Landis, Baker and Burns (2011 Video) User Reviews

"What makes this movie so creepy . . . "

[oscaralbert · 7/10 · 4 February 2018]

. . . filmmaker John Landis says during LANDIS, BAKER AND BURNS ON ISLAND OF LOST SOULS, " . . . is (Charles) Laughton's (Dr.) Moreau: He's so sadistic, he treats his 'patients' as (if they were) meat--it's disquieting; deeply horrific, far more horrible than FRANKENSTEIN." Film historian Bob Burns chimes in, "(Moreau novelist) H.G. Wells hated this movie, he felt it was far too salacious, and was glad when it got banned in his home country, Britain." Landis takes up the conversational thread again by remarking "Laughton's performance is so subtle, so underplayed: The script is smart; the whole thing is about class." Much of the rest of this interplay between Landis, Burns, and make-up man Rick Baker is taken up by discussing who in Hollywood could fabricate the best gorilla suit. Maybe there are so-called "film buffs" out there somewhere with an interest in such esoteric "Inside Baseball" matters, but I'm glad that I don't have to go out to dinner with them.

Lively and entertaining round table discussion on "Island of Lost Souls"

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 1 August 2016]

John Landis, Rick Baker, and Bob Burns participate in a fun and energetic talk about the early 1930's horror classic "Island of Lost Souls." The trio chat at some length about the early 1930's horror boom and note that such movies as "Dracula," "Frankenstein," and "Island of Lost Souls" were based on respected works of literature. Charles Laughton's perfectly creepy portrayal of the sadistic Moreau gets the praise it deserves. The trio also go into detail about original gorilla guy Charles Gemora's participation as both an actor -- he played the ape on the boat -- and a make-up artist, with Baker pointing out that the make-up on the manbeasts still holds up well even today. In addition, the perverse sexual overtones with Moreau encouraging Lota the Panther Woman to mate with Parker and the savage apeman Ouran being told it's okay to rape Ruth are also addressed. Landis brings up the fact that author H.G. Wells hated the movie and that director Erle C. Kenton started his career doing silent pictures and ended said career doing episodic television. Worth a watch for fans of the film.

Fun Look at Lost Souls

[Michael_Elliott · 22 December 2015]

Landis, Baker and Burns (2011)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Highly entertaining discussion between John Landis, Rick Baker and Bob Burns dealing with the 1932 film ISLAND OF LOST SOULS. Landis does the majority of the talking as he throws out various comments with Baker and Burns then jumping into the mix. This certainly doesn't appear to be a staged or scripted discussion because the men come across quite natural as they discuss not only the 1932 film but how it compared to other horror movies from the error. If you're a fan of the film in question or just horror films from the 30s then this here is certainly a must-see as all three men bring up some interesting ideas on what makes the film work so well and especially its sadistic and sexual side. It's great fun getting to see people you respect talk about a movie you enjoy because it gives you a chance to see experts talking about a film that some critics might just overlook. The featurette clocks in at 16 minutes and is very much worth watching.