Set in the 1950's, this is the story of the waning days of the life of James Whale (Ian McKellan), the director of the original Frankenstein movie. After he suffers a stroke, Whale who is gay, gradually develops a strange friendship with his gardener, a former Marine named Clay Boone (Brendan Fraser). Whale regales Boone with tales of his directorial career and other experiences, including his service in World War I. Whale eventually persuades Boone to model for him. Boone indulges Whale's sexual fantasies and attempts to seduce him to a certain degree, and even lurches around imitating the Frankenstein monster.