Nature of the Beast

source: Nature of the Beast

Moviecut—Nature of the Beast

The Nature of the Beast

"Nature of the beast" is one of those "Never-ever-pick-up-a-hitchhiker"-thriller/horror-movies and it's probably a good example of this genre. The cast is terrific (you just can't go wrong with Henriksen and Roberts, even Brion James is in this for two minutes) and the movie is pretty exciting and fun to watch... until the last 5 minutes, when the writer/director manages to gloriously mess it up with an incredible stupid and forced twist-ending, that isn't just unlogical, but annoying as hell, too. Pretend it doesn't happen...

Maybe it's because I've seen so many thrillers, but it didn't take me very long into the movie to guess what was going to happen in the ending. There's also a weird homosexual context that doesn't really seem to have a point. Still, director Salva keeps things moving, maybe a little slowly at times, but enough that you are never seriously bored. What really gets your attention are the performances by Roberts and Henriksen, two seriously underrated actors. They put a real intensity in their performances that saves the movie from the mediocrity it probably would have become with other actors in the roles.

'Nature of the Beast', written and directed by Victor Salva, is a hidden gem for fans of thrillers with surprise twist endings. You may or may not predict the plot twist that makes you rethink the entire movie, but you will enjoy the performances by Lance Henriksen and Eric Roberts. Victor Salva also does a good job with the directing and the story. Like most thrillers it maybe a little slow for action fans, a little shallow in character development for drama fans, and a little too serious for comedy fans. But if like a good thriller with suspense, intrigue, an underlying truth hidden from the viewer, and good acting and directing, then I recommend you see 'Nature of the Beast.'

We often forget the script is what it's all about. Throw in a couple of Hollwood-veterans and some good shooting and you get a real cracker. The script is so well though-out you never imagine the ending. It's amazing! It's one of these rare cases where you get an American film (a TV-production no less!!) with a totally unpredictable conclusion. The acting is top-notch and beats anything out there, very powerful. The scenes are often mystical and nocturnal, the only qualm I would have is that there was plenty of space for extra creative camera-work, just to heighten the suspense even further. If a remake of this was done by a more revolutionary director (e.g. Michael Mann), this could definitely account for a new Hollywood blockbuster (and no doubt keeping the two main actors as well).

Just knew the moment that this picture start out with a BBQ sign and a car that seemed to move back and forth, like love making was going on inside, this was going to be a wild film to watch and enjoy. Eric Roberts,"Break a Leg",'05, had some real mental problems and was driving up and down a highway, from one diner, motel and vehicle he could find available. However, Eric decides to latch onto Lance Henriksen, "Dream Warrior",'04, who looked like a nice easy mark to latch onto and pester to death, which he did very well through out the picture. There are murders going on left and right and a person who has a million bucks he was able to steal from a casino. There are many twists and turns during the picture and the ending will shock you completely. There is even a Bible quotation from a prophet at the ending.

What I have to say is merely a repetition of what the other users said before:the two leads literally save the movie from absolute mediocrity.They are so good,their performances are so intense that they are to be commended for transcending the limitations they are working under .The script writers ,in order to make sure the audience understands they have been watching a "deep" "meaningful" work call Jeremiah (and the Bible) to the rescue,but it's too little too late. This is the well known mix road movie/"there's a killer on the road" (as Jim Morrison used to sing),and even a child could guess who he is.But the film deserves a look ,weren't it only for the way two first-class actors can redeem abysmal scripts.

Lance Henriksen and Eric Roberts cannot be any more effective than they are in this extremely perverse little movie, which must be seen by anyone who enjoys a serious cinematic mind-f#@k now and again. And Victor Salva's writing holds up upon the second viewing, which will be mandatory.