Gods and Monsters

[Violet]

This Bill Condon film about director James Whale is incredibly moving, fascinating and also very amusing at times. OK, it's not entirely factual but it's a powerful and very human story. I think it is a film that everyone can enjoy, especially those with an appreciation for James Whale's incredible films. I thought the cast was wonderful. The performances by Lynn Redgrave and Brendan Fraser were superb and Ian McKellen's performance was magnificent, as always.

I have owned a copy of the film for many years, however, I think nothing beats seeing a great film on the big screen so when the opportunity finally arose, I jumped at it.
Yesterday afternoon we were standing waiting outside the theatre when I noticed a gentleman getting out of a car. My grey cells started buzzing and I began thinking... "Hmm, we're going to see a film starring Brendan Fraser and gosh, doesn't that guy look awfully like him". Well, it was him. As it turned out, Brendan Fraser was about to give us a little talk and introduce the film. He also read a wonderful email to us all from Ian McKellen, he's a hero of mine so I was ecstatic. It's a lovely theatre but it's quite small and there weren't that many of us there, which was quite nice because it had a more relaxed and cosy atmosphere. Brendan is incredibly sweet and very funny. It was a totally unexpected and truly wonderful surprise as I had no idea he was going to be there. It was quite surreal watching Brendan Fraser in a film while he was sitting beside us in the theatre! Anyway, it was a really fun day.


Has anyone else seen this film?

[Mrs Vindecco]

Blimey Violet, your local cinema sounds amazing! There always seems to be a great collection of movies on and the fact that one of the stars turns up and gives a talk is amazing. I'm not a huge fan of Brendan Fraser movies, but I really enjoyed Gods and Monsters. It's amazing he was there and that Ian Mckellan sent a message.

The Bride of Frankenstein scene is captivating, all the actors really look the part. Plus I like when Boris Karloff plays with a baby, don't know why that always makes me laugh. James Whale was undoubtfully a fascinating man, coming from some such humble origins to go to the West End then onto Hollywood and to be openly gay at a time when it was very much frowned upon. Sir Ian gave a brilliant performance,as did Brendan Fraser and the late, great Lynn Redgrave.

[Violet]

Thanks Mrs V. It's not the most exciting place to live but I really do love that cinema, it's one of my favourite places to visit here. Mark Cousins gave a talk at the cinema a few months ago and showed an abridged version of The Story of Film: An Odyssey but unfortunately I missed it.

I probably shouldn't admit this but I've been a rock/metal nerd for most of my life and I enjoyed watching Brendan in Airheads when I was younger - the teenager in me was quite overwhelmed sitting right beside him.

I love that part with 'Boris' and the baby.