Sci-Fi Classic Review: ISLAND OF LOST SOULS (1932)

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

2 things make this film extra creepy and unforgettable: long sequences without dialogue or music, which no film maker would do today, and hasn't been done for 50 years or more; and a casting call for people who were unusual looking, ugly, brutish, or animalistic even before make-up was added. Together, along with the horror of vivisection, Laughton's impish and cutesy sadism, the fog, and glorious B&W, crank the creep factor way past 11. Unforgettable. Cannot be unseen.

[@rociomiranda5684]

As it happenes, Island of Lost Souls captures the spirit and the horror of the novel, as well as the tragedy of the Beast People. It also contributed the archetypal Panther Woman, who is only briefly seen in the book (and yet she kills Moreau in the book). Laughton's performance is a classic of suave cruelty and evil. As for the Code, although it was a wrong repressive move, during those years moviemakers became really creative in order to circumvent the limitations imposed upon them,- There are monumental classics, great films noir and dramas produced during the Code Years. Of course, I'm glad it was finally knocked down. Island of the Lost Souls remains one of my favorite films of all time. The end is pure horror.

[@laustcawz2089]

You (& anyone else) can do as I've done-- suggest that "Island Of Lost Souls" be added to The National Film Registry-- www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/

[@johngerson7335]

Good editorial take on a great film. Also agree that this version makes the others pale in comparison. Funny thing is that this version used to show unedited on Saturday morning "Shock Theatre" for the kiddies (of which I was one lol) way back in the early nineteen-seventies. It was considered pretty tame compared to what was being produced in the mainstream by that time.

[@kylecurry577]

Island of lost souls is a good sci-fi movie 🎥 that should be appreciated as nit aided in advancing the genre. Lifting the Hays code in 1968 was long overdue. Archaic.

[@randyacuna3248]

This classic horror film seems to always be overlooked.

[@Cyber_Smoke]

Agreed I think it's one of the best of the 30s to 50s Horror and it's the film that shaped Sci Fi alongside Frankenstein, Dr Jekyll Mr hyde and invisible

[@randyacuna3248]

@@Cyber_Smoke science fiction movies in the middle 1930s would include Things to come and the Invisible Ray. Also they both have brilliant music scores.

[@shwicaz]

Charles Laughton was delightfully lascivious in this.

[@Johnlindsey289]

I saw this on tv at age five in 87, great movie and early body horror before Cronenberg

[@MrBlueSkyof1607]

Lota. Lota. Lota. Lota. All day every day that name repeats itself in my brain. And I let it.

[@mackjay1777]

In my opinion this the greatest horror film of the 1930s (along with Mamoulian's DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE, with Frederic March). It's truly horrific, nearly as strong in that way today as it always has been. It has great atmosphere and an all-time classic performance by Charles Laughton as an ultimate classic horror villain. It's a nightmare on film, wonderfully produced

[@deeptime5581]

HG Wells described his book as a "theological grotesque." That should tell you what it is supposed to be about though every version has missed it.

[@sbloocas2317]

"Are We Not Men".... We are Devo A super choice. Love the deep dive info. This films plays in my head as a double bill with Eyes Without A Face. Damm those mad doctors with their grafts & transplants. By the way, the Imaginary Worlds podcast just did an episode on Betty Boop & the Hays Code. Good further listening.

[@siarnne]

I was impressed by the sincerity of the actors in this. Not one of them seemed to be phoning it in like Brando and Kilmer-who should be roomates in hell...and did you get your closing art out of Mario Kart or are you making CGI without me?

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

The cgi at the end came from Joe. He’s been making more lately!

[@TheClutchCanuck]

Hey great review man! Been wanting to do a review of this film to for October and you really nailed it! 👏🏻

[@cookellycoo2827]

There is this movie....2 children are in front of a judge, and there was a guy with no legs wheeling around. creepy black and white.

[@alexlemonds2838]

Loved the old timey opening narration. Reminded me of Clone Wars.

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

I love this film...it's so icky and depraved that I feel like I need a shower after I watch it. My favorite scene is when Moreau is explaining his plan to Parker. He slowly approaches the camera while stirring lemon into his tea until he's in extreme close up. The shot makes me physically scrunch back into my chair.

[@bigkj2.027]

Ok ili definitely look at it

[@gmanley1]

Think Ronald Dahl hates all adaptations of his movies? H.G. Wells is even worse.

[@michaelcarter9395]

I like the Hayes Code. It allowed families to see movies together. If the director panned away from a young couple to show fireworks in the distance, a child wouldn't need a biology lesson, and the grown ups could imagine the action from mild kissing to full mental pornography. It was like a choose your own ending film, where everyone got their ideal movie. When you spell out what happens, the kids are kept out of the room, and the teen agers are disappointed with the milk toast love making.

[@MartialArtsFilmFreak]

MORMON ALERT! HIDE YOUR WIVES, SISTERS, AND DAUGHTERS! MORMON ALERT!

[@MoritzStrohriegel]

great video like always.

[@william4192]

I just found your channel. Great work. I subscribed and I will be checking out your stuff. Don't give up.

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

Owen Myers Thank you!! Comments like these keep me going.

[@vonchaney9216]

It's interesting that this movie could NEVER be made and produced today because of the colonialism and other cultural overtones. What kind of "code" would you describe the current environment? They won't censor parts of your movie if it's politically incorrect, it will just never get made at all. The ultimate censorship!

[@jerrypaulwhite]

This movie made me nauseous 🤮 it was great

[@pedropinos8030]

A Great Work for a Great Movie ! Best Regards from Zaragoza, Spain !