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Alligator (1980)
Lewis Teague should be very proud of many of his movies whether it be his Rutger Haurer Prison movie “Deadlocked”, his claustrophobic Stephin King killer dog adaptation “Cujo” and another Stephen King written film “Cat’s Eye” which is an anthology that many people don’t talk about. Still I believe that his 1980 creature feature “Alligator” to be his best film to date. He brought to life so many memorable visual moments that give “Jaws” a run for its money even though the tone was sometimes over the top and comedic. What he was able to get on screen whether it is the spectacular creature design, explosions and eventually a constant state of panic which created a incredible blend of impressive set pieces. John Sayles wrote the screenplay and I am sure he is pleased with Lewis Teague’s execution. The material on paper probably sounded impossible but Teague nailed it!
I
don’t care if this film is brainless or not. The plot is incredibly
cheesy. Get this, a pest alligator pet gets tossed into a commode 12
years before present time in this film and grows to a massive size due
to eating dogs that were part of experimentations. Robert Forster plays
David Madison the detective leading the case on what first is believed
to be a series of homicides. He is a passive character and charming
at the same time. He makes scenes that are filled with cop clichés
more enjoyable with his ability to become any character. He is a fucking
natural and I rank his subtly comedic performance in the same company
as his turns in “Jackie Brown” and “Vigilante”. Also it was
enjoyable to watch him deal with the constant criticism of his mail
pattern baldness. Maybe because I am a proud member of the bald community
myself.
I
loved Michael Gazzo’s performance as Chief Clark. His constant screeching
bitching and moaning enhanced the story and sold the chaos going on
because of the elusive gator that busted through the sewer and is now
showing up in alley ways, swimming pools and even rich folks wedding
parties! Robin Riker plays Marisa Kendall, Madigan’s love interest
and lizard expert that lives with her annoying mother. She was very
enjoyable to watch and it was great that she wasn’t strictly just
somebody for Madigan to confide in. She was a necessary character within
the plot and she took part in romantic scenes and the explosive climax.
The
animatronix in this film are some of the best I’ve ever seen because
while the plot is silly the gator looked believable. Sure no alligators
are 25 feet long but it looked great and actually moved. Lewis Teague
utilized the gator in many ways that include off screen kills, the gator
attacking children at a Halloween party, puppeteer head kills and even
some kills that show the gator swallowing annoying characters whole.
When not showing the alligators rampages, the focus is on things like
paw prints and alligator shit left behind.
Madigan
was a great character to watch. Tune in for Madigan’s flawed past,
cops clicking up against Madigan, reporters pestering Madigan, Madigan
losing more partners, getting replaced with a white hunter and later
on fired due to politics. He was the perfect guy to root for because
he was easy going and caring. After he loses his job he still makes
sure to go after the alligator.
The
music in the film had the underwater “Jaws” vibe and while this
film is not nearly as legendary I promise you that it is just as good.
While Stephen Spielberg made one of the best films of all time and managed
to scare all beachgoers, Lewis Teague blended slasher like deaths, incredible
effects that sold the gator and some Grindhouse pandemonium. Swat teams
go in the sewer, bomb squads search for the gator in a lake, White Hunter
Colonel Brock (Henry Silva) takes on a gator on in the middle of the
ghetto and much more. If someone was to tell me they don’t like this
film I would feed them to an alligator.
This film is all out delight for monster movie fans and traditional
horror as well. Anytime a friend or anyone not familiar with this film
wants to watch “Alligator” I am totally down. The comedic nature
of the film is just enough not to be cheesy and the effects make me
miss the good old days. If you like ridiculous plots that come off as
serious then this is your deal. The effect of the gator is sold better
than most of the creatures I’ve seen on film. This gigantic monster
demolished a limousine and scared the shit out of children. While not
being anatomically correct in size it still looks legit if you knock
down the scale. Please do yourself a favor and add this to your collection
if you don’t own it. I loved this film for the tone of the film and
they impressive creature design that makes me long for the days when
filmmakers used practical effects.
Special Features include a great interview with writer John Sayles that
gives all of his thoughts on Lewis Teague’s film and his memories
on writing the drafts of the screenplay. Great documentary once again
by Red Shirt Pictures. Also the film comes with an audio commentary
with both Lewis Teague and Robert Forster. It was great to hear thoughts
from all of the most important players in “Alligator”.
Rating - *** ½
-Russ Rutter
