peter o'toole is never an ordinary man in film. i just don't think he can be...and that's not a criticism. there's always something too luminous, too twinkling, too smart and witty. he's at his best in roles like this that let him play someone a little smarter, brighter, more attractive than anyone else. as a nonconformist "mad scientist" so obsessed with recreating his long-dead wife in his backyard lab, o'toole practically dances through the film, his generosity of spirit and warmth making the other characters come alive and his similar generosity of talent allowing room for younger actors to catch that spirit and run with it, if only for a little while. okay, so vincent spano has never been good in anything but a john sayles film, and the wife plot seems to peter out, and mariel hemingway, while delightfully trampy from time to time, seems to be trying too hard...but just watch the scenes where o'toole, chewing on his oversized cigar, playfully undermines his stuffy colleague (a funny, menacing david ogden stiers) or the scenes when tragedy strikes his young apprentice (spano) and he reaches out with the most effective looking comfort i've seen. when the boy emerges from a hospital door and looks to him and o'toole just opens his arms as wide as a church door. creator's not a great movie by any means...but you've probably not seen it and an unseen o'toole performance, especially one this warm and winning, is like a gift.
49 Reviews
bromance tragedy romance
SnoopyStyle21 April 2016
Eccentric professor Dr. Harry Wolper (Peter O'Toole) steals grad student Boris Lafkin (Vincent Spano) from rival Dr. Sid Kullenbeck (David Ogden Stiers). He shows Boris his other lab in his backyard shed where he's trying to regrow his wife Lucy who died 30 years ago. Boris woos fellow student Barbara Spencer (Virginia Madsen). Harry recruits Meli (Mariel Hemingway) to donate her eggs and she starts living with him.
Peter O'Toole is his solid self and as charismatic as ever. The story could use much more tension. This is a very light romantic drama and surprisingly a heavy subject. The missed opportunity is Virginia Madsen. Like Lucy, she's more like an idealized romantic object. Her relationship with Boris is too simple and too straight forward. Mariel Hemingway has more personality in her character. She adds quite a bit of fun. There is also a compelling bromance going on here. What I love most is the beautiful score. It contributes to an easy going romantic feel. Although its constant use does make the tension relatively flat and there is not enough differences in the tones of the story.
Peter O'Toole is his solid self and as charismatic as ever. The story could use much more tension. This is a very light romantic drama and surprisingly a heavy subject. The missed opportunity is Virginia Madsen. Like Lucy, she's more like an idealized romantic object. Her relationship with Boris is too simple and too straight forward. Mariel Hemingway has more personality in her character. She adds quite a bit of fun. There is also a compelling bromance going on here. What I love most is the beautiful score. It contributes to an easy going romantic feel. Although its constant use does make the tension relatively flat and there is not enough differences in the tones of the story.
Refrigerator and Movie both take a tumble.
Cheetah-610 July 2004
Peter O Toole tries to carry this film on his back, similar to the character `Boris' in the film trying to single handedly carry the refrigerator up the long flight of stairs, but you guessed it, the film just like the fridge goes tumbling down, cascading head over heels with that obnoxious, sappy soundtrack, the perfect background to it's painful decent. What the heck was that piece of new age fodder anyway, its sounds like a 15 second loop that they kept repeating over and over, talk about a low budget soundtrack. I give Peter O Toole allot of credit though, his superior acting skills and charm bring this film it's only worthwhile moments. But the story is so contrived, and poorly paced that one excellent performance can not save it. If, as one commenter suggested, a woman were to show this movie to me as a test of the potential for a meaningful relationship with her, I would thank her sincerely and then head straight for the exit. This is the fairy tale, head in the clouds kind of romanticism that usually gets people in trouble in relationships when the reality of day to day struggles sets in. One surprising note: the trailer to this film that's included on the DVD is actually much better and funnier than the movie and is all you really need to watch! What a great time saver.
An Overlooked Film That Deserves A Spot In Your Collection
g-ashley22 August 2004
Have you ever seen a movie that made a quiet yet profound impact on your view of life? Have you ever seen a powerful performance from one of the world's best actors go so completely unnoticed in the process? Have you ever looked back on a film nearly 20 years later and think, "I hope I can find this on DVD?" Creator is one such movie.
Peter O'Toole's performance is one of his better efforts (Come to think of it, even a BAD effort by O'Toole would be head and shoulders above some of today's stars). As Harry, you quickly learn (and, more importantly, FEEL) his pain and loss of his beloved wife Lucy, years after her loss. But he has what he feels is a perfect plan to clone her and recreate the love of his life. Mariel Hemingway's character (Meli) is the LAST person you would expect a scholar such as Harry would choose to be the host to carry the new Lucy to term. Hemingway's performance was a hoot.
The story takes some twists and turns that include a side story that nearly supersedes the principal one. But the beauty, ultimately, is how the two complement each other.
Getting through this movie is an emotional roller-coaster, the kind where when the ride is over you go, "WHEW!" But then again, you don't want it to end. The gift of this film is that when the lights came up at the end, it sent me back to reality with a different perspective that truly IS a gift.
