More on "Mr Stitch"

By Pat Paone

Cast
Rutger Hauer (Doctor Rue Wakeman) * Wil Wheaton (Lazarus)
Nia Peeples (Doctor Elizabeth English) * Ron Perlman (Doctor Frederick Texarian)
Taylor Negron (Doctor Al Jacobs) * Michael Harris (I) (General Hardcastle)
Stevo Polyi (Stevo) * Romland Wafford (Romland)

In my opinion this movie is an intriguing and up-to-date variation on the age-old Frankenstein tale, and highlights man's obsession to create life outside the womb. The real-life success which has been achieved in the process of cloning animals serves to show us that films like Mr Stitch, Alien: Resurrection, and The Island of Dr Moreau, are not as fantastic or far-fetched as they may seem.

This was yet another different type of role for Ron and one that I enjoyed very much. Obviously it would have been a pleasure to see a little more of his character in the movie, but the direction of the storyline didn't really make this possible. However, as Linda Barth pointed out in her commentary, some of Ron's brief scenes added that touch of romance and normality which was needed to enhance the contrast to the sterile existence of Lazarus.

In one very endearing scene during a walk in the park on a bright, sunny day, Elizabeth tells Frederick she is pregnant. Here once again we see Ron Perlman's amazing ability to portray so much without uttering a single word. His first reaction of astonished disbelief gives way to actual realisation and then sheer joy as he enfolds her in his arms, kissing her tenderly.

In a later scene we see a worried Dr Texarian whispering his fears to Elizabeth about the danger of the project and his doubts about Dr Wakeman's sanity. I believe that Frederick Texarian's determination to stop this unstable experiment was strengthened by the need to protect his unborn child, and although he loses his life in this attempt, he is finally able to carry out his quest through Lazarus.

After his escape to freedom, Lazarus visits Elizabeth at her home, and here Frederick talks to her through Lazurus and tells her that he has to make the world a safer place for her and for their child. When Elizabeth tries to dissuade him, knowing full well that he will be killed, Lazurus tells her gently but firmly that he is not meant for this world, but he needed to say goodbye to her first.

For me, one of the most poignant moments of the whole movie was at the very end when Elizabeth and Lazarus touch fingers and foreheads on either side of the glass panel which separates them. Elizabeth has just discovered that a part of the man she loved still exists, and knows she will lose him all over again.

I found Lazarus to be a great improvement on the Frankenstein monster of the old movies. Although capable of violence when provoked, Lazarus also possessed incredible intelligence, understanding and sensitivity as well as gentility and tenderness. In fact he seemed far more human than many 'real' human beings.

Tom Savini did an excellent job of the makeup for Lazarus. His multi-coloured patchwork skin represented all the colours and creeds in this universe. In addition to doing the makeup, Tom Savini also had a cameo role in the movie as a chemical weapons engineer.

[First published in the"Perlman's Progress" Newsletter, 1998]