Coroner’s Corner
Your Pussy Cat is a Fox
by John Bikowski
Illustration by Eric Johnson
The Island of Dr. Moreau is a modernized version of an already twice-told tale of genetic manipulation. The original film made in 1933, was more aptly entitled The Island of Lost Souls. The first remake, from 1977, starred Burt Lancaster as the good doctor. The basic surface story is about a twisted scientist who performs radical experiments on a deserted island. He has somehow managed to splice the genes of animals and humans which leads to a forest populated by lions and tigers that could probably start up a softball league. A poor, unsuspecting chap named Braddock washes up on shore only to become an experiment as well. One side effect of the mutation process is that the human-like beasts soon begin to revert back to the savage animals they once were destined to be. The creatures strive to be like humans so Dr. Moreau holds them accountable under certain laws Ñ one should not walk on all fours, kill, or even shed blood. Unfortunately, once the laws begin breaking down, the society goes with it on a flesh-hungry rampage. The underlying theme begs the question, Just how far should science delve into genetics. Is it acceptable to play God? I would have to say no, unless you don’t mind being devoured by your children.
In the modern remake, Marlon Brando tackles the role of Dr. Moreau with a strange gusto. We’re not talking Academy Award stuff here but he plays up the part of eccentric scientist. His Moreau is not as much of a dick as Lancaster’s because it seems that Brando actually cares about his creations. Check out the surreal scenes with the little dwarf mutant that plays classical duets on the piano. This little guy blurs the boundaries between cute and terrifying. If I were a little kid and I imagined this dude in my closet or under my bed… oh man, I’d be screwed. Relative newcomer David Thewlis does a good job as the shipwrecked Braddock and Val Kilmer goes ballistic as Montgomery. Montgomery is like a game warden, there to help out Moreau. In the 1977 version he is shot and killed while trying to free Braddock. However, in Val Kilmer’s version, Montgomery quickly gets baked on drugs and loses it big time. Another interesting subplot involves a woman who is supposedly Moreau’s daughter. She hooks up with Braddock, but unfortunately, she’s part pussy cat. Imagine the marks she’d leave clawing at your back during… well, never mind. I also liked the mutant who had the title “Sayer of the Law.” I wonder what other job openings they had? Perhaps “Burper of the Gas” or “Wiper of the Butt”? Anyway, whether or not you caught the originals you may want to check out the new one for its updated effects and quirky performances by well-known stars.
Sickest scene of the month:
In the 1984 Italian film Buried Alive, a guy steals the dead body of his girlfriend, takes it home, and performs an autopsy. After slitting her stomach and spilling her innards (all shown!) he comes upon her heart. He takes firm grasp and unexplainably bites down on the engorged organ causing an arterial spurt. Yummy!!
