Once a powerful Hollywood director best known for “Frankenstein” and “The Bride of Frankenstein,” James Whale (Ian McKellen) is long since retired and in increasingly poor health. His stalwart housekeeper, Hanna (Lynn Redgrave), quietly disapproves of Whale’s faceless, nameless parade of young gay lovers, but when the director takes an interest in new gardener Clayton Boone, a former Marine and Korean War veteran, it seems to be for something more than his usual casual conquest.
Once a powerful Hollywood director best known for “Frankenstein” and “The Bride of Frankenstein,” James Whale (Ian McKellen) is long since retired and in increasingly poor health. His stalwart housekeeper, Hanna (Lynn Redgrave), quietly disapproves of Whale’s faceless, nameless parade of young gay lovers, but when the director takes an interest in new gardener Clayton Boone, a former Marine and Korean War veteran, it seems to be for something more than his usual casual conquest.
"An engrossing, unusual, imaginatively executed bit of psychological gamesmanship ..."
Variety
Academy Award winner
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Academy Award nominee
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Ian McKellen; Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Lynn Redgrave
Film Independent Spirit Award winner
Best Feature; Best Male Lead - Ian McKellen; Best Supporting Female - Lynn Redgrave