Did the movie "change my life?" Perhaps not, but it gave me a message that enabled me to change it myself.
I think one of the reasons the movie came off so well (in addition, of course, to a brilliant performance by the cast) was that the script was written by the "creator" of the novel... so it stayed as true to the story as any adaptation can.
Kudos to O'Toole, and the entire cast. But Kudos too, to writer Jeremy Leven, "Creator's" creator and director Ivan Passer who brought the story to the screen so lovingly... and entertainingly. Yes, this is one I want on my DVD shelf! If you've not seen it, do yourself a favor: Rent it and watch it with someone special.
To paraphrase Leven, "Movies Can Be Wonderful..." and "Creator" shows you how.
Peter O'Toole's performance is one of his better efforts (Come to think of it, even a BAD effort by O'Toole would be head and shoulders above some of today's stars). As Harry, you quickly learn (and, more importantly, FEEL) his pain and loss of his beloved wife Lucy, years after her loss. But he has what he feels is a perfect plan to clone her and recreate the love of his life. Mariel Hemingway's character (Meli) is the LAST person you would expect a scholar such as Harry would choose to be the host to carry the new Lucy to term. Hemingway's performance was a hoot.
The story takes some twists and turns that include a side story that nearly supersedes the principal one. But the beauty, ultimately, is how the two complement each other.
Getting through this movie is an emotional roller-coaster, the kind where when the ride is over you go, "WHEW!" But then again, you don't want it to end. The gift of this film is that when the lights came up at the end, it sent me back to reality with a different perspective that truly IS a gift.
Did the movie "change my life?" Perhaps not, but it gave me a message that enabled me to change it myself.
I think one of the reasons the movie came off so well (in addition, of course, to a brilliant performance by the cast) was that the script was written by the "creator" of the novel... so it stayed as true to the story as any adaptation can.
Kudos to O'Toole, and the entire cast. But Kudos too, to writer Jeremy Leven, "Creator's" creator and director Ivan Passer who brought the story to the screen so lovingly... and entertainingly. Yes, this is one I want on my DVD shelf! If you've not seen it, do yourself a favor: Rent it and watch it with someone special.
To paraphrase Leven, "Movies Can Be Wonderful..." and "Creator" shows you how.
It's always nice when the faculty is on your side, but...
mark.waltz1 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Wacky college professor scientist Peter O'Toole has the graduate students eating out of his hands with the way he runs the laboratory and his experiments which often requires the assistance paid students. He manipulates it so student Vincent Spano, originally assigned to David Ogden Stiers, ends up working for him. Stiers has headed out for a school for a long time and this sets him over the edge as he tries to get information out of Spano in regards to O'Toole's off campus activities. It turns out that O'Toole is trying to reincarnate his wife and has Spano working with him at home on experiments to accomplish his goal. He also takes an interest in Mariel Hemingway, a troubled girl who thinks she's pregnant (but isn't), while Spano, a nice guy looking for real love, awkwardly pursues another paid student, Virginia Madsen, who barely acknowledges him.
This film is trying desperately to please, making O'Toole the cool guy oh, and he certainly amusing to watch, with Stiers ridiculously crude in his efforts to undermine him. The scene with Stiers harassing Spano out is uncomfortable to say the least, especially when they are together naked in the men's shower as Stiers badgers him. This tries too hard and its efforts to be wacky and edgy and cool, and obviously failed in its efforts as it seems to be unappealing to the college age audience it sought out, probably gaining enough mature audiences because of O'Toole's presence. Something just doesn't work here, and it ends up falling pretty flat even though there are some funny lines and amusing moments. A missed opportunity gone haywire.
This film is trying desperately to please, making O'Toole the cool guy oh, and he certainly amusing to watch, with Stiers ridiculously crude in his efforts to undermine him. The scene with Stiers harassing Spano out is uncomfortable to say the least, especially when they are together naked in the men's shower as Stiers badgers him. This tries too hard and its efforts to be wacky and edgy and cool, and obviously failed in its efforts as it seems to be unappealing to the college age audience it sought out, probably gaining enough mature audiences because of O'Toole's presence. Something just doesn't work here, and it ends up falling pretty flat even though there are some funny lines and amusing moments. A missed opportunity gone haywire.
A huge mess
zetes4 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
A bizarre and awful... something or other. I guess the best way to describe it is "80s movie." It kind of starts off as a romantic comedy with some science fiction pieces, but it drifts into a weird melodrama as it nears the end. Peter O'Toole stars and really isn't that bad, but he can't possibly elevate this terrible script. He plays a professor who does odd, possibly illegal experiments. He wants to clone his long dead wife, for one. He hires Vincent Spano as his research assistant, but Spano doesn't do much besides fall for fellow student Virginia Madsen (who was quite cute at 24). O'Toole meets up with self-described nymphomaniac Mariel Hemmingway, who agrees to donate an egg so O'Toole can regrow his wife in a test tube. Hemmingway sets her sights on becoming O'Toole's wife (I guess Woody Allen was too young for her?). The comedy is lame. The drama elicits more laughs. Near the end, Madsen randomly falls into a coma and Spano overacts by her side. Hemmingway is really annoying in her 1980s proto-manic pixie dreamgirl role. David Ogden Stiers makes for an uninteresting villain. Just a huge mess.
