“Island of the Fishmen” (1979) is a horror film about shipwrecked survivors who discover an island inhabited by fish-like mutants controlled by a mad scientist. The atmosphere is eerie and claustrophobic as the group struggles to escape the island’s deadly grasp. The movie is reminiscent of classic horror films, with suspenseful music adding to the tension. It’s a classic example of a B-movie with imaginative creature effects and an eerie ambience that adds to its dark realism.
CLICK HERE⇟⇟⇟🎞️_Watch Island of the Fishmen 1979 English Subtitles_
Review
In true Ernest Hemingway fashion, let me tell you a story about a movie that will transport you to another world. A world where men fight against nature and the unknown, where secrets lurk beneath the water’s surface, and where danger lives in every shadow. This is the Island of the Fishmen.
Set in the late 1800s, the film follows a group of prisoners who are being transported across the ocean when their ship sinks near an uncharted island. Stranded and desperate for survival, they soon discover that they are not alone on this island. A mad scientist named Edmond Rackham (Joseph Cotten) has been conducting brutal experiments on fishmen, turning them into hybrid creatures that he hopes will become his obedient army.
The plot thickens when the prisoners meet Amanda Marvin (Barbara Bach), a woman who has been searching for her missing father on this very island. Together, they must fight against Rackham and his fishmen in order to escape and uncover the truth behind their captivity.
While Island of the Fishmen may not be a household name in modern cinema, it was a groundbreaking film when it was released in 1979. It was directed by Sergio Martino, an Italian filmmaker known for his contributions to the giallo genre (a type of horror film popular in Italy). The film was also shot on location in Sardinia and Malta, giving it an authentic feel that transports viewers to another time and place.
One standout aspect of Island of Fishmen is its score by composer Luciano Michelini. The music perfectly captures the tension and suspense of each scene while also highlighting its tropical setting with its upbeat rhythms and use of steel drums.
Another impressive aspect of this film is its special effects. While some may argue that they are dated by today’s standards, there is something truly mesmerizing about watching these fishmen come to life on screen. You can’t help but marvel at the practical effects used to bring these creatures to life, even if they do look a bit cheesy by modern standards.
But what really makes Island of the Fishmen stand out is its cast. Joseph Cotten delivers a chilling performance as Edmond Rackham, playing the role with just the right amount of madness and malice. Barbara Bach is also fantastic as Amanda Marvin, portraying her as a strong and capable woman who holds her own against Rackham and his minions.
In terms of critical reception, Island of the Fishmen was met with mixed reviews upon its release. However, it has since gained cult status among horror fans for its unique premise, tense atmosphere, and impressive practical effects.
As Ernest Hemingway once said, “All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened.” The same can be said for film, and Island of the Fishmen is proof of that. It may not be a perfect film, but its flaws only add to its charm. It’s a thrilling ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end. So why not give it a watch? After all, as Hemingway said himself, “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 93
- Release : 1979-01-18
- Genre : Science Fiction, Horror
- Cast : Barbara Bach as Amanda Marvin, Claudio Cassinelli as Lt. Claude de Ross, Richard Johnson as Edmond Rackham, Beryl Cunningham as Shakira, Joseph Cotten as Prof. Ernest Marvin
- Crew : Roger Corman as Executive Producer, Sergio Donati as Screenplay, Eugenio Alabiso as Editor, Sergio Martino as Screenplay, Sergio Martino as Director
- Popularity 7.119
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Medusa Distribuzione, Dania Film
- Summary : After their prison ship sinks in the Caribbean, a group of prisoners and a doctor wash ashore on a seemingly deserted island. They soon discover a strange couple, who invite them to stay at their house. While the prisoners plan an escape, the doctor does some investigating, and soon finds out just what the pair are really doing, and why the prisoners keep disappearing mysteriously.
- Tagline : Killers from the deep guard the forbidden treasures on…
