Brendan Fraser's 10 Greatest Performances

Bill Condon's Gods and Monsters is an absolutely phenomenal film.

In recounting the final days of Frankenstein director James Whale's life, Condon is able to tell a story that is both moving and strikingly compelling, thanks in no small part to the stellar performance Ian McKellen gives as Whale.

Yet surprisingly, the scene-stealer of the film is actually Fraser as Clayton Boone, Whale's lawn man who grows close to him in his final days. In a film that is driven solely by scenes of conversation between McKellen and Fraser, Fraser more than holds his own against the multi-award winning acting savant. In fact, Fraser very nearly steals the entire film right out from under him.

From the way Fraser allows Boone's rage to slowly boil over in some of the more intense scenes to the way he shapes Boone's arc across the film as he grows more accepting of Whale's sexuality, it is a remarkable performance in every way.

Perhaps its finest moment is at the end of the film, with a choice that was entirely Fraser's own. As he walks off into the dark and stormy night, he mimics the iconic walk of the Frankenstein monster in honor of Whale and the impact he had on him. It is a strikingly beautiful and poetic end to the film, which makes it all the more impressive that it was an improvisation by Fraser on the day.

Just watch this and you'll see exactly why Fraser is one of the best actors of his generation.