Of Unknown Origin

Of Unknown Origin is an overlooked gem of a little movie. Not really a horror film, except that something does indeed go bump in the night, and often too. No, this is more of a psychological drama and Peter Weller bangs one out of the park with his performance as the yuppie forced to go to war with a rat. The movie gets down right primitive and to the point, and it's all Peter Weller and some excellent rat photography. I watch this movie about once a year and it's one of my all time favorites. The film isn't dated and the dvd transfer is good so check it out if you're looking for something a little different, something of quality, and not your normal run of the mill mindless horror flick.

This movie is about a large, smart rat threatening to undermine everything a worldly wall street climber (Peter Weller) has worked to create for his world. The movie is like it's clever rat...creeping up with more intelligence than should be expected.

Great movies work equally on separate levels so that a wide audience can take what they will from it and still enjoy it immensely. Although technically a B-movie punctuated by 80's camp, it is unmistakable that "Of Unknown Origin" is truly special.

It's unfortunate that this movie has enough unattractive elements to deter a viewer's interest. First of all, it's a "rat movie". When has that ever been a favorable genre? Second of all, Shannon Tweed's involvement, however early in her career, emits an odor of genericness and illegitimacy.

Don't be turned off by all these potentially fatal bad traits. Director George P. Cosomotos and Peter Weller had an interesting, artful collaboration going on in "Of Unknown Origin". The film has a tight focus on theme and story, and goofy, highly entertaining, cult-status-worthy performance bits from Weller. It's a fun film- there's no doubt about that. There may be cheese, but there's also sincerity in how the film refuses to take itself seriously. Also, the familiar moral of the story is shown in so fresh a form that you won't even care.

For a story that works so well on an intellectual level, it's a blessing that the actual rat combat scenes are a great time. As Weller's lost yuppie starts to lose his sanity, his battles with his furry foe become more and more extravagant. Let's just say the conclusion is incredible.

The title refers to the clouded evolution of rats. It also speaks of the burning, unavoidable core of our hearts that is pure and determined to defeat our dark sides. Our consciences? Our God? Or is it just a fear of a big friggin' rat? Ponder that if you'd like, but enjoy "Of Uknown Origin" regardless.

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.

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.

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.