Astonishingly bad 80's feature.
filmbuff197413 May 2007
I really tried to like this film about a doctor who has the possibility of a new life with a young woman if he can comes to terms with the death of his wife. I suppose this was to play like a quirky light romantic comedy but the theme is a little uncomfortable for me.
But putting that aside, I found the dialog was too much like a stage play despite being based on a novel and also,the mediocre acting was embarrassing to watch especially by the young lead Vincent Spano.
I have been sort of trying to catch up on all the eighties movies I missed during that decade. It has been my pet peeve that eighties nostalgia buffs seem to focus on the same core canon of films usually featuring the brat pack actors and actresses and neglecting the other films like Creator that have fallen through the cracks. But in the case of this feature I have to say I can understand it. Not all of these eighties films were magical and Creator is proof of this.
But putting that aside, I found the dialog was too much like a stage play despite being based on a novel and also,the mediocre acting was embarrassing to watch especially by the young lead Vincent Spano.
I have been sort of trying to catch up on all the eighties movies I missed during that decade. It has been my pet peeve that eighties nostalgia buffs seem to focus on the same core canon of films usually featuring the brat pack actors and actresses and neglecting the other films like Creator that have fallen through the cracks. But in the case of this feature I have to say I can understand it. Not all of these eighties films were magical and Creator is proof of this.
One of My Favorites!
kafcook10 June 2003
This movie is truly one of my favorites of all times. It is sweet and it is hopeful and it makes you think. Actually, the issues addressed in it are quite timely. Would you clone a dead loved one if you could? These are issues that we ourselves will have to be facing and making decisions on in the not so distant future.
Virginia Madsen is nice as the love interest. Vincent Spano wonderfully plays Igor to Peter O'Toole's Frankenstein, while maintaining a mind of his own. Mariel Hemingway is delightfully nutty and light as Meli, the coed nymphomaniac. Interesting surprise from her during a touch football game too. And those of you who are M*A*S*H fans will love David Ogden Stiers as the foil for Peter O'Toole's "mad scientist" hijinx.
This movie is refreshing and dramatic and subtle. I love it, I will always love it! And it still moves me after almost 2 decades!
BTW-Those of you who appreciate soundtracks will love this one! The "String Trio Rock" by Mark Cargill is interspersed throughout. It will stay with you even after the movie is over!
Virginia Madsen is nice as the love interest. Vincent Spano wonderfully plays Igor to Peter O'Toole's Frankenstein, while maintaining a mind of his own. Mariel Hemingway is delightfully nutty and light as Meli, the coed nymphomaniac. Interesting surprise from her during a touch football game too. And those of you who are M*A*S*H fans will love David Ogden Stiers as the foil for Peter O'Toole's "mad scientist" hijinx.
This movie is refreshing and dramatic and subtle. I love it, I will always love it! And it still moves me after almost 2 decades!
BTW-Those of you who appreciate soundtracks will love this one! The "String Trio Rock" by Mark Cargill is interspersed throughout. It will stay with you even after the movie is over!
One of the worst movies I have ever seen and they have no one to blame but Peter O'Toole and their casting director...
PJK10 October 2005
This movie is at times a wild 80s college sex comedy, others a sweet romantic one... Then it has moments of serious drama and then sprinkles in dashes of science fiction... It is so uneven its almost ridiculous.
But I would hardly rank it as one of the worst films I've ever seen except of course for the fact that they casted Peter O'Toole.
There is absolutely nothing for him to work with here. Poor dialog, poor performances to work off of, poor everything... And yet he's fantastic... There is not one good thing about his part and yet he makes it work if only on pure charm alone.
The fact that he was so able to achieve so much with so little shines a spotlight on how greatly everyone else in this film failed, making it seem even worse than I suppose it actually is...
If any other actor was in O'Toole's role, I would have forgotten this movie as crap and never thought of it again, but a fine performance by Peter O'Toole despite all odds ensures that I'll remember this film for a long time to come... If only as a film that, maybe, could have been good if anyone involved in it was nearly half as good as Peter O'Toole.
But I would hardly rank it as one of the worst films I've ever seen except of course for the fact that they casted Peter O'Toole.
There is absolutely nothing for him to work with here. Poor dialog, poor performances to work off of, poor everything... And yet he's fantastic... There is not one good thing about his part and yet he makes it work if only on pure charm alone.
The fact that he was so able to achieve so much with so little shines a spotlight on how greatly everyone else in this film failed, making it seem even worse than I suppose it actually is...
If any other actor was in O'Toole's role, I would have forgotten this movie as crap and never thought of it again, but a fine performance by Peter O'Toole despite all odds ensures that I'll remember this film for a long time to come... If only as a film that, maybe, could have been good if anyone involved in it was nearly half as good as Peter O'Toole.
Wonderful movie which captures and emanates love
rbornet1 January 2005
This is a movie which manages to capture the feeling of love. It is a movie that shows decent and loving people being extremely human with each other. There is a kindness that permeates throughout the movie which makes it a pleasure to watch.
