Creator (1985)

An eccentric scientist teaches a student in his own manner while he looks for a way to clone his deceased wife.

Director:

Ivan Passer

Writers:

Jeremy Leven (novel), Jeremy Leven (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter O'Toole, Mariel Hemingway, Vincent Spano

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter O'Toole	...	Dr. Harry Wolper
Mariel Hemingway	...	Meli
Vincent Spano	...	Boris Lafkin
Virginia Madsen	...	Barbara Spencer
David Ogden Stiers	...	Dr. Sid Kullenbeck
John Dehner	...	Paul
Karen Kopins	...	Lucy Wolper
Kenneth Tigar	...	Pavlo
Elsa Raven	...	Mrs. Mallory
Lee Kessler	...	Mrs. Pruitt
Rance Howard	...	Mr. Spencer
Ellen Geer	...	Mrs. Spencer
Ian Wolfe	...	Prof. Brauer
Mike Jolly	...	Boom-Boom
Burton Collins	...	Lyman

Storyline

Dr. Harry Wolper is a character. First he steals Boris, a new student assistant by promising him a co-ed's phone number. Then he hijacks new high tech equipment for his own research, confusing the other university researchers who can't see "the big picture." Harry has a plan, he wants to clone his dead wife, but first he needs an egg and a host. He mounts his search by stapling notices to every telephone pole in town from his bike, which is how he meets Mili. As the year progresses, he sees Boris' romance follow the same pattern as his own, twenty-five years ago.

---

Plot Keywords:

smelling clothes | student | assistant | riding a bike | title same as book | 

---

Taglines:

He's a famed biologist. But she's more interested in anatomy. Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Harry Wolper became a widower. Ever since, he's been trying to bring back his wife. But just when he was about to unravel the mystery of life, a sexy young assistant moved in. Now, the only life that's come unraveled is his own.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Romance | Sci-Fi

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Both of the film's lead actresses, Virginia Madsen and Mariel Hemingway, are seen topless in the movie.

---

Quotes

Dr Harry Wolper: Does it check?
Boris: Yes it checks. They all check. They're coming out just the way they did when Sid ordered them. You're right, he does good work.
Dr Harry Wolper: Mmm. Also, he is an asshole.

---

Alternate Versions

Outtake added to broadcast version: A flashback scene of young Harry Wolper cavorting with wife Lucy in an amusement park and on a beach.

---

Connections

Referenced in Demon Queen (1987)

---

Soundtracks

String Trio Rock
Composed by Mark Cargill (as Mark K. Cargill)

User Reviews

One of My Favorites!

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!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 September 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Big Picture

Filming Locations:

Alexian Bros. Hospital, San Jose, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,019,728, 22 September 1985

Gross USA:

$5,349,607

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,349,607

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kings Road Entertainment, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1