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.
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.