The movie creates a warm feeling inside like very few other movies can. Cousine, Cousine (French version) is another movie that also reaffirms the joy of being human, even though the characters and story may not be totally believable.
The main characters in the Creator are people you want to be friends with. The movie uses humor and some great and thoughtful lines to remind the viewer that life really is about love.
Even the music by Giovanni adds to the feeling of warmth that is constant in this movie.
As other people have said I can tell you from experience that this is the type of movie you show a potential mate and see how they react.
One of my very favorite movies.
The movie creates a warm feeling inside like very few other movies can. Cousine, Cousine (French version) is another movie that also reaffirms the joy of being human, even though the characters and story may not be totally believable.
The main characters in the Creator are people you want to be friends with. The movie uses humor and some great and thoughtful lines to remind the viewer that life really is about love.
Even the music by Giovanni adds to the feeling of warmth that is constant in this movie.
As other people have said I can tell you from experience that this is the type of movie you show a potential mate and see how they react.
One of my very favorite movies.
"House, M.D." meets "Love Story"--no dice
kayaker3611 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
What's good about this picture? Some beautiful Santa Barbara backgrounds--where the cliffs meet the sea--and a couple of the supporting performances. A young Virginia Madsen is radiant as the student love interest to Vincent Spano. David Ogden Steiers is natural-- for once--and entirely credible as a neurologist and perennial adversary to the O'Toole character.
Everything else is bad. Peter O'Toole looks like Death--cadaverously thin, pale as a corpse, full of jerky movements. He's fifty years old, for Pete's sake, and we're supposed to buy a romance between him and the nineteen year old free spirit **cum** egg donor played by Mariel Hemingway? And where Hugh Laurie ("House" on the Fox TV series) is eccentric, but undeniably macho in sneakers and tee shirt, O'Toole sports a Lord Fauntleroy wardrobe and is decidedly light in his loafers.
Vincent Spano in the juvenile role tries hard but needs acting lessons. Tall, but no Ryan O'Neill with that prominent nose and eyes set too close together. And whose gay idea was it to put the short shorts on **him** for the lyrical, young-lovers-frolicking-on-the-beach scene?
The script is another problem; not the story which at least is out of the ordinary but the dialog. There is just too much of it. O'Toole's character, in an Etonian accent, talks and talks and talks some more, about everything, ultimately about nothing. As a doctor he has even less credibility than as a love object.
Regular viewers of the immensely popular series "House, M.D." will recognize the debt it owes to this movie.
Everything else is bad. Peter O'Toole looks like Death--cadaverously thin, pale as a corpse, full of jerky movements. He's fifty years old, for Pete's sake, and we're supposed to buy a romance between him and the nineteen year old free spirit **cum** egg donor played by Mariel Hemingway? And where Hugh Laurie ("House" on the Fox TV series) is eccentric, but undeniably macho in sneakers and tee shirt, O'Toole sports a Lord Fauntleroy wardrobe and is decidedly light in his loafers.
Vincent Spano in the juvenile role tries hard but needs acting lessons. Tall, but no Ryan O'Neill with that prominent nose and eyes set too close together. And whose gay idea was it to put the short shorts on **him** for the lyrical, young-lovers-frolicking-on-the-beach scene?
The script is another problem; not the story which at least is out of the ordinary but the dialog. There is just too much of it. O'Toole's character, in an Etonian accent, talks and talks and talks some more, about everything, ultimately about nothing. As a doctor he has even less credibility than as a love object.
Regular viewers of the immensely popular series "House, M.D." will recognize the debt it owes to this movie.
If everyone saw this film, the world would be a better place!
quaver15 July 1999
Although you laugh when you read summaries of 'Creator' with the storyline of a mad scientist who clones his dead wife (as I did), it is anything but comic in the film. Simply the words "It's Lucy" are enough to make you cry. No, the comedy lies in little touches scattered throughout: The notices which are pinned up everywhere, Wolper's one-upmanship, the disposal of chalk after the lecture, Wolper - "No, I need a fresh, young kid", Paul - "Preferably someone who's never heard of you. That sort of thing. The way O'Toole eats sandwiches.
It will fill you with the joy of life but in another way is almost depressing to watch: The characters are so idealistic, so well meaning, you cannot help but take a look at the world around you and think everyone is sleep-walking. It isn't a perfect film though, it has its faults. Meli has had quite enough criticism from everyone else and I am unwilling to comment further...maybe it would have been more realistic if O'Toole had kissed her, but I don't blame him not to.
Boris - what an actor! Sid - what a slime! Barbara - What a radiant, beautiful girl!
Harry Wolper (Peter O'Toole)- It is worth watching just to see how charming and magnetic it is possible for a human being to be. He radiates tenderness comparable to nothing on earth, oozing sophistication. Occasionally he could pass off as a 30 year old, occasionally a 70 year old, occasionally his own self. He's addictive, charismatic, beautiful. For weeks later you are guaranteed to march around like God. You will preach anything you damn well wish! You will cheerfully announce 'Good Morning' to everyone, you will keep your head up and have the confidence you'd never thought possible...you will look in the mirror and search vainly for that very kindness and sympathy in your own eyes.
