Mysterious
Island
Director:
Cy Endfield
Year
1961
Mysterious
Island is a wonderfully imagined adaption of Jules Verne's
outstanding novel, L'lle mysterieuse. Brought to life by the
legendary stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen, the film features an
abundance of mind-boggling creatures and elaborate effects, which aid
in bringing the whole spectacle to life. As fantasy/adventure movies
go, Mysterious Island is a classically portrayed gem that truly takes
you on a most memorable journey into the unknown. One filled with
wonderful marvels, stupendous dangers, and above all a true sense of
unabashed wonder.
The film
follows a regiment of Union POWs as they escape from a Confederate
prison camp in a hot air balloon. Set adrift across the Pacific, the
group crashes on the shores of a mysterious island in which giant
monsters, blood thirsty pirates, and various other dangers threaten
their vary survival. Armed with a few rifles and a handful of
courage, the survivors gather their wits in order to figure out a way
off of this perilous island, but with the imposing volcano at the
center of the island primed to erupt, do they even have a chance?
The
motley group of survivors are comprised of an eclectic cast of
thespians. The most prominent of the group is the incomparable
Herbert Lom, whose film credits span countless genres and a number of
personal favorites of mine. Lom takes on the role of Captain Nemo, a
recluse intellectual whose genius has spawned one of the most
impressive maritime vessels known as the Nautilus. Much like his
performances in The Phantom of the Opera, Mark of the Devil, and The
Dead Zone, Lom gives a tremendous presence to his character making
every ounce of screen time count.
The rest
of the cast does an equally good job with their roles, which fit
perfectly into the tone of the film. Michael Craig gives a stern
performance as Captain Cyrus Harding, while Gary Merrill, Dan Jackson
and Percy Herbert do a great job in diversifying the small group of
survivors. The inclusion of Joan Greenwood and Beth Rogan as Lady
Mary Fairchild and Elena Fairchild are a nice addition, which
provides Michael Callan's character, Herbert Brown, to have a love
interest in the young Elena. As an ensemble the group does a fine job
and they work rather well against the amazing and imaginative
monsters that pop up throughout this wild adventure of a film.
If I was
to name a main star of this movie though, it would be Ray Harryhausen
and his wonderfully crafted creatures. In all honesty this was the
main aspect that peaked my interest years ago when I first caught
wind of this elaborate production. After viewing Harryhausen's iconic
work in The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts,
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, and his
last effort Clash of the Titans, I knew that I was in for a treat
when finally checking out Mysterious Island. Ultimately established
as a showcase for the animators stop-motion effects, the film is jam
packed with eye-opening creatures and unbelievable moments, all
glossed over with that distinct Harryhausen style. From a giant bird,
to an enormous crab, to a frighteningly immense bee, to even an
overgrown octopus, Harryhausen injects the production with an
atmosphere of magic, which lends greatly to the fantasy feel of the
film.
With
Harryhausen's effects in action, the film does a marvelous job in
blending in some striking matte and miniature work to complement the
legendary animators unparalleled creations. The look and feel of both
the interior and exterior shots of the Nautilus are richly crafted
and look absolutely fabulous, especially during the climax of the
film where the ship is being bombarded by the destruction of the
island. As for the effects work of the film, they maintain the same
quality inherent in the entire production, producing some spectacular
moments that literally rock the film's foundation in boisterous awe.
For a Jules Verne adaption, Mysterious Island is up there as one of
the best of the bunch, and without a doubt that is thanks to the
colossal crew behind this iconic production.
Mysterious
Island is grandiose in every sense of the word. From its larger than
life creatures, its boundless landscape, and its intriguing concept,
this Jules Verne adaption is one that is filled to the brim with
excitement and fun. The cast does a commendable job with the
material, with Herbert Lom giving a mesmerizing and memorable
performance as the fabled Captain Nemo. Balanced to perfection, there
really isn't a dull moment in this wonderful adventure, making for a
brisk romp that never loses its appeal.
The real
game-changer of the production is Ray Harryhausen's creature work and
the lovingly crafted world that the effects artists provide.
Unmistakably robust and highly imaginative, Harryhausen and crew
vividly bring this island of mystery to stark and fanciful life,
establishing a world that can only exist on the beautifully crafted
celluloid plain. Impressively detailed and remarkably unique, the
visual appearance of Mysterious Island's world is without a doubt the
most appealing aspect of this production and it's safe to say that it
is the heart and soul of the film's success. If you're in need of a
fantasy/adventure fix and you are a fan of Ray Harryhausen's work,
then you owe it to yourself to check out this entertaining gem.
Mysterious Island is.....
 |
| Weeeeeeee!!!!! |
 |
| I sure hope King Kong doesn't show up. |
 |
| So when the hell do I get my blue shirt? |
 |
| On this island, hot chicks wash up on the beach. Sweet! |
 |
| What manner of beast can make a shit this large? |
 |
| Put the book down nerd and figure a way off of this crazy island. |
 |
| These chicks are nuts. |
 |
| What are you looking at bird-brain? |
 |
| Looks like it's chicken tonight. |
 |
| Get the hell out of my hive you rat bastards! |
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| Look! I see the end of the movie. |
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| You kids BEE careful. Yep, I said it. |
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| Hello everyone. |
 |
| What do you mean you don't like my seashell styled outfit? |
 |
| And on your left is the underwater city of Atlantis. |
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| Do you mind not playing that damn piano right now?!?! |
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| Bring it on you Kraken bastard! |
 |
| Farewell you mysterious island, you. |
