Martino's indulging Wells on Moreau
This remains one of the most confusing entries in Sergio Martino's filmography, because of there being around four different cuts still circulating around.
For context, the opening sequence was directed by Miller Drake. And the special effects here were completed by a certain Chris Walas, known for his work on The Fly.
Some might look for Martino's definitive cut ("L'isola degli uomini pesce"), before Corman acquired the US distribution ("Screamers") and began commissioning these changes, as the preferred version (especially for the Martino completionists), but I think the Walas contributions are incredible, and it's a shame we never really got to see what a master of special effects could have done alongside a director like Martino or Fulci.
Overall, it is not at the level of Slave of the Cannibal God, or The Great Alligator, which are definitely more accomplished, - but it is interesting to think as to what compelled Martino to turn to The Island of Dr. Moreau as an inspiration, amidst that Italian wave of cannibal films: I think that's what makes this a strange but interesting part of his filmography.
This is also I think the only Martino work which really struggles from pacing issues, - between the second and third act. I would not recommend this really to anyone other than those trawling through his available filmography.
For context, the opening sequence was directed by Miller Drake. And the special effects here were completed by a certain Chris Walas, known for his work on The Fly.
Some might look for Martino's definitive cut ("L'isola degli uomini pesce"), before Corman acquired the US distribution ("Screamers") and began commissioning these changes, as the preferred version (especially for the Martino completionists), but I think the Walas contributions are incredible, and it's a shame we never really got to see what a master of special effects could have done alongside a director like Martino or Fulci.
Overall, it is not at the level of Slave of the Cannibal God, or The Great Alligator, which are definitely more accomplished, - but it is interesting to think as to what compelled Martino to turn to The Island of Dr. Moreau as an inspiration, amidst that Italian wave of cannibal films: I think that's what makes this a strange but interesting part of his filmography.
This is also I think the only Martino work which really struggles from pacing issues, - between the second and third act. I would not recommend this really to anyone other than those trawling through his available filmography.
- freddiemurfin
- Jan 13, 2025