James Whale... more
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Gods And Monsters [1999]
One of the most critically acclaimed films of 1998 and winner of several awards including
... more
the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, Gods and Monsters is a compassionate speculation about the final days of James Whale (1889-1957), the director of Frankenst...
Gods and Monsters [VINYL] -
It seems the kind of fan I Am Kloot attracts is the same kind of devotional follower as
... more
Belle&Sebastian's--the kind that would have played the previous two albums to death, and will see no fault in the release ofGods&Monsters. And building on the previous two records- which, in retrospect, have their own charming, but undeniable faults- third time's a charm for John Bramwell and co.Initial single "Over My Shoulder" is the most commercial thing here, but the rest of the album is equally excellent, rocking (opener "No Direction Home"), cynical (the bitter title track,) and mysterious ("An Ordinary Girl", reminiscent ofFreaks-era Pulp) in equal measures. However, it's the second half of the album, with the divine "Avenue of Hope" that pushes the album into the five-star category.Between the bittersweet delivery by Bramwell, and the suitably sparse production, this album exudes a charm that's rarely heard today--lyrics far more interesting than anything Chris Martin or Kelly Jones write, and melodies strong enough to stand alone without any window-dressing. It's a testament to the power of the band that this album is as affecting- and essential- as Leonard Cohen or Tindersticks.--Thom Allott
Gods and Monsters -
It seems the kind of fan I Am Kloot attracts is the same kind of devotional follower as
... more
Belle&Sebastian's--the kind that would have played the previous two albums to death, and will see no fault in the release ofGods&Monsters. And building on the previous two records- which, in retrospect, have their own charming, but undeniable faults- third time's a charm for John Bramwell and co.Initial single "Over My Shoulder" is the most commercial thing here, but the rest of the album is equally excellent, rocking (opener "No Direction Home"), cynical (the bitter title track,) and mysterious ("An Ordinary Girl", reminiscent ofFreaks-era Pulp) in equal measures. However, it's the second half of the album, with the divine "Avenue of Hope" that pushes the album into the five-star category.Between the bittersweet delivery by Bramwell, and the suitably sparse production, this album exudes a charm that's rarely heard today--lyrics far more interesting than anything Chris Martin or Kelly Jones write, and melodies strong enough to stand alone without any window-dressing. It's a testament to the power of the band that this album is as affecting- and essential- as Leonard Cohen or Tindersticks.--Thom Allott
Belle & Sebastian's--the kind that would have played the previous two albums to death, and will see no fault in the release of Gods & Monsters. And building on the previous two records- which, in retrospect, have their own charming, but undeniable faults- third time's a charm for John Bramwell and co.Initial single "Over My Shoulder" is the most commercial thing here, but the rest of the album is equally excellent, rocking (opener "No Direction Home"), cynical (the bitter title track,) and mysterious ("An Ordinary Girl", reminiscent of Freaks-era Pulp) in equal measures. However, it's the second half of the album, with the divine "Avenue of Hope" that pushes the album into the five-star category. Between the bittersweet delivery by Bramwell, and the suitably sparse production, this album exudes a charm that's rarely heard today--lyrics far more interesting than anything Chris Martin or Kelly Jones write, and melodies strong enough to stand alone without any window-dressing. It's a testament to the power of the band that this album is as affecting- and essential- as Leonard Cohen or Tindersticks. --Thom Allott
Production Year: 2001 - Drama - Director: Phil Alden Robinson, Richard Loncraine, Mikael Salomon, David Nutter, Tom Hanks, David Leland, David Frankel, Tony To - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over
Advantages: great acting, great film, good extras Disadvantages: none really
God and Monsters is a film with a very small budget but a great script that quite rightly won an oscar for best adapted screenplay in 1998. Sir Ian McKellen plays the legendary hollywood director James Whale who made some of the old universal monster classics such as Frankenstein and The Invisible Man. This film deals with his later years in life when he is somewhat a recluse, he lives his days haunted by images from his past. The only person in ... ...she hires a gardener (Brendan Fraser) an unusual relationship is struck that changes everybodys lives forever. This is one of those films that is a hidden gem. The acting is excellent across the board with McKellen gaining an Oscar nomination for his performance. If you ask me he should have won instead of that italian clown. Redgrave also got a nomination and really changes into a differnt person with some humourous results. Also if you've only ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
...Of Frankenstein, refers to the gods and monsters living in our lives and vicariously in our close associates' lives.
