The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)

Previously filmed in 1933 (as Island of Lost Souls) and 1977, the classic H.G. Wells story was filmed again for this graphic 1996 version. The film was roasted by critics, but it's an utterly fascinating failure, largely due to the performances of David Thewlis, Val Kilmer, and especially Marlon Brando in the title role as a mad (and in this case outrageously bizarre) scientist whose experiments in crossbreeding humans with animals have gone terribly awry. Thewlis plays the wayward scholar who is rescued at sea by Kilmer and brought to Moreau's island to discover the doctor's unnatural "children." Fairuza Balk plays Moreau's half-cat daughter, but it's Brando and Kilmer (in one scene doing a killer Brando impersonation) who steal the show, along with the astounding makeup effects created by Stan Winston. A guilty pleasure by any measure, this movie has definite cult-favorite potential, and in addition to offering a "director's cut" with previously unseen footage, the DVD includes audio commentary by director John Frankenheimer, who replaced the original director on short notice and completed this film under highly stressful conditions. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Needs to be remade

I liked all the actors but I agree with another reviewer that Val Kilmers character was a little odd. I guess it made sense if you think about it and I guess they were trying to imply the rot had already set in on the island. Most of all, I did not like the special effects and I can only think that will be more and more noticeable as the film ages. The animal costumes and makeup looked pretty bad-more like great halloween costumes. Brando, a great actor, has never been a favorite of mine and I watched this movie because I like Kilmer. Overall, kind of a depressing movie that I wouldn't want to watch again. June 19, 2008

Love thhe idea, not the execution...

So the story of "The Island" is really fun and interesting. I love the plot. The execution of this film though is a little weak.

Really, the acting is not that great. Val Kilmer was never that great and neither was Fairuza Balk, but Marlon Brando and David Thewlis are always great and pretty much hold together this film.

I think the problem was that the filmmaker was not really sure what type of genre to make this film and really it is just sort of muddled.

I do recommend it if you are a sci-fi, H.G. Wells, or Oingo Boingo fan though... June 5, 2008

a must-watch on social issues

If you don't pick up the metaphors or hidden message throughout the movie, you will (and should) at the end of the movie. Then, you'll be like "aha!"

*The Island of Dr. Moreau* is a story about a mad scientist (Brando) converting animals into humans. However, his experiments aren't perfect...yet. (Well, except one...at least, on the outer appearance.) These creatures reminds me of *The Fly*, caught between two species, more animal than human. Therefore, these creatures must be regulated so that their animal instincts do not take over and create chaos.

The problem is that when you have animals with human DNA/intelligence, they become a deadly combination. Chaos is inevitable. But who wins at the end? These mutated creatures or the humans?

The movie ends with a montage of riots, wars and other public disorders. Wait a minute. We're humans with animal behavior, attacking and clawing others. You almost feel a slight tingling of shame when you see this montage. So, are we not a deadly combination that cause nothing but chaos? Are we to be controlled and regulated?

Wonderful film for a deep discussion afterwards. April 8, 2008

MST3K Fans Rejoice -- Rifftrax is Here!

And the people cried out with one voice, "Maketh us a movie in which Marlon Brando can don a muumuu, false teeth, clown white make-up and a really gay bonnet. See that it also stareth Val Kilmer at his scenery-chewing best. And, yea, putteth the extras in hot, smelly animal suits and maketh you the plot absurd." And, lo, did John Frankenheimer deliver unto us The Island of Dr. Moreau. And it was good. Truly, you must see it to believe it. But you must only see it accompanied by this RiffTrax, for which Mike enlisted the talents of Kevin Murphy, or else you WILL die. August 24, 2007

I hunt master.HUNT! Yes hunt. Azazello likes a good hunt.

And Clint Bronson loves a good HORROR film and that's what
you get with this baby! A remake that once again I find
telling myself is far superior to the orig,(Don't get me wrong
I really enjoy The Island of lost souls,and the Burt Lancaster
one was one of the first HORROR films I saw on the Big Screen)
But this classic tale from H.G.Wells story of the MAD & MACABRE
did need a major facelift. Stan Winston's makeup in this is
phenominal to say the least and the acting from everyone was
excellent. Val Kilmer really seem's to be enjoying himself
(could be he had just become a father)and lights up every
time he has a scene.Brando to is fantastic and yes he knows
he is and I myself consider him a lil overrated(c'mon he's
good but not GOD!He could never do a DR.STRANGELOVE like
Sellers)but he too shines in this.This movie has great music
which I feel is essential to a HORROR film and a amazing
script to boot. Fairuza Balk has such beautiful eyes,when
she is on camera it is really hard to watch the other actors
even when it's them giving dialog.Come visit the island of Moreau
you won't want to leave...Or maybe you won't be allowed...........

NOTE: This movie has fantastic dialog that seems to stay with me
long after viewing!

MOREAU:Don't you feel the heat as I do? I-I-I can't tolerate
the sun and what it's doing to us and all living things.

NONE ESCAPE...NONE ESCAPE...THAT! LAW! WAS BROKEN!
DO YOU HEAR LO-BAI....Do you hear.

and the most famous: LOOK AT THESE PEOPLE! LOOK AT HIM!
The actor David Thewlis is referring to the character Majai
who is thee smallest man I have ever seen.No lie he makes
MINI ME from Austin Powers look like Kobe Bryant July 17, 2007

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