Quick Rating:  ***

 
This movie tells the story of an aging James Whale, the director best known for his horror movies, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, and the Invisible Man.  What wasn't too widely known was that Whale was gay.  Whale is played beautifully by Ian McKellen - a fantastic portrayal of this lonely and distraught old man.  He is basically alone, except for a faithful housekeeper (Redgrave) who does not approve of Whale's carnal desires.  For a while, I thought this film was headed down the direction of Whale sexually assaulting young boys.  But when he meets Clayton Boone (Fraser), a young strong man who was hired as his gardener, he slowly befriends him, although also attempting to seduce him.  We think we know what his motives are, but as the movie progresses we see differently.  Clay is a man's man, and is reluctant when Whale first requests him to model for his sketching.  Eventually he does concede, and the two men share stories about their lives, and fears, and problems.  The scenes between these two are great, and I'm amazed at Brendan Fraser's acting in this film.  I was never a fan, and really, I'm still not, but in this film, he's actually pretty damn good.  Their friendship is the focal point of the film, used by Whale to bring up memories long forgotten and by Clay to overcome fears and guilt from his past. 
 
There is much going on in this film, and it is one that makes you think about the bigger things in life - friendship, trust, redemption, leading a meaningful life, overcoming fear and prejudice, maturing, ...  It's a movie you'll think back on.  I'm having writers block right now and can't seem to put the words down that I want to.  I don't want to ruin the film for anyone, either.  But there are actions that are taken, as the characters have changed through the film, affected by their friendship.  And sometimes you feel pity for them, sometimes you envy them, sometimes you respect them.  It's an interesting turn of events as they play out on screen. 
 
This is not an action film or horror film, or even one with much suspence or drama.  But it has character, story and emotion.  And fantastic acting.  McKellen, Fraser and Redgrave are all outstanding.  The story is also great, adapted from the novel "Father of Frankenstein" by Christopher Bram.  A touching film, worth your time.
 
 

 
 

Quality: 8.0  Visuals: 6.0  Intensity: 4.5 
OVERALL RATING: 6.2