Ian McKellen delivers a riveting, award-winning performance as Hollywood horror director James Whale. It's 1957, and Whale's heyday as the director of "Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man" is long behind him. Retired and a semi-recluse, he lives his days accompanied only by images from his past. When his dour housekeeper, Hannah (Lynn Redgrave), hires a handsome young gardener, Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser), the flamboyant director and simple yard man develop an unlikely friendship. This powerful and poignant relationship will change their lives forever.