Sir Ian McKellen  (1939 - )

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Gods and Monsters (1998, 105 min, US)

In a performance that is nothing short of brilliant, McKellen hypnotizes as gay film director James Whale in this moving, poetic adaptation of Christopher Bram's novel "Father of Frankenstein." The story ostensibly follows the friendship between Whale -- now in his early 60s and suffering the effects of a stroke -- and his handsome straight gardener (Fraser); but at the core of this lyrical tale is a study of desire and self-determination. In the 1930s, Whale made a handful of Hollywood classics (including Frankenstein); it's now 1957, and he is no longer able to live his life on his terms. Knowing that Whale was found dead in his swimming pool, the filmmakers have concocted a probable scenario which ends in a cynical pièce de résistance. Bringing compassion and elegance to Whale, McKellen's portrayal is so rich in nuance and shading that he makes you forget it's acting. Fraser is excellent as the ex-Marine who captures Whale's heart and, in turn, respect. Their bond is poignantly resilient. It is what gives Condon's film its power, its grace and its heart.

Starring:  Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, Lolita Davidovich, Kevin J. O'Connor, David Dukes

Winner - Best Actor - Ian McKellen

Bent (1997, 100 min, GB)

A striking adaptation of the stage play, Bent shifts its drama from the decadent gay German nightlife (which earned the film its NC-17 rating) to the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. And yet, playwright Martin Sherman has created a moving love story out of the characters' despair. The intense passion that develops between Max (Clive Owen) and Horst (Lothaire Bluteau) is heartfelt especially considering their relationship is mental and emotional, rather than physical. However, in opening up the play for the screen, director Sean Mathias (who directed the London stage version) can not escape some of its theatrical trappings. The film's plotting is occasionally clumsy in the big dramatic moments, but Bent remains powerful nonetheless. Owen and Blutheau give gutsy performances in the lead roles, and they are ably supported by Mick Jagger (in drag in the nightclub scenes) and Ian MacKellan (who starred in the London stage version). In addition, Rupert Graves has a cameo as a Nazi officer.

Starring:  Clive Owen, Lothaire Bluteau, Mick Jagger, Ian McKellen, Rupert Graves.

More Films:

Sir Ian Mckellen Official Website

Comprehensive information about one of the world's outstanding actors, including Sir Ian's personal commentary on many of his stage plays, films/cinema, and television/video.

 This is a fun site.

Ian McKellen Biography

From MovieThing

Excerpt:

On May 25th, 1939, in the small town of Burnley in northern England, Ian Murray McKellen was born. His parents, Denis (a civil engineer) and Margery, soon moved with Ian and his sister Jean to the coal mining town of Wigan. It was in this small town that young Ian would ride out World War II.

Growing up in the small town, he soon developed a fascination with acting and the theater, which was encouraged by his parents. They would all bring him to plays, those by William Shakespeare in particular. The amateur school productions fostered Ian’s growing passion for theater. When Ian was of age to begin attending school, he made sure to get roles in all of the productions. At Bolton School in particular, he developed his skills early on. Indeed, his first role in a Shakespearian play was at Bolton, as Malvolio in Twelfth Night...

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