Of Unknown Origin

Frankly, I was surprised to know that this movie was directed by George Cosmatos, the creator of such action films as Rambo-2 and Cobra. `Of Unknown Origin' is an absolutely different one. I found it interesting and amusing. It has everything that every good horror film should have – the spirit of suspense. Of course, Peter Weller acts very convincing. I think the movie wouldn't have its strange and surrealistic atmosphere without his talent of acting. The most remarkable episodes include one with Weller talking about the problem of rats in the US during the dinner with his boss. But as a whole I would say that what makes `Of Unknown Origin' a good movie is humour and irony, which one can easily trace from the beginning till the end. I would recommend this film for those who like horror movies not only because of special effects.

The premise of this film isn't exactly original, but a story like this has great potential both for a psychological thriller and for a fun horror flick...but unfortunately, Or Unknown Origin doesn't quite manage to excel at being either. The focus is more on the battle between man and rat than providing the sort of schlocky horror that the eighties produced so prolifically, which is fine; but it never probes too deep into the psyche of the central character, and the film plays out like a movie that should be fun, but largely isn't. That's not to say that it's a bad film, however, as there are a lot of good ideas on display, and the film also features what may be a career best performance from Peter Weller. The plot sees a man who recently completed the rebuilding of a house being left alone when his wife and child go on holiday. He stays behind to try and win a promotion, but he doesn't count on an onslaught of torture when it turns out that the house he put together has become infested by a rat. What follows is an all out war between man and one of the world's most notorious pests.

Rats are one of horror cinema's most popular animals, and it's not hard to see why. There is a scene in this film that sees the central character make a case against rats, and it really makes you realise the reason why these animals are so often feared. Of Unknown Origin starts out slowly, but builds some momentum half way through when our hero begins his personal war against nature. I wasn't expecting much after the first half hour, but the film surprised me somewhat by the way it eventually comes together, climaxing with an exciting sequence that sees the central character really go off the rails. Peter Weller really is superb in the lead role, and I wouldn't be surprised if this film was the reason he went on to take the lead role in the classic Sci-Fi thriller 'Robocop'. It's a shame that director George P. Cosmatos doesn't seem too keen to get fully inside the character's head, as the potential for a great psychological thriller is definitely there. This film may have been better if it was handled by someone like David Lynch, but despite its imperfections; Of Unknown Origin is still worth seeing.

Greetings And Salutations, and welcome to my review of Of Unknown Origin; here's the breakdown of my ratings:

Story: 1.75 Direction: 1.25 Pace: 1.25 Acting: 1.50 Enjoyment: 1.50

TOTAL: 7.25 out of 10.00

This little creature feature flick had me surprised. Delightfully surprised. For one, the story is incredibly potent in its credibility. It not only deals with a rat infestation but the troubles it can cause, let alone the physical destruction there's the mental assault to consider. Secondly, the direction is on-point and commendably captures the events as they unfold. And thirdly, the acting is excellent.

Everything should be grand in the life of Bart Hughes. He's successful, married to a beautiful woman, has a marvellous son, and has just finished renovating his new city home. Life is paradise until his wife takes their son to the inlaws for their annual few weeks' vacations, and ratty the rat starts scurrying behind his expertly plastered walls. In a few days, Bart's life spirals out of paradise down the plug hole of hell. Since this is a story about one man's battle against a rascally rodent, it's nice that Brian Taggert made it more of a character-driven piece. Doing so allows the audience to place themselves in Bart's shoes. It also enables his breakdown and mental deterioration to be displayed thoroughly. And, I have to say, Taggert handles it superbly. And though the times get harrowing for Bart, Taggert peppers in some humour to keep the audience's interest. Another plus is the use of facts. We see Bart head to the library to gen up on his enemy. What he learns is shocking and more than a tad disheartening. But this is genuine information compiled from reliable sources and not something the writer dreamed up. This realism adds to the credibility of the story.

George P Cosmatos is a decent filmmaker and tells Bart Vs Ratty faultlessly. He adds some appealing and stimulating camera angles, though he chiefly employs a standard point-and-shoot style, with some fine compositions and steady pans. He also utilises natural light and shadow, which adds to the realism of the story and movie. Additional potency could have been created by increasing the number of engaging angles and scenes. There are plenty of opportunities to display the damage the rat had wrought. Had these been captured in a more striking style it would have only strengthened the picture.

This movie is Peter Weller's, and he should be proud. That's not to say the rest of the cast are rubbish; on the contrary, they are superb. But this story is about one man versus one rat. And that man is Bart Hughes, portrayed exceptionally by Weller. Weller gives the ideal presentation of a man who has an unspoiled life. And as we progress through poor old Bart's trials and tribulations, Weller, by turns, takes him deeper and deeper into the darkness of anxiety and depression and obsession. It's a great depiction of falling down the rabbit hole.

And, for that alone, I would gladly recommend Of Unknown Origin to every movie watcher. It's entertaining, credible, full of realistic characters, exemplary acting, and admirably filmed.

Now, if you've set all the rat traps, get your arse over here and have a gander at my Absolute Horror and Monstrous lists and see where I ranked Of Unknown Origin.

Take Care & Stay Well.

This is the story of a man (Bart Hughes played by Peter Weller) who becomes obsessed with a little rat problem he's having at his newly renovated house. Instead of focusing on Bart's growing insanity, the director unfortunately showcases the rat as a vicious and dangerous beast. Although there are some quite effective closeups of the rat-villain, we never really feel any threat emerging from this little creature. Bart's obsession seems all but unbelievable. It's implausible that he would not just move to a hotel or try (harder) to contact an exterminator. Also, the movie just doesn't seem to have any real purpose. After a quick showdown it just ends, leaving some plot lines (Bart's job, his relationship to his family) unresolved.

"Of Unknown Origin" is still a very watchable movie. The pacing is quick and Weller does a pretty decent job in this one man-show. Had director George P. Cosmatos added anything to make it more than a mere monster movie, "Of Unknown Origin" would no be the obscure left-over from the early 80's that it is.

Peter Weller anchors a cast of Canadian actors in this entertaining low budget thriller directed by George Cosmatos. Plenty of action and a good through line of how an obsessively detailed individual would battle a threat to his environment. Louis "Seeing Things" Del Grande is very good as the helpful janitor next door to Weller's yuppie palace. Features rising Canadian actors Kenneth Welsh, Jennifer Dale and a slimmer Maury Chaykin. The Canadian Tax Credit system helped put this film in Montreal, doubling as New York. With little to work with in terms of sets and exteriors, Cosmatos shows his chops as a director who tries to make each shot pay off in a particular way. The overhead shot of Weller looking out over the "human" rat race crossing the street draws an interesting parallel with the main story. More than a couple of 'homages' to Jaws, which Cosmatos admits was one of his favourite movies.A bit repetitive at times but better than 'Willard'. Worth a look.