Island of Lost Souls. Erle C. Kenton, 1932.
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Edition screened: Criterion Blu-ray #586, released 2011. English language. Runtime approximately 70 minutes.
This quality adaptation of the H.G. Wells’ story has an underpinning in animal experimentation, but the film contains no depictions of violence or harm to animals.
Island of Lost Souls is a more gripping and provocative viewing experience than I expected; really quite entertaining and thought provoking. The Criterion release includes several interviews that aid one’s appreciation of the film, and an especially intelligent interview with founding members of Devo in which they explain Island of Lost Souls’ influence on the band. Devo’s 1976 short film In the Beginning Was the End: The Truth About De-Evolution also is provided.