I did. Oh wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone watched this wonderful film? I'd like to hug Peter and say 'Thank you, thank you, thank you!'
It will fill you with the joy of life but in another way is almost depressing to watch: The characters are so idealistic, so well meaning, you cannot help but take a look at the world around you and think everyone is sleep-walking. It isn't a perfect film though, it has its faults. Meli has had quite enough criticism from everyone else and I am unwilling to comment further...maybe it would have been more realistic if O'Toole had kissed her, but I don't blame him not to.
Boris - what an actor! Sid - what a slime! Barbara - What a radiant, beautiful girl!
Harry Wolper (Peter O'Toole)- It is worth watching just to see how charming and magnetic it is possible for a human being to be. He radiates tenderness comparable to nothing on earth, oozing sophistication. Occasionally he could pass off as a 30 year old, occasionally a 70 year old, occasionally his own self. He's addictive, charismatic, beautiful. For weeks later you are guaranteed to march around like God. You will preach anything you damn well wish! You will cheerfully announce 'Good Morning' to everyone, you will keep your head up and have the confidence you'd never thought possible...you will look in the mirror and search vainly for that very kindness and sympathy in your own eyes.
I did. Oh wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone watched this wonderful film? I'd like to hug Peter and say 'Thank you, thank you, thank you!'
Seven Days Will Not Help This Creator
jcholguin30 August 2002
I thought the this film had an interesting name and just might have proved thought provoking, but was I wrong. This film was boring, especially in the beginning and the middle parts. I cannot comment on the ending because I just couldn't stand watching the whole film. The premise of signing a student researcher just because he walks into your lab makes no sense. This student had an interesting type of moving robot in his apartment and sadly enough this non living thing is more interesting than the characters in this film. So if you are having trouble with sleep then I recommend that you rent this film.
One of the few movies where the Editor was credited before the Director
MLKahnt7 May 2001
This movie was disappointing. After 15 years, when it was brought back to mind from reviewing some info about Mariel Hemingway, all the regrets I felt about the movie came rolling back. While I remember Peter O'Toole, I was entirely oblivious to the fact that the female "lead" (okay, - she was little more than an object for discussion in the storyline) was Ms. Hemingway. I saw this movie back in the days when I wrote movie reviews, and warned people off it, as the stories just didn't work, and fifteen years of my subconscious trying to sort things out still hasn't made sense of the flow of the ideas.
Part of this may have to do with the fact that it looked like, after the original movie (whatever it was about) was filmed, an editor came in and tried to piece together something out of it. I don't know if this had been a project of a previous studio boss, and so was sabotaged to discredit him or her by the successor, or this was a disaster from the original screenplay that attempts to salvage were unsuccessful. The theatrical version just didn't work.
Part of this may have to do with the fact that it looked like, after the original movie (whatever it was about) was filmed, an editor came in and tried to piece together something out of it. I don't know if this had been a project of a previous studio boss, and so was sabotaged to discredit him or her by the successor, or this was a disaster from the original screenplay that attempts to salvage were unsuccessful. The theatrical version just didn't work.
Peter O"Toole at his best
DrPostman9 April 2005
I don't rate films often, but the rating (5.8) seemed so low to me that I had to offer a comment or two. This film is a true gem, and one of the best films I have ever seen Peter O'Toole act in. David Ogden Stiers is great as a "bad guy" who isn't bad at all. Virginia Madsen is absolutely gorgeous (it has been years since I last saw this film but I still remember that shower scene). Even Hemmingway, who I don't usually like, puts in a good performance. This is a very touching romance story, that also deals a lot with letting go, but not giving up. It also doesn't get too preachy about the morals of genetic engineering. I did keep thinking through the film that even if he could bring his wife back it still wouldn't be the person he loved so much, no matter how much he wanted that. A great film that deserves a better rating.
Bad.
bombersflyup7 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Creator isn't grounded in any sort of reality, with awful characters and awful direction, so stupid.
O'Toole isn't that bad and a feel good vibe present, mostly terrible though. The premise might of been okay if followed through. Spano and Hemingway ham it up big time.
O'Toole isn't that bad and a feel good vibe present, mostly terrible though. The premise might of been okay if followed through. Spano and Hemingway ham it up big time.
A wacky, gentle, thoughtful love story.
TVholic6 May 1999
Actually three love stories in one. There's Harry Wolper and his long departed wife, putting the lie to "till death do us part." Then there's the developing relationship between Meli and Wolper. And finally the impulsive young love of Boris and Barbara. All interwoven like so much spaghetti. There's so much love in the air that this would be a great date movie so long as both parties are comfortable with the occasional detours into science and philosophy. The dialogue is usually sharply written and often witty, almost intellectual. The editing, though, was a bit choppy.
In today's world, where human cloning is coming ever closer to reality and paranoia about it is common, Jeremy Leven's screenplay should be a good reminder that genes don't make us who we are. As Boris said, even a cloning breakthrough wouldn't be able to bring back the woman he loved, for he could never recreate the experiences that originally shaped her mind and soul.
