I don’t know what I would do if I had an island all to myself. I’ll have to give it some thought, but for now I’ll just say that Dr. Moreau’s island is a fascinating yet dangerous locale. Surely the old crackpot wouldn’t have it any other way, though I would hesitate to say that his half-human, half-beast monstrosities are his pride and joy. So much for taking science to the next level, huh? Well, when you have a guy whose creations revere him as a god, you can bet he doesn’t mess around. I wonder how he got so good at whip cracking. That’s a well-showcased skill, if you ask me.

The remoteness of the island is such that it creates intrigue. It’s not the kind of place that Edward would’ve anticipated visiting, let alone seeking out. I think that’s interesting in that not only is Moreau’s island home to pushing the boundaries of science in ways that are unethical and taboo, but there’s a degree of secrecy by which the revered doctor carries out his operations that he uses to his advantage. The hell that he puts his patients through in the House of Pain couldn’t be more unbearable; thus, the transition from man to monster is by no means pleasant. If anything, it is a reflection of Moreau’s madness as well as the fact that he doesn’t think twice about conducting his experiments.

I can’t help but think of the scenes that show the creatures are standing outside their huts. They’re engaging, and not only that, but they’re of note due to the interactions between the doctor and his creations. Who is truly in control? Whose understanding of the relationship between man and beast will ultimately win out? The idea of the creator having authority over his creation is simple, and yet it shows that the creatures are at the mercy of man, who isn’t easily usurped. In fact, the power that Moreau wields is emphasized by the fact that he stands atop the mound as he looks down at his creations. It’s a striking image, without a doubt.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Island of Lost Souls is an effective but enjoyable film. It has a mood about it that is intensified by its shadowy backdrops, all the while showing that there are consequences to playing God. I couldn’t have asked for a better combination.