
Gods and Monsters
Seen it?1998 | 105 min | Drama
Why it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Oscar and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect sex.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
It's 1957, and James Whale's heyday as the director of "Frankenstein," "Bride of Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man" is long behind him. Retired and a semi-recluse, he lives his days accompanied only by images from his past. When his dour housekeeper, Hannah, hires a handsome young gardener, the flamboyant director and simple yard man develop an unlikely friendship, which will change them forever.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Screenplay – Based on Material Previously Produced or Published. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. Won 1 Critics' Choice Award: Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Actor. Won 3 Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Feature, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Male Lead, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Supporting Female. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars, 2 more Golden Globes and 2 SAG Awards. Plus 23 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide on a $10 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 213K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Bill Condon
- Ian McKellenJames Whale
- Brendan FraserClayton Boone
- Lynn RedgraveHanna
- Lolita DavidovichBetty
- David DukesDavid Lewis
- Kevin J. O'ConnorHarry
- Mark KielyDwight
- Jack PlotnickEdmund Kay
- Rosalind AyresElsa Lanchester
- Jack BettsBoris Karloff