bkoganbing
There are many who will miss the fire and malevolence of Charles Laughton's Dr. Moreau from the Island Of Lost Souls. But this version of the H.G. Wells novel The Island Of Dr. Moreau has an awful lot to recommend it. For one thing it is closer in plot to the story that Wells actually wrote. And unlike the Laughton version which came out in 1932 and was set in that year, this one is set at the turn of the last century when the book actually came out.Still there's Burt Lancaster as the scientist banned like Dr. Frankenstein for his fiendish experiments now confined on an island with Nigel Davenport another disgraced medico and trying to study what is the actual cause of evolution. Like in the other two versions he's getting all kinds of animals to experiment and ratchet up evolution, creating these freaks of nature whom as he says always seem to revert.His most successful experiment is with Barbara Carrera and newly arrived marooned sailor Michael York gets her mojo going. It's one of the reasons that York is kept alive as he soon discovers. But there's more in store for him.Laughton's classic was completely created on the back lot of Paramount Studios. This one has the advantage of some really lush location shooting on the Virgin Islands in the real tropics where Wells set his story. And I also think Michael York in his prime is far more the sex object the character was supposed to be than Richard Arlen in the Laughton version.This is a good version of The Island Of Dr. Moreau and miles better than the version Marlon Brando did in the 90s.
amesmonde
Crewman Andrew Braddock survives the wreck of the sailing ship and is assisted by a mysterious scientist Dr. Moreau, however, he soon meets the inhabitants of the island who are far from natural and things are not as they seem.Based on H. G. Wells classic and a remake of Island of Lost Souls (1932) with it's 1977 film pace trappings aside Burt Lancaster is outstanding as Dr. Moreau with great screen presence and Nigel Davenport's short screen time is impressive. While Michael York and Barbara Carrera's performances don't shake any trees the makeup effects are great (reminiscent of planet of the apes) but the abundance of daylight scenes rob them of much of the creepiness and the blood colouring is a little off and of the time.The end twist is brave and bleak and director Don Taylor offers some nice jungle scenery, tension, staging and the closing showdown with real animals and practical stunts are finely executed.
ebiros2
Based on a novel by H G Wells. H G Wells had number of revolutionary ideas such as the Time Machine, War of the Worlds, and this Island of Dr Moreau, of all opened up a new topic in scientific development. Today, invasion from outer space, time travel, and genetic experiments are mainstream topic if not in science, certainly in the movies, and in novels.Two sailors on a life raft reach an uncharted island. Braddock, one of the sailor discovers that the island is inhabited by Dr. Moreau who is conducting experiments on animals. He soon discovers that the island is also inhabited by strange creatures who looks half man and half beast.Movie was made by American International Pictures that made series of B movies back in the '70s. This movie is perhaps the most serious and artistic of all the movies made by the company. It was an exciting new type of movie when it was released, but perhaps due to insufficient development in technology, and modest budget, the execution has something to be desired. The man-animals obviously looks like they're made of prosthetics that takes away from the experience (a lot), and Michael York who played the lead was too weak to carry the story. Maybe they should have given the lead to Richard Basehart and the movie would have been a lot better. the cinematography could have been better too. It has no mood of mystery that the story requires.So the movie misses the mark in critical ways, but maybe American International never intended it to be a masterpiece. I'm hoping that someone will remake this movie in the way it should be, but the odd topic of the story may keep it as a novelty.
Woodyanders
Shipwreck survivor Andrew Braddock (a solid and engaging performance by Michael York) washes ashore on a remote island run by determined, obsessive, and remorseless scientist Dr. Paul Moreau (splendidly played with firm resolve and conviction by Burt Lancaster). Braddock discovers that Moreau has created a grotesque, yet pitiable race of half-man, half-beast creatures and plans on using him as a guinea pig for his unscrupulous genetic experiments. Director Don Taylor, working from a smart and compact script by John Herman Shaner and Al Ramrus, relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, does an adept job of creating a spooky and mysterious mood in the opening third, and makes inspired use of the lush tropical setting. The uniformly sterling acting from a top-drawer cast constitutes as another substantial asset: York and Lancaster are terrific in the leads, the luscious Barbara Carrera is suitably enticing and enchanting as the sweet Maria, Nigel Davenport does well as Moreau's loyal, hearty assistant Montgomery, Richard Basehart excels as the stern, wise Sayer of the Law, and Lancaster's longtime friend and acrobatic partner Nick Cravat has a nice part as meek, mute servant M'Ling. The make-up f/x by John Chambers and Tom Burman are excellent and convincing. Gerry Fisher's glossy, sparkling cinematography gives the picture a beautifully bright look. Laurence Rosenthal provides a robust and stirring score. Moreover, there's even a provocative subtext about the fine line between man and beast. The movie delivers quite a few memorably powerful moments: an eerie nighttime Viking funeral for a slain mutant, Braddock fighting his baser animal impulses by drudging up poignant childhood memories, and the enraged beastmen revolting against their cruel oppressor Moreau during the lively, exciting, and harrowing climax. An intelligent and effective film.
AD
