Iguana (1988) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Monte Hellman
Starring: Everett McGill, Michael Bradford
Rated: UR/Region A/1:78/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from Kino Lorber films
A grotesquely disfigured harpooner called Iguana is severely mistreated by his fellow sailors on a whaling ship in the 19th century. One night he escapes and takes up residence on a remote island. He makes himself ruler of the island and declares war on mankind. Anyone unfortunate enough to wind up on the island with Iguana is subjected to his cruel tyranny.
This isn’t a film with the world’s largest budget, but it makes good use of what it does have. Among other things, it has a great setting and lead. We have a character here that does some pretty horrible things. Of course we see him do these things after we see some stuff that happens to him, so that makes you a bit conflicted as you watch this story unfold. Our character forms his own kingdom and goes on to declare what you could call a war. It is poetic, even if it does drag on a bit overall. What it does seem to lack in areas, like budget, pace, and such, it does seem to makeup for it on other areas like story, acting, and look. So with that being said things become a bit of a give and take with Iguana.
From a looks standpoint, Raro and company have made this an appealing release with a light set of extras, but a good looking transfer none the less. Colors seem good and really help bring on the mood of the film and details are certainly there. The only time things ever seem to be a little off is in overly dark scenes, but that is a bit typical with stuff of this nature. This sailor film isn’t one for all, but it does have a vibe to it that carries it from a boring picture to a rather interesting cinematic journey. If you like good storytelling and just have to have bells and whistles, then you shouldn’t have an issue with it.
- Booklet
- Interview with Monte Hellmam
- Trailer
