Rating summary
| Movie |  | 2.5 |
| Video |  | 3.0 |
| Audio | | 3.0 |
| Extras | | 2.5 |
| Overall | | 2.5 |
Iguana Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 23, 2014
The director of “Two-Lane Blacktop” and “Silent Night, Deadly Night 3,” Monte Hellman is more of a fascinating filmmaker than a consistent one. 1988’s “Iguana” represents Hellman’s quest to explore the limits of power and the lasting sting of humiliation, adapting Alberto Vazquez-Figueroa’s novel for the screen. The result is undeniably powerful and unflinching, but also stiff and unconvincing, with inefficient editing and wooden performances sinking a provocative island adventure story.
The tale of Oberlus (Everett McGill), a disfigured and abused seaman in the 19th century who launches his own violent rule on an uninhabited island, is ripe for exploration, taking on varied subjects such as religion and punishment. There’s dramatic potential in such psychological examination, with Oberlus evolving from a trembling survivor to a god in his own mind, maiming and raping those in his care. Sadly, Hellman never takes command of the horrors within, offering a disappointing theatricality that refuses cinematic intensity. Performances are unresponsive and the timing of the picture is off, looking more at home on the stage than on the screen.
Iguana Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) is representative of the RaroVideo Blu-ray viewing experience, with noticeable filtering battling what appears to be a clean, fresh source material capable of producing interesting detail and dimension. Softness remains, and crush issues derail blacks. Colors are satisfactory, preserving island hues and skintones. Print remains in decent shape, with some minor damage and speckling.
Iguana Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is unsteady, with slight fluctuations in volume levels during the presentation. Quiet dialogue exchanges compete with loud island footage, though performances are mostly preserved in the range. Atmospherics are big here, offering crashing waves and hollow cave particulars, and the periodic presence of music is satisfactory, holding middle ground as the rest of the track fights for dominance.
Iguana Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Interview (20:25, HD) with director Monte Hellman covers his production experience with "Iguana," admitting he took on the project solely because it was offered. Adaptation challenges and location dangers are discussed, along with casting. Hellman is a no-nonsense guy and his candor is appreciated.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (2:02, HD) is included.
Iguana Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
"Iguana" is quite unpleasant to watch at times, despite locations that are endlessly fascinating to study, with Oberlus using the island to his advantage, building a kingdom in its caves. The production certainly has the right idea as it studies Oberlus's vengeance, his dalliance with religion, and his quest to maintain control of a life that's rarely been his before. Hellman never summons the pitch of horror the material demands, with nightmare imagery broadly detailed and the resolution operatic without earning it. "Iguana" is a curious misfire, and perhaps that's the best way to appreciate the film, enjoying the minor bits of behavior it successfully articulates instead of focusing on the creative failures that eventually sink the effort.
