Donald Pleasence is Much Better Psychiatrist Than Professor/Mad Scientist
You know how you know an actor from one huge role then you see them in something else and you’re surprised to see there is something else they are awesome at? This happened to me in The Mutations with Donald Pleasence. He plays a far better psychiatrist for a psychopathic murderer but, he plays a boring college professor who is experimenting with mixing human and plant genetics too. The Mutations was one that caught me off guard – let’s jump into this sci-fi b horror gem.
The Mutations and Jurassic Park?
As I got into the weeds with The Mutations, I expected that it wouldn’t be quality. I was Donald pleasantly wrong. Don showed up and showed out. His role in this Horror Sci-fi movie was perfect casting. The genre qualification is bullseye too. Read a full recap of the plot here but, to sum up, a mad scientist is turning people into plant/people mutants. Naturally, you see some of this on the screen complete with stereotypical but a little more modern but not enough to make it realistic creature costumes. Honestly, they presented the Jurassic Park premise in The Mutations. Jurassic Park came out 19 years later in 1994. The ending isn’t really a surprise but is left open for a sequel. I have not done research to see if one came about but, the chance was there.
Anyone familiar with Donald Pleasence probably remembers him for one iconic role, as they should. That role is Dr. Loomis from Halloween. Which, I must say, is the best Dr. Loomis and was done perfectly by Pleasence. I am guilty – I had no idea Pleasence was in anything else. In The Mutations, he plays a doctor of a different kind. His character is Dr. Nolter a mad scientist and botany professor. Although he’s still in a doctor role, Pleasance’s acting portfolio was expanded with this role. Donald’s monotone voice and intelligent personality fit well for such a character. Honestly, Dr. Nolter reminded me of some professors I have had in college. Of course, while some of them were cool, none of them were Donald Pleasence cool.
The Mutations Casts Actual Circus Freaks
How can you get better than this? 50-60% of this movie takes place at a circus…in the 1970s…in England…wait for it…and focuses on the freak show! Wow! As a kid, I remember the Great Anderson County Fair and the wonderful times there before it became the crap show it is today. Walking through the crowds, flashing lights, carnival rides, and games, as a child, I remember seeing a metal trailer that was enclosed and branded with the words “The Bearded Woman.” I gazed through the window only to see that she was on break and wasn’t there. On to the Himalaya but, I remember the circus freak interest being born in me with that experience. Sorry – it’s 2023 and we can’t offend anyone so, I imagine that’s why we don’t see this anymore. Let’s go back to the ‘70s for some words.
Check out a list on IMDB of the characters that were in The Mutations here for more detail but, the “freaks” were real circus freaks. Their role in The Mutations was unique because Dr. Nolter intended to use his creations alongside them. The freaks had mixed opinions on this, and the story plays out from there. Esther Blackmon the Alligator Girl was probably the most significant, but there were dwarves, fat ladies, pin cushions, fire eaters, human pretzels, and more. The stereotypical freak show list is almost completed with the cast of The Mutations. As mentioned, the story and Donald Pleasence are great, but to me, the most significant part was the real-life circus freaks and their show. You see a real act, and the Alligator Girl even introduces herself as she would have at a real act!
Vintage Circus Galore in The Mutations
Along with the circus comes the circus art. There are several scenes that feature hand-painted cloth banners detailing attractions. Another classic piece of vintage circus equipment is the cars with their iconic design and large wagon wheels. The Mutations has several scenes featuring these pieces of circus history. It doesn’t matter, honestly, to me if you like Sci-fi at all. Anyone could fast-forward or skip through the other scenes and just watch the circus parts for a standalone awesome movie. The Mutations’ vintage circus scenes were the highlight in my opinion but, the film is great in its entirety. The story is good, there is an ironic twist of fate ending, cheesy gore that fits perfectly with the quality, and the vintage clearly fake effects and costumes are icing on top. There are so many positives to The Mutations.
The Mutations Was a Surprise and a Find
I could go on. There is a cool pink light, an awesome blue radio, a laser beam operating table, wild and fitting custom font for credits and title, a VW bus, and 3 Beetles among so much more. I would watch The Mutations again for sure. Are there any fans of The Mutations out there? Has anyone else seen a real-life circus freak show back in the day? Check-in in the comments and let us know. I’d love to get a conversation started. While you’re on my page, check out my artwork and photography here. You can read more of my blogs here and follow me on all social media here. All likes, shares, subs, and follows are appreciated.