2 Best Movies to Watch by Bill Condon

1. Gods and Monsters, 1998

	
While many homophobic people like to think otherwise, there have been gay people all throughout history, some that have survived war and pandemics and persecution and even became widely renowned. Gods and Monsters is a more speculative than accurate biopic about Hollywood director James Whale, who was actually out during his career. That being said, it’s astounding how writer-director Bill Condon and lead Ian McKellen created such a bittersweet examination of the Lost Generation, not just of the loves that were lost but of the lives that could not be lived, the longing that could not be actualized. And the film takes a risky, but nuanced subversion in the way it examines the Hollywood system, subverting the roles Whale and Boone have placed on others and on themselves. It’s a daring portrayal of both homosexuality and of the film industry, one that’s emotionally poignant and ahead of its time.Genre: Drama
Actor: Amir Aboulela, Arthur Dignam, Brendan Fraser, Celeste Lecesne, Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy, Curtis Harrington, David Dukes, David Fabrizio, David Millbern, Ian McKellen, Jack Betts, Jack Plotnick, Jesse James, John Gatins, Judson Mills, Kent George, Kevin J. O'Connor, Lisa Darr, Lolita Davidovich, Lynn Redgrave, Mark Kiely, Martin Ferrero, Matt McKenzie, Michael O'Hagan, Owen Masterson, Pamela Salem, Rosalind Ayres, Sarah Ann Morris, Todd Babcock
Director: Bill Condon
Rating: R

2. Kinsey, 2004

	
For the longest time, sex has been notoriously hard to discuss, in part due to politeness, social norms, and religious attitudes surrounding the topic. Because of this, it took a certain kind of courage, and also a certain disregard of modesty, in order to finally explore the topic. Kinsey is centered around the titular pioneer of sexology, and writer-director Bill Condon cleverly takes the interview questions Kinsey used to structure the scientist’s life and work. It’s a fairly straightforward biopic that does skip over some of Kinsey’s controversies, but it’s one that honors him and his cornerstone contributions, especially with the excellent performance of Liam Neeson.Genre: Drama
Actor: Arden Myrin, Benjamin Walker, Chris O'Donnell, Dagmara Domińczyk, David Harbour, Dylan Baker, Harley Cross, Heather Goldenhersh, Jarlath Conroy, Jenna Gavigan, John Krasinski, John Lithgow, John McMartin, Julianne Nicholson, Katharine Houghton, Kathleen Chalfant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Luke Macfarlane, Lynn Redgrave, Matthew Fahey, Oliver Platt, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Curry, Timothy Hutton, Veronica Cartwright, Will Denton, William Sadler
Director: Bill Condon
Rating: R