Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Ian McKellen | ... | James Whale | |
Brendan Fraser | ... | Clayton Boone | |
Lynn Redgrave | ... | Hanna | |
Lolita Davidovich | ... | Betty | |
David Dukes | ... | David Lewis | |
Kevin J. O'Connor | ... | Harry | |
Mark Kiely | ... | Dwight | |
Jack Plotnick | ... | Edmund Kay | |
Rosalind Ayres | ... | Elsa Lanchester | |
Jack Betts | ... | Boris Karloff | |
Matt McKenzie | ... | Colin Clive | |
Todd Babcock | ... | Leonard Barnett | |
Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy | ... | Princess Margaret | |
Brandon Kleyla | ... | Young Whale | |
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Pamela Salem | ... | Sarah Whale |
1957. Long having retired, James Whale, arguably most famous for directing Frankenstein (1931) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) among some other 1930s horror classics, has burned his bridges with the Hollywood community in they having abandoned him, the possible exception being his continuing friendship with former lover David Lewis, James openly gay even during his working period. He is in declining health having recently been released from hospital where he was recuperating from a stroke, he left with some permanent health issues the aftermath of the stroke. Much against the disapproval of his loyal longtime housekeeper Hanna, his health does not prevent him from toying with the handsome young men who may wander into his midst in his continuing homosexual desires, although Hanna is as much if not more concerned about any of those young men taking advantage of him in his elderly and fragile state. The young man who catches his eye among the most recent is Clayton Boone, who Hanna... Written by Huggo
James Whale (Ian McKellen) was once a great director of monster movies like Frankenstein. He is now retired and slowly losing his mind as he pines for the past. He lives with his longterm housemaid Hanna (Lynn Redgrave) who finds his homosexuality morally wrong based on her religious convictions. He befriends his gardener Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser) who poses for his sketches. Clayton is a womanizing Korean War vet.
There is something predatory about Ian McKellen's performance. He inhabits the dirty old man role without being completely disgusting. He gives a damaged vulnerability to his character. It is masterful work. I think Brendan Fraser is fine but I want more quiet anger from him. It starts right from the start when he hit the speed bag as he walks to the car. I just perceive Brendan having a bit of fun to hit the bag rather than him with anger issues. I think it's his persona. I keep thinking he is about to make a joke about something.