But back to the book. I never really was a fan of H.G Wells. Food of the Gods was good, but too heavy and honestly laced with too many scientific details. War of the Worlds is my only other favourite though still a tad packed with academic language.
But in Moreau, Wells took a different approach, a very human one, and needless to say an emotional one. The protagonist, Mr Prendick (charming name eh?) is the uncle of the narrator and the novel basically recounts what happened when Prendick disappeared after he was shipwrecked. His adventures start when he is rescued by a chap who goes by the name Montgomery (who was brilliantly played by Val Kilmer in the movie). Montgomery is on his way back to an Island where he stays. Prendick has no other choice but to tag along. Thus begins his fall into a sort of a twisted reality, a reality created by Dr Moreau (played by Marlon Brando and is probably one of his last great works), a renowned doctor but also one with twisted and hellish visions. Dr Moreau is an expert on vivisection, which is basically means any experiment conducted on a live animal. But back in the days of Wells, it more specifically referred to live experimental cutting or incision performed on an animal. Moreau proceeds to humanise his animals, creating Chimeras or hybrid beasts. Of course these days, we would just scoff at such a suggestion, cause we know it's not possible unless some genetic manipulation using very advanced technology (which was the basis for the movie adaptation) is used. He basically alters their limbs initially to make them more human-like. By doing so, Moreau believes the newly found skill of digit manipulation will affect the way the animal brain thinks, making it more human. Prendick has the unfortunate luck of seeing a puma being vivisected and it's what drove him from the shelter of Moreau to the jungle, where he finally understands what Moreau is trying to achieve; a recreation of the perfect Beast Person. In his quest to do so, he has created whole colonies of Beast People, each one unique, some more human than others, even capable of speech, and some just lifeless bags of tissue.
Ok, enough of all the boring scientific stuff. Basically Moreau plays God (or Satan if you wish) and Montgomery is the perfect second in command to this re-creation of Hades. Prendick is of course the perfect observer though this almost costs him his sanity. Moreau teaches his 'children' about the law;
Not to walk on all fours; That is the Law
Not to taste blood; That is the Law
Well that's just small part of Moreau's gospel and the basis for his House of Pain (yes, torture and humiliation to those who break the LAW!), but what he is trying to achieve here is to fully humanise his 'Children' and prevent them from reverting back to their primal nature. He has also recreated the beasts to all have 4 digits or less on each forelimb. This is a way the Beast people can differentiate themselves from their 'rulers'. Hence when Prendick stumbles upon the colony of Beast People living in the jungle for the first time, the Beast People know that he is of Moreau's kind and know that no harm must befall the 5 Digit man.
At first all seems peaceful (though Prendick does have some rather interesting descriptions for the living conditions and the physical state of the Beast People), but things take a twist when one of the Beast People break the Law. From this point on, Moreau's omnipresence slowly disintegrates and the Beast People take things into their own hands, though of course this does not go down smoothly. The Law means nothing and Chaos takes over to deal it's hand. Montgomery's character is the most interesting as he appears to be the most stable 5 digit man around, until the last few chapters, where he pretty much becomes beast-like himself. And who can blame Prendick for freaking out and running around scared shitless. Just imagining his position can cause a person to break into cold sweat, though I must say he managed very well indeed.
I do not know if H.G Wells had Seer-like abilities but this novel makes total sense especially regarding the human race at this point in time now. Honestly speaking, except for their deformities, we can see Beast People everywhere we go and of course there are numerous Moreaus around. All dedicated to glorifying themselves, regardless of ethics. In some ways you got to admire them for they care not what others think. I guess some people would just call it being thick-faced. The novel is a perfect study on human nature.
So yea, do yourself a favour and pick the book up. It's an awesome read. Read the book, then watch the movie again. Might not seem so bad after all.
While on the topic of H.G Wells, I would like to tell you a little something about War of the Worlds. Sure Spielberg churned out a rather OK adaptation with Tom Cruise. Personally I did not enjoy the movie, not the best adaption I guess. However if we rewind back a few decades, you will be surprised to find that War of the Worlds was originally made into a radio show by a chap who goes by the name of Jeff Wayne. This was back in the 1978. Jeff used music to re-tell this tale, and by golly, the music is something else. It was originally narrated by Richard Burton. It's roughly 90 minutes long. It's just brilliant. As of now, they are still trying to turn it into a movie. Back in 2006, Jeff Wayne did a tour in England and Ireland. A virtual Richard Burton was projected onto the screen as a full orchestra led by Jeff Wayne proceeded to capture the imagination of people once again. Sheer genius. H.G Wells would be proud.
Have a good weekend folks.