Condon has done a remarkable job editing in flashbacks, and the sketchy oblique, often contrasted shots pay great homage to Whale's early Universal pictures.
The story is a simple one: James Whale (Ian MacKellan), famed director, has had a stroke and is slowly dying. He is a lonely man in need of companionship and inner peace. He ... ...in a rare serious role), his yardman. The blossoming relationship between the two is the plot focus of the film.
Carter Burwell's score is wonderful as always, and Lynn Redgrave's role as Whale's housemaid is superbly put on. A great movie for any fans of the late Whale, or anyone looking for a true human drama. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Actor(s): Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, Lolita Davidovich, David Dukes, Kevin J. O'Connor
Director(s): Bill Condon
Genre: Drama
Classification: 15 years and over
Production Year: 1998
Running Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Video Category: Feature Film
Country Of Origin: United States of America
Release details
DVD Region: Region 2 (Europe)
Studio(s): MGM ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Release date: 24/04/2000
No of Discs: 1
Catalogue No: 19618 DVD
Barcode: 5050070001532
Screenwriter: Clive Barker, Bill Condon
Creator: Clive Barker
Composer: Carter Burwell
Executive Producer: Clive Barker
Director of Photography: Stephen M. Katz
Music: Carter Burwell
Author: Clive Barker
Languages
Main Language: English
Technical information
Special Features: Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer, Featurette - 1. THE MAKING OF GODS AND MONSTERS: A JOURNEY WITH JAMES WHALE, Audio Commentary - 1. Bill Condon - Director, Interactive Menus, Scene Access, Biographies - 1. Cast, Stills Gallery, Production Notes
Sound: Dolby Digital Surround
Dubbing Sound: Dolby Digital Surround English
DVD Description
Based on Christopher Bram's novel FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, Bill Condon's semi-fictional 1998 sleeper stars Sir Ian McKellen in a fantastic performance as director James Whale (FRANKENSTEIN, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, SHOW BOAT). It is 1957, and Whale is living in semiseclusion in Southern California with his scrutinizing maid, Hannah (Lynn Redgrave). His health is failing, and he is able to do little but lounge around and contemplate his younger days--his many male loves, his days in WWI, and the film world that has forsaken him. When Whale first gazes upon his musclebound gardener, Clay (Brendan Fraser), however, it is the beginning of an unusual (and platonic) friendship. Seasoned with multiple flashbacks to the sets of his films and to the battlefield, GODS AND MONSTERS is a haunting and touching look at the life of a man who was at the top of the Hollywood hierarchy but soon found himself out of favor--and the offbeat friendship he formed in his final days. McKellen and Redgrave were both nominated for Oscars, and the film garnered one statue for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Award information
OSCAR: Best Screenplay Based On Material Previously Produced Or Published 1998 (Bill Condon)
Professional reviews
Review: "...Condon has made a deeply touching, elegant, and inventive biographical fantasy....An extraordinarily graceful film..." -- Rating: A (Entertainment Weekly, p.53, 13/11/1998)
"...Beautifully crafted....Fraser gives the movie its shattering emotional impact..." (Movieline, p.91, 01/06/1999)
"...An immensely touching character study that is heightened by well-chosen glimpses of Hollywood's past....GODS AND MONSTERS creates a deeply resonant portrait..." (New York Times, p.E5, 04/11/1998)
"...McKellan gives the performance of his career..." (Rolling Stone, p.122, 12/11/1998)
"...A funny, darkening portrait of James Whale, the director of 'Frankenstein' brings this neglected auteur back to life..." (Sight and Sound, p.34-42, 01/03/1999)
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