Review of Animal (2005) by Krista B — 29 Aug 2008
A really odd combination of good concepts and weak execution. The acting (with the exception of the excellent Diego Infante) was relentlessly awful: wooden, badly accented, and completely unconvincing.
This was balanced by amazing visuals, especially the futuristic university and sweeping shots of Lisbon's Vasco da Gama bridge. The story itself revolved around a genetically engineered cure for human aggression - but rather than curing violence (the "cured" serial killer Iparrak had no problem duping, subduing and restraining his psychiatrist) it appeared that Nielsen was injecting his subject with a conscience, making him fully aware of the consequences of his actions.
This was actually the most interesting thing about the movie, but was never fully explored. The remainder was a combination of bad acting, frequent rainstorms, and a university president who apparently felt that a faculty funeral was an appropriate place for HR announcements.
Weirdly compelling, for all its flaws: I kept wincing, but I kept watching.
This review of Animal (2005) was written by Krista B on 29 August 2008.
Animal has generally received mixed reviews.
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