Peter O'Toole again plays his patented charming eccentric. It's a role virtually tailor-made for him, and he carries it well. Whether he's spouting technical or medical jargon, wistfully remembering his lost wife, or rhapsodizing on the nature of God and the Big Picture, O'Toole truly loses himself in this character and comes through as totally convincing. Vincent Spano and Virginia Madsen showed great chemistry as the young college couple. Mariel Hemingway was the weak link. Her character was supposed to be street-smart and self-assured but unfortunately often came across as simply shrill.
The melancholy score meshes well with the movie, successfully evoking the loneliness surrounding the characters. Surprising, as it was composed by Sylvester Levay, best known for his pounding, synthesizer-rich theme for TV's "Airwolf."
It's worth renting this movie on tape or DVD, because the version edited for television cuts several scenes that are very important to the plot. Without those scenes, some lines just don't make sense. Regrettably, there is no widescreen version even on DVD, although the standard 1.33:1 Academy Frame does help keep the story intimate. Occasionally, though, some characters will have their faces cut off the side of the screen. But even the DVD is a very imperfect version. The sound level wavers wildly, the only DVD I've ever had that does this. Sometimes it's barely audible while seconds later it's back at full volume. And the beginning of the movie is truncated, with the opening titles cutting in a few notes into the score. The print is also grainy, painfully so in a few of the darker scenes. All in all, a very careless transfer.
Note for Star Trek fans: this film contains a veritable cavalcade of Trek guest stars. At least four of the cast have appeared on various incarnations of Trek, including Madsen and Stiers on The Next Generation and Ian Wolfe and Jeff Corey on the original show.
In today's world, where human cloning is coming ever closer to reality and paranoia about it is common, Jeremy Leven's screenplay should be a good reminder that genes don't make us who we are. As Boris said, even a cloning breakthrough wouldn't be able to bring back the woman he loved, for he could never recreate the experiences that originally shaped her mind and soul.
Peter O'Toole again plays his patented charming eccentric. It's a role virtually tailor-made for him, and he carries it well. Whether he's spouting technical or medical jargon, wistfully remembering his lost wife, or rhapsodizing on the nature of God and the Big Picture, O'Toole truly loses himself in this character and comes through as totally convincing. Vincent Spano and Virginia Madsen showed great chemistry as the young college couple. Mariel Hemingway was the weak link. Her character was supposed to be street-smart and self-assured but unfortunately often came across as simply shrill.
The melancholy score meshes well with the movie, successfully evoking the loneliness surrounding the characters. Surprising, as it was composed by Sylvester Levay, best known for his pounding, synthesizer-rich theme for TV's "Airwolf."
It's worth renting this movie on tape or DVD, because the version edited for television cuts several scenes that are very important to the plot. Without those scenes, some lines just don't make sense. Regrettably, there is no widescreen version even on DVD, although the standard 1.33:1 Academy Frame does help keep the story intimate. Occasionally, though, some characters will have their faces cut off the side of the screen. But even the DVD is a very imperfect version. The sound level wavers wildly, the only DVD I've ever had that does this. Sometimes it's barely audible while seconds later it's back at full volume. And the beginning of the movie is truncated, with the opening titles cutting in a few notes into the score. The print is also grainy, painfully so in a few of the darker scenes. All in all, a very careless transfer.
Note for Star Trek fans: this film contains a veritable cavalcade of Trek guest stars. At least four of the cast have appeared on various incarnations of Trek, including Madsen and Stiers on The Next Generation and Ian Wolfe and Jeff Corey on the original show.
Brilliant and Original
kellye20037 March 2005
Creator is one of only a handful of films that I would call original. The characters are complex and three-dimensional, genuine and intriguing (some of the best performances I've ever seen, especially Peter O'Toole). The story, too, is genuine, using everyday people and circumstances to approach powerful themes. What I appreciate most, however, is that the film is deep without being pretentious, and philosophical without losing its entertainment value. Creator is often underrated, probably because it strays from the structure that man moviegoers have come to rely on in a feature film, but it deserves a lot of credit, and is one of the most creative, insightful, and overall extraordinary films I've ever seen.
A sad and romantic comedy
lueschow1 August 2005
This is a wonderful movie that focuses on character development. The characters are quirky and entertaining. The science in this movie is relatively weak but this movie isn't about science. This is about love, loss, and coming to terms with the curves life throws you.
Peter O'tool is Brilliant... I repeat Brilliant in this movie Muriel Hemmingway (Melly) is wonderfully portrayed and the rest of the actors/actresses played at the top of their game on this movie.
Grab your girlfriend/boyfriend turn down the lights pop some popcorn and enjoy the show.
Warning: There is some foul language and nudity in this movie so I don't recommend watching it with your 10 year old.
Peter O'tool is Brilliant... I repeat Brilliant in this movie Muriel Hemmingway (Melly) is wonderfully portrayed and the rest of the actors/actresses played at the top of their game on this movie.
Grab your girlfriend/boyfriend turn down the lights pop some popcorn and enjoy the show.
Warning: There is some foul language and nudity in this movie so I don't recommend watching it with your 10 year old.
