Directed by:
John FrankenheimerScreenplay:
David SeltzerCinematography:
Harry Stradling Jr.Composer:
Leonard RosenmanCast:
Robert Foxworth, Talia Shire, Armand Assante, Richard Dysart, Victoria Racimo, George Clutesi, Burke Byrnes, Tom McFadden, Graham Jarvis, Kevin Peter Hall (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Doctor Robert Verne (Robert Foxworth) and his wife (Talia Shire) travel to Maine to investigate the effects that a lumber mill is having on the environment. What they find is a cavalcade of wildlife mutations and an even more frightening series of grisly human deaths. A research expedition led by a local Native American (Armand Assante) uncovers the reign of terror of a large and very angry mutant bear. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (4)
Prophecy stands out as a horror film mainly due to the fairly well done monsters, considering the year it was produced, in addition to referencing the thorny issue of ecology in the form of the environmental impact of polluted water. The film doesn't lack tension in the scary scenes, but on the other hand there aren’t that many of them, which is a shame in a horror film. In short, an average film that can still appeal even in the age of computer effects because of its subject mater. ()
Solid average. It could be at least 15 minutes shorter; the beginning is a bit too lengthy, otherwise, I’m satisfied. There are moments that feel dumb in a cute way and others that are quite scary (the tunnels), basically, a classic monster B-movie. Also, films that take place in beautiful locations always get a little love from me, so 3+ ()
The American production Prophecy is an out-and-out B-movie. John Frankenheimer showed that he could do B-movies as well as high-budget movies. Sure, the narrative is pretty simple, but at times it is executed in such an unpleasant way that it stops being pretty. Some might be bothered by the environmental overtones, which Prophecy clearly has, although, from my perspective, it is not out of place in this particular movie. ()
An obscure horror film that tries to talk about serious issues like environmental concerns, pre-natal depression or social injustice, but the most you'll remember from it is one of the strangest deaths in cinema history. Here, one of the characters is thrown into the air by a mutant bear while wearing a sleeping bag and literally explodes into a pile of feathers on impact. It's indescribable, a must-see. The rabid raccoon attack is actually worth watching too. That's all. Frankenheimer freely admitted that he filmed it when he had a drinking problem. Maybe that explains a lot. ()
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Photo © Paramount Pictures
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