Synopsis
Psychologist Dina Meyer has a device that, all jargon put aside, permits one to literally seeinto the mind of a subject. Since it has no legal standing, this machine is of no help to aninnocent death-row inmate. Nor, for that matter, is the warden (Dennis Hopper), a fundamentalisttyrant, nor the governor (Jeff Fahey), a greasy political operator who, behind his Family Valuesimage, once got an underage Meyer pregnant. Into the prison comes serial killer Pavan Grover,who is n…t only superhumanly strong, but seems to have either ESP or supernatural powers.When Meyer interviews him, her machine picks up very disturbing images. It turns out too thatall of Grover’s victims were evil hypocrites of some kind. And there are plenty around himhere…
Any movie that calls itself “Unspeakable” is asking for trouble. It better be damn good, orit’s handed an easy bad review title gag to its critics. As it turns out, Unspeakable, thoughhaving a number of problems, is consistently interesting, and far from bad. The politics of thescript are front and centre — this is a movie that has a point it wants to make. Unfortunately, theending manages to be simultaneously conventional and incomprehensible, spoiling what hadbeen a very promising first half-two-thirds and leaving too many threads dangling. Still, it hasideas in its head, has good performances from stalwart B figures (particularly Lance Henriksen)and has Hopper going entertainingly over the top. Worth a look, at any rate.
Audio
The 5.1 track has plenty of ominous music cues booming out of the rear speakers. As forsurround effects, there are some solid ones with excellent placement, such as insect calls and thelike in the desert. There are missed opportunities too, as when Grover is first being beaten upby a gang of guards, and only the music is in surround. The dialogue is distortion-free.
Video
About 59 minutes in, there image flickers for a few seconds. This is the only significant flawin an otherwise fine transfer. There is no grain or edge enhancement, the colours are strong, theflesh tones are natural, and the blacks and contrasts keep things both clear and menacing. Theaspect ratio is 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen.
Special Features
A commentary might have helped iron out that ending a bit, but none, sadly, is here. Instead,there are 2 sets of outtakes, 8 deleted scenes (looking very rough), extended gory scenes (suchas when Hopper tears his face off — these are also presented in raw form), and the theatricaltrailer for this, Jeepers Creepers 2 and Shredder. There’s also a Species IIIpromo featurette for those who care. The menu’s main screen is animated and scored.
Closing Thoughts
A good, honest try. The script could have used one more draft before the cameras rolled, butit is rather unusual in this day and age to find a DTV horror movie with something to say.
Special Features List
- Deleted Scenes
- Extended Gory Scenes
- Outtakes
- Trailers
- Species III Featurette