Painfully brilliant and mindbogglingly deep!
jalilidalili10 January 2007
To be very honest I've never heard of this movie before. Then upon my visit to England I saw it standing there on a shelf at a post office. The price was ridiculously low and Peter O'Toole staring in it, I thought it would be worth the little loose change they charged for it (incidentally the postage stamp I bought to write the folks back home were more expensive then the movie).
And almost a year later I've finally watched it! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
At first I figured it would be a slightly wacky comedy, about a student looking for love and his professor helping him to get close to the girl he wants. I was way off! I must say this movie is THE GREATEST love story I've seen. Forget Zhivago, it's way too pompous, forget Gone with the Wind, it's to sickening sweet, forget Don Juan de Marco, it's too shallow... I admit, this movie had me crying for three times! It's really so touching. And trust me, if a 30 year old guy (happily married and hanging around bars on weekends) admits he's been crying - the movie has got to be emotional.
So what's it about? Imagine a cross over of Good Will Hunting, Dead Poet's Society, Finding Forester, Dragonfly, Groundhog Day and Monkey Business. Hard to do right? But that's about it.
Harry (O'Toole) is an old professor, lost in the memory of his long departed wife. Yet he is a brilliant researcher, the guy that gets the research money donated (needles to say, O'Toole is about as brilliant as it gets). Sid (Stiers) is the sort of an antagonist of the story. He's the cynical, down to earth, materialistic, self-righteous, yet brilliant scholar (basically a role he got famous for in the series M*A*S*H, while he played Dr. Winchester). And then there's Boris (Spano), the young student, who ends up as an assistant to Harry, which naturally changes his life (not as funny as in Oscar while staring next to Stalone, but then again, this is not such a frantic movie). The main story naturally revolves around them, although there are two significant women as well Meli (Hemingway) and Barbara (Madsen). Unfortunately their characters are flatter then O'Toole's or Spano's. They're just there to support the story and to give them opportunity to grow. Still both roles are played superbly, especially Hemingway contributes a lot to an all out comedic effect with her character.
Apart from the story, which you will have to simply experience for yourself (I'm not giving any spoilers away), I was also fascinated by other aspects of this movie. Every character that had lines really contributed. Not a single person interrupted the big picture and the relationship between all the people (no matter how insignificant their roles seemed) really helped to establish the personalities of the main characters. And the music score was also just brilliant.
Really, there isn't a single thing I could fault with this movie. Not because I liked it so much, but because it really was very well made. I mean, you'd think that after a dozen or so times of watching it within a month some flaws would pop up, but no. Everything that's there, just somehow fits the BIG PICTURE! So unless you're really prejudges about movies that stir up your emotions you'll just love this movie and I bet you are going to cry while watching it too.
And almost a year later I've finally watched it! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
At first I figured it would be a slightly wacky comedy, about a student looking for love and his professor helping him to get close to the girl he wants. I was way off! I must say this movie is THE GREATEST love story I've seen. Forget Zhivago, it's way too pompous, forget Gone with the Wind, it's to sickening sweet, forget Don Juan de Marco, it's too shallow... I admit, this movie had me crying for three times! It's really so touching. And trust me, if a 30 year old guy (happily married and hanging around bars on weekends) admits he's been crying - the movie has got to be emotional.
So what's it about? Imagine a cross over of Good Will Hunting, Dead Poet's Society, Finding Forester, Dragonfly, Groundhog Day and Monkey Business. Hard to do right? But that's about it.
Harry (O'Toole) is an old professor, lost in the memory of his long departed wife. Yet he is a brilliant researcher, the guy that gets the research money donated (needles to say, O'Toole is about as brilliant as it gets). Sid (Stiers) is the sort of an antagonist of the story. He's the cynical, down to earth, materialistic, self-righteous, yet brilliant scholar (basically a role he got famous for in the series M*A*S*H, while he played Dr. Winchester). And then there's Boris (Spano), the young student, who ends up as an assistant to Harry, which naturally changes his life (not as funny as in Oscar while staring next to Stalone, but then again, this is not such a frantic movie). The main story naturally revolves around them, although there are two significant women as well Meli (Hemingway) and Barbara (Madsen). Unfortunately their characters are flatter then O'Toole's or Spano's. They're just there to support the story and to give them opportunity to grow. Still both roles are played superbly, especially Hemingway contributes a lot to an all out comedic effect with her character.
Apart from the story, which you will have to simply experience for yourself (I'm not giving any spoilers away), I was also fascinated by other aspects of this movie. Every character that had lines really contributed. Not a single person interrupted the big picture and the relationship between all the people (no matter how insignificant their roles seemed) really helped to establish the personalities of the main characters. And the music score was also just brilliant.
Really, there isn't a single thing I could fault with this movie. Not because I liked it so much, but because it really was very well made. I mean, you'd think that after a dozen or so times of watching it within a month some flaws would pop up, but no. Everything that's there, just somehow fits the BIG PICTURE! So unless you're really prejudges about movies that stir up your emotions you'll just love this movie and I bet you are going to cry while watching it too.
