On I List of Movie Reviews

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Island of Lost Souls (1932)

Rate: 10
Viewed: 7/25

IslandLost
7/25: Island of Lost Souls is much better than the disaster of epic proportions: The Island of Dr. Moreau with Marlon Brando.

The novel was written by H.G. Wells in 1896, and after viewing the picture, he said, "Terrible!" [My story] was handled miserably. With all respect to Charles Laughton, who is a splendid actor, and others concerned in the making of this moving picture...I must say that it was handled with a complete lack of imagination."

Well, that's a harsh criticism. I think the film looks great and hasn't dated at all but don't consider it as horror which may have been drained by now. Rather, it's mostly sci-fi. There are a lot to like: the performances, the makeup effects, the cinematography, the atmosphere, the story, and so on.

Director Erle C. Kenton milked as much as he could in seventy minutes of running time. Every scene has a purpose which is something I can't really say for most films in existence. Because of what happened in The Elephant Man, the Academy Awards had to create a new category: Best Makeup. Had that been done sooner, Island of Lost Souls would've won it.

There's no doubt that Charles Laughton is iconic as Dr. Moreau. It's among his earliest Hollywood films in a leading role, and the following year, he would win the Oscar for The Private Life of Henry VIII. Not to be missed is the fine performance by Kathleen Burke as Lota aka the Panther Woman which was earned by winning a talent contest held by Paramount Pictures.

All in all, Island of Lost Souls ranks one of the most well-made pictures from the 30's.