Director: Antonia Bird
Cast: Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle, Jeremy Davies, Jeffrey Jones, John Spencer, David Arquette, Joseph Running Fox.
“On Earth, no feast lasts forever.” -Chinese Proverb
Unlike most other films, it was really tough for me to decide what to expect when watching Ravenous. For me, the question I contemplated was, “Would a dark comedy based on the theme of cannibalism work?” Certainly the subject matter of the “man eats man” concept is not for the easily repulsed, but I was actually amazed to find out that after watching Ravenous , I thought that this was a well-made, thought-out film. Ravenous was a queasy experience, yet the humor in this movie managed to enlighten some of the more melancholy moments. Though this film indeed has a lot of graphic disembowelments and other violent scenes, instead of actually focusing on the violence, the director Antonia Bird, and screenwriter, Ted Griffin have decided to place more emphasis on the characters themselves, as well as the theme about succumbing to one’s cravings. I enjoyed this movie a lot, but I must caution that it is not for everyone...
The year is 1847, and the Mexican-American War is over. Captain John Boyd (Guy Pearce), a once proud but now disgraced soldier, has been honorably discharged. His superiors have decided that this guy needs a break so they sent him to Fort Spencer, a military outpost located in the wilderness of California. (Translation: In the middle of nowhere.) Fort Spencer is just home to a number of wacky and unique personalities including Commanding Officer Hart (Jeffrey Jones), George (Joseph Running Fox), a shrewd Native American, and Cleaves (David Arquette), a guy who is just indescribable.
Out of the darkness, a nomadic traveler by the name of Colquhoun (Robert Carlyle, who also appeared in The World is Not Enough ) arrives at this military outpost. Colquhoun explains to the people at the outpost that he is one of the last surviving members of an expedition which became snowbound in an uninhabited, desolate area. The stranded settlers had to hide inside a cave for safety and comfort. However, when it came to food, starvation was no longer an option. First, the beleaguered settlers had to eat their remaining meager rations. Then, they began to eat their horses. Eventually...they began to eat each other. Colquhoun claims though that there are still a couple of survivors left inside the cave, and they need help...desperately. He insists that Hart and his men set out on a rescue mission in order to save the forlorn souls.
Commanding Officer Hart along with Boyd and several other men begin to set out on this rescue mission to save those despairing lives hiding inside a cave. However, the always wise George begins to suspect the modus operandi of this survivor. He eventually explains about the myth of the “Windigo.” The legend of the Windigo explains that the hungry lost soul who does not see food in sight must consume human flesh in order to survive. The person who eats human flesh will, in essence, “steal” the strength and spirit of the victim. The more this “cannibal” eats, the more his craving for human flesh grows. The more flesh he eats...the stronger he will become...
There are a lot of cool plot twists and interesting character revelations in this movie. Ultimately though, it is just a battle of the wits between good and evil (a la man versus cannibal).
Ravenous is a very revolting film with a lot of gory moments. If the subject of cannibalism is not your cup of tea, then I suggest that you avoid this movie at all costs when you see it lying on the video store shelves. (Note to guys: This is not an ideal motion picture to watch with your date!) If you do happen to watch Ravenous , watch out, it may change your perception of red meat. After watching two subtle but memorable sequences—one in the beginning where a bunch of ravenous , vulgar men indiscriminately devour pieces of bloody steak, and a later scene featuring Colquhoun having *stew* for dinner—you may just end up becoming a vegetarian! Segments like these account for the dark humor that is noted in this movie.
With that said, Ravenous is actually a great movie with a fine plot, a perverse sense of humor, marvelous performances, and of course, plenty of thought-provoking themes. Ravenous is a horror-comedy that certainly has bite.
I have to attest that Ravenous is probably far from being a fun, enjoyable movie to watch, but the technical aspects of this movie are certainly an accomplishment. First, the cinematography is exquisitely magnificent. This movie, shot primarily on location at Tatras Mountains in Slovakia, has some absolutely gorgeous scenery. The picturesque views of the canyons and the wilderness are a visual treat. Second, a great, creepy musical score by Michael Nyman and Damon Albarn captures the mood of the time period. The composers have also done a phenomenal job creating a rhythmic score to match the heightening suspense (or sometimes, the humorous moments) during many of the movie’s intense moments.
Speaking of suspense, that characteristic is one of this motion picture’s strongest attributes. Ravenous always keeps you on the edge of your seat, even in the seemingly “tedious” or "funny" segments. What keeps this film moving is that the tension is constantly building. From the rescue expedition to the final confrontation, the tension always exists. As well, the acting was another plus. Robert Carlyle gave an electrifying performance as a cannibal with a twisted philosophy of life. For example, his reference to the “Manifest Destiny” gives his villainous character a more eloquent look (even though he is still a flesh-eater). Guy Pearce (who co-starred in L.A. Confidential ) is also one of the strong, pivotal actors. His character never loses touch of his humanity. Jeffrey Jones and David Arquette both provide...an eccentric sense of humor.
What I was most astonished about Ravenous though is that this film contains a surprisingly intelligent script. Underneath all of the suspense and red sauce, the movie contains a number of excellent themes dealing with morality and the human spirit. One of the great themes that the movie includes deals with is how sometimes, we sacrifice the value of morality, just for the sake of “giving in,” or gratifying our desires. It takes a strong willpower to uphold our morals and learn to triumph over our desires (to eat)! This film also contains a potent subtext about the weakness of “mortal flesh.” Whereas films belonging to a similar genre such as Make Them Die Slowly and Emerald Jungle place the accent heavily on grotesque shock value (with some overtones about morality), Ravenous uses wit (along with plenty of bloodletting) on how humans are, by nature, “ravenous.” Another theme deals with the frailty of the inner spirit. Watching Boyd’s reaction to bloody steak in the beginning is a perfect example of that concept. As with the battle between good and evil, evil itself takes the form of temptation. It is easy to give in to temptation, but one must show true fortitude in order to resist. All of these themes are integrated into the satire of the movie.
The only real flaw that Ravenous has is its limited audience appeal. As mentioned before, one needs an iron stomach in order to watch this whole movie through without feeling nauseous. The gore quotient could have been toned down a bit, but with cannibalism as its central subject, I understand that this is tough.
Overall, Ravenous is a disturbing dark portrait about cannibalism...with a satiric edge. This film is a vile, explicitly sick tale about the monster that exist within us. That monster is just waiting to be unleashed. Do not let the topic fool you, Ravenous is a very good film. It is a very dark comedy in the style of a Troma movie. This movie is extremely disgusting, but the suspense and surprises will keep you compelled. There are also some excellent overtones about humanity and even a pertinent quote mentioned in the prologue by Friedrich Nietzsche. Ravenous is at least worth a look...unless you are easily nauseated.
Remember this phrase: “Eat to live. Don’t live to eat.”
Bon Appetit!
RATING: *** out of ****.