An emotional and full of hopes movie...
hawk_sys10 June 2003
When I read other user comments about this movie, I felt that I had to write down these few lines... "Creator" is one of my favorites movies of all times (together with "Skin Deep" by Blake Edwards, that's Completely different!). It's one of the most "full-of-hope" film I have ever seen. The main characters have "something" inside... I could not find in any other film. They meet joy and drama in the same way we may do during our "real" lives. And I felt so sorry when I read that someone was not able to reach the end of the movie, because he lost of the most moving hug I have ever seen between a man and a boy, who may really feel like father and son, in that particular moment. Just a simple, great movie full of emotions and true feelings that will not be easy to find again in contemporary film production.
That certain "instant classic" feeling...
alienlabs10 November 2003
When I first saw this movie I had to wait several days before realizing it was a "good movie". In the beginning it rather made me think to some teenage movie but I soon had to admit that it was getting much better than that.
A teenage movie would put accent on romance, while "Creator" also remarks, somehow, the sexual side of relationships... making the whole movie feel like being more "honest" than the average. Situations are smart and funny, the characters are lovely. Dialogues are so well written that the movie has that certain "Instant Classic" feeling on its side: you can take almost any line from it and still it sounds like a funny quote.
A teenage movie would put accent on romance, while "Creator" also remarks, somehow, the sexual side of relationships... making the whole movie feel like being more "honest" than the average. Situations are smart and funny, the characters are lovely. Dialogues are so well written that the movie has that certain "Instant Classic" feeling on its side: you can take almost any line from it and still it sounds like a funny quote.
Peter O'Toole is a genius
BrainyBlonde2 November 2002
I loved O'Toole more than ever in this film. I just read someone else's review who didn't like it --one of their reasons was that they couldn't believe that O'Toole's character just let Spano's Character (Boris) come in and work for him just because he walked in the door. But that is exactly what make's O'Toole's character! He WOULD do something like that! He is so off the wall! Lol. I know if his character existed in real life he would most certainly do that!
I thought this film was so similar to real life and while it may be too heart felt to some people (especially MEN!) I think there are many lessons to be learned from it. Look, I love horror/thrillers more than anything and that is what makes up most of my top 10 films. But Creator does slip in there --Hemingway is just made for the part. I think the script is clever, fresh , funny and delivered so perfectly by all involved. I am also a huge fan of Ms. Madsen who was also perfect. They ALL were fantastic and now that I think of it I need to find this film on DVD Pronto!
Excellent cast, film script and set! (I love Santa Barbara)
Watch it! and enjoy think and learn.
I thought this film was so similar to real life and while it may be too heart felt to some people (especially MEN!) I think there are many lessons to be learned from it. Look, I love horror/thrillers more than anything and that is what makes up most of my top 10 films. But Creator does slip in there --Hemingway is just made for the part. I think the script is clever, fresh , funny and delivered so perfectly by all involved. I am also a huge fan of Ms. Madsen who was also perfect. They ALL were fantastic and now that I think of it I need to find this film on DVD Pronto!
Excellent cast, film script and set! (I love Santa Barbara)
Watch it! and enjoy think and learn.
This movie runs the gammut of emotions and is my favorite of all time
leonarc2 July 2000
What else can I say -- I love this movie! Maybe it was because I watched it during my impressionable years as a teenager but I just love everything about it. It has a brilliant eccentric scientist (one of my favorite character types for a movie) a villian who really isn't so bad in the end, and it has comedy, drama, sadness, romance, despair and overwhelming joy all rolled up into one excellent movie. This movie made Peter O'Toole my favorite actor! If you haven't seen it before do yourself a favor. I still get tears in my eyes at the end and I have watched this movie probably 50 times!
Very melancholic, very absurdist comedy
Quentintarantado19 December 2006
The great Peter O'Toole is an eccentric scientist trying to clone his wife, Mariel Hemingway is the easily orgasmic young woman who provides the egg and an incredibly hot Virginia Madsen (the third time I saw her, after "Electric Dreams" and "Dune"; she was hot in the eighties, thank God for "Sideways" resurrecting her career)is Vincent Spano's love interest. The movie careens from science fiction to romantic comedy to drama and it's all tied together by a melancholic piano melody by Sylvester Levay.
I think the comedy was quite good but what made the movie memorable was this sense of sadness. Maybe it's because of the score, maybe it's because of the topic, when the characters deal with the loss of a loved one. Maybe because of Peter O'Toole.
I don't know what O'Toole had been through but occasionally when he isn't saying anything, when he just peers over his glasses in wordless comment over something silly, something tragic or something absolutely wonderful, he can convey a world-weary sympathy with that other person as if he's saying, "yes, that happened to me too."
I think the comedy was quite good but what made the movie memorable was this sense of sadness. Maybe it's because of the score, maybe it's because of the topic, when the characters deal with the loss of a loved one. Maybe because of Peter O'Toole.
I don't know what O'Toole had been through but occasionally when he isn't saying anything, when he just peers over his glasses in wordless comment over something silly, something tragic or something absolutely wonderful, he can convey a world-weary sympathy with that other person as if he's saying, "yes, that happened to me too."
See also
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