The 1999 film Ravenous stars Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle. Antonia Bird directs. It provides “food” for thought. This is a story of cannibalism, without the usual OTT shots of gore. It does have more than enough gore to satisfy the most vociferous “gore-hound. ” But it doesn’t meander into “Cannibal Holocaust” territory.
The Story
Ravenous focuses around Captain John Boyd. Boyd is the lone survivor from his wiped out command.They lose badly in a battle with Mexican forces in the Mexican American war.
He plays dead. His subordinates and commanding officer are killed. Boyd is “stored” with the dead bodies. All the while their blood drips into his mouth. The “dead” officer then crawls out and takes the Mexican command post captive.
He is a hero. But his commanding officer knows better. He ships Boyd off into the middle of nowhere. He arrives at the near deserted army post of Fort Spencer. Boyd barely gets settled in before a man stumbles in from the snow. The man tells a story of cannibalism and death.
The fort’s commanding officer Colonel Hart (Jeffrey Jones) decides to mount a rescue operation.
The Cast
Guy Pearce is Captain Boyd.
Robert Carlyle is Ives.
David Arquette is Cleaves.
Jeremy Davies is Toffler.
Neal McDonough is Reich.
John Spencer is General Slauson.
Stephen Spinella is Knox.
J Jones
*A quick note about Jeffrey Jones. The convicted sex offender was in this one. He has a pretty hefty role. After failing to register several times, it seems Hollywood has washed its hands regarding Jones. In Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (2024) his recurring character is killed off via cartoon.*
Problems
There were production problems. These seemed to come from the film’s producer the late Laura Ziskin. She was accused of micro-managing the film to near death. Despite this, Ravenous turned out very well.
The production values on Ravenous are brilliant. the FX pretty much spot on, and the locations beautifully matched to the scenes in the film. This “mild” horror film, boasts a great “twist” on the story of cannibalism. It offers up vague references to the notorious cannibal Alfred Packer as well as the doomed Donner Party.
It works
The entire idea revolves around the Wendigo myth. The myth says that eating human flesh gives you superhuman powers. After this, one can never go back to eating “normal” meat. The film dances with a macabre twist into black comedy territory.
The cast all acquitted themselves very well. Pearce, a local lad from Ely, Cambridgeshire, England has proven yet again what a talented chap he is. Robert Carlyle is an actor that I unashamedly adore. His work never disappoints. I would literally kill to one day get to work with the man. He blows everyone else off the screen each time he comes on. David Arquette manages to impress in his cameo size role.
Despite problems encountered before a full reel of film was even produced, it manages to entertain very well. Two director changes, constant script reworking added to the micro-management from Ziskin. This should have ruined this Ravenous, but it still does a great job of telling its twisted story.
The cinematography is crisp, clear and full of texture. The lighting is adroit and capable. The sound is all encompassing. Especially when introducing the sounds of the wooded mountains where a lot of action takes place.
The Verdict
The film can best be described as a “horror/western.” It is one of those little gems that amply satisfies my craving for two of my favourite film genres.
Overall, I give this film a surprised 4.5 out of 5 stars. I will admit to having to restrain myself. I felt an overwhelming urge to give it a full 5 just for the presence of Carlyle alone. The film is available on Prime to rent and it is well worth watching, popcorn bowl in lap.
Head on over and watch this one! You will thank me.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.