The Nature of the Beast (1995)

Two men, both hiding a deadly secret, are on a murderous rampage through the desert.

Director:

Victor Salva

Writer:

Victor Salva

Stars:

Eric Roberts, Lance Henriksen, Brion James

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Eric Roberts	...	Adrian (Dusty)
Lance Henriksen	...	Jack Powell
Brion James	...	Sheriff Gordon
Frank Novak	...	Manfred
William A. Temple	...	Elderly gentleman
Earl Theroux	...	Mr. Winneman
Lila Garrett	...	Mrs. Winneman
Eloy Casados	...	Sheriff #1
Eliza Roberