The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale

The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale

1999 · 29 min · ★ 6.5 · Documentary

Written, co-produced and co-directed by David J. Skal, THE WORLD OF GODS AND MONSTERS is a behind-the scenes chronicle of the making of the 1998 Academy Award-winning film GODS AND MONSTERS starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser and Lynn Redgrave. Narrated by author/ filmmaker Clive Barker, the documentary interweaves the life and career of James Whale, director of the original FRANKENSTEIN, with the making of the acclaimed biopic. Interviewees include writer/director Bill Condon (Oscar winner for best adapted screenplay), Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, and Christopher Bram, author of the novel FATHER OF FRANKENSTEIN, on which the film was based.

Directed by David J. Skal · Written by David J. Skal

Your Rating

Cast

More from David J. SkalSee all →

Lon Chaney: Son of a Thousand Faces

Lon Chaney: Son of a Thousand Faces · 1995

Lon Chaney: Son of a Thousand Faces

MovieDocumentary

Born Creighton Chaney, this is a biographical documentary on Lon Chaney Jr, the only star to play all four of the classic monsters: the Mummy, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein and Dracula.

The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked

The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked · 2000

The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked

MovieDocumentary

A documentary from Universal about their Phantom of the Opera movies.

All Over

All Over · 1976

As a famous man lies dying, his family—including both his wife and his mistress—gathers inside, while members of the media converge outside for news of his death in this filmed-for-television staging of Edward Albee's play.

She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'

She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein' · 1999

She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'

MovieDocumentary

Documentary about the making of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."

The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster

The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster · 1999

The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster

MovieDocumentary

The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.

Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle

Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle · 2000

Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle

MovieDocumentary

Documentary about the making of and legacy of The Creature from the Black Lagoon included in The Legacy Collection box set.

The Road to 'Dracula'

The Road to 'Dracula' · 1999

The Road to 'Dracula'

MovieDocumentary

A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.

Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters!

Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters! · 2000

Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters!

MovieDocumentary

A documentary from Universal about the movie Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein.

Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'

Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man' · 1999

Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'

MovieDocumentary

Starting with "The Wolf Man" (in 1941), Universal Studios made five movies featuring The Wolf Man, a character portrayed by Lon Chaney, Jr. Monster by Moonlight! explores these movies. Rick Baker explains how the make-up was done on Chaney's character. Screenwriter Curtis Siodmak took very little from earlier werewolf legends, providing his own story for some of the films. This documentary displays clips from several other movies, including "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948) and "House of Dracula" (1945).

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed · 2000

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed

MovieDocumentary

Documentary featured on the Classic Monster Collection and Monster Legacy Collection for The Mummy (1932).

Now You See Him: 'The Invisible Man' Revealed!

Now You See Him: 'The Invisible Man' Revealed! · 2000

Now You See Him: 'The Invisible Man' Revealed!

MovieDocumentary

A documentary from Universal about the movie "The Invisible Man" (1933) directed by James Whale.

The Universe According to Universal

The Universe According to Universal · 2002

The Universe According to Universal

MovieDocumentaryScience Fiction

Narrator Rudy Behlmer guides a look through Universal's place in film history as a source of alien visitation, extraterrestrial life, and other Science Fiction staples. The piece further looks at the political and social implications, parallels, and escapism in the movie. The piece spends much of its screen time on how 'It Came From Outer Space' echoed and influenced the genre, its legacy, performances, adherence to Ray Bradbury's source material, 3D photography and presentation, score and effects, and more. This is a quality piece that informs and entertains alike, one that fascinatingly examines the film, and others like it, as both entertainment and echoes of real life.

More Like This

Couldn't load this row right now.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter