Kattiera Nana I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated

Ceticultsot Beautiful, moving film.

Celia A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Leofwine_draca A rich, moving and insightful look into the later years in the life of an old, bitter man, this is probably miles better than any of the typical horror films released in 1998. It also happens to be Clive Barker's most interesting production for many a year. However, this isn't a horror film at all, more like a cross between a biography and an intense drama focusing on the relationship between two volatile men.The film is exceptionally made; it has a smooth, polished look to it and the characters are so well drawn and interesting that you never become tired of them, in spite of a slow pace. For the most part, we see insights into Whale's life, and the film becomes a character study of him, revealing his fears, his passions, and his forbidden desires. Despite being (on the outside) an unlikeable character, McKellen gives a subtle, impressive performance which makes us really feel and understand the director's state of mind. The ending is surprisingly poignant and tear-jerking, despite being a little predictable, and this film fully deserves the screenplay Oscar that it won.McKellen's understated performance is the key focus of the film, indeed the whole film as a success hinges upon it. I've never liked the actor much, but he plays Whale extremely well, covering all the mannerisms and tics and making them his own. Even his cultured voice is perfect for the character. Surprisingly enough, Brendan Fraser comes off well too. Fraser is usually known for his roles in comedy, playing likable but dumb characters. He plays the same type of person here, except seriously, and he brings a real touching mood to the film as he slowly accepts Whale as a friend and grows to love him as such. Lynn Redgrave enjoys herself in a small, comic relief role as a heavily-accented housemaid, and is frequently delightful.The strong homosexual theme is dealt with tastefully, never explicit and never in bad taste. There is one disturbing moment in the film, which involves a naked Fraser wearing a gas mask being assaulted by Whale, but this never veers over the boundaries of tastefulness - instead it's both frightening and sad. My only complaint (as a horror fan) would be that too much time is dwelt on THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and not enough on Whale's other horror films - a few more clips wouldn't have gone amiss. New clips of behind the scenes on BRIDE are very well done, really capturing that Gothic feel, and frequently funny. The scenes of the garden party where Whale meets the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Margaret, Elsa Lanchester, and Boris Karloff are also very good too, the actors and actresses being remarkably similar to their characters. On top of this there's a brilliant, moving and profound ending which uses a clip from BRIDE expertly. For fans of intelligent, slow-paced and thoughtful dramas, this is the one to go for.

Adam Peters (57%) A really quite fine telling of the final chapter of one of horror's most important early film directors filled with a keen eye for detail and a powerful climax. Sir Ian McKellen is of course brilliant in a role that works perfectly, while Brendan Fraser is perhaps on his best form as an actual actor rather than an action star or a comic. It has to be said that this isn't for everyone as it is slow of pace, and some prior knowledge and appreciation of James Whale is needed to truly get the best out of what this has to offer. For the performances and the insight into a life in and around the early days of Hollywood this is a worthy character piece worth tracking down.

Armand a film about refuge of past. and fear for future. a great role for Ian McKellen and an exercise for Brandan Fraser to escape from its usual characters circle. a movie who seduce. not only for story but for its melancholic atmosphere. it is like respiration of late autumn - soft, bitter, delicate. a film who not only present the final part of a life, a part of memories, need of the other and social ingratitude but the fall of a world. and that is great in this case. Lynn Redgrave, Ian McKellen, the precise delicacy and high inspiration of Bill Condon are pillars for a special confession of a way to discover the existence and transform it.sure, Brandan Fraser is not the best option for Clayton but his blank performance is useful in that puzzle. maybe, for define better the profound flavor of a world in its sense search.

namashi_1 Based on the novel Father of Frankenstein by Christopher Bram, 'Gods and Monsters' recounts the "somewhat fictionalized" last days of the life of troubled film director James Whale. And this a Spell-Binding Motion-Picture! And Sir Ian McKellen Gives A Matchless Performance as James Whale! 'Gods and Monsters' is about truth & lies. Its about love & hate. Its about belief & disbelief. Its about the good & the bad. Its about relations. 'Gods and Monsters' is a remarkable story & Its superbly executed. Bill Condon's Oscar-Winning Adapted Screenplay is brave & relentless. It covers James Whale's journey with great care. Bill Condon's Direction, on the other-hand, is superb. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are good.Performance-Wise: Sir Ian McKellen Gives A Matchless Performance as James Whale! Sir Ian embodies James Whale from the very first moment & lives him till the very end. A Very, Very, Fine Performance! Lynn Redgrave as Hanna, delivers an extremely natural performance. Brendan Fraser as Clayton, is excellent. This is Fraser's finest performance to date. Matt McKenzie as Colin Clive, does a decent job. David Dukes as David Lewis, is passable.On the whole, 'Gods and Monsters' is A Spell-Binding Motion-Picture! Don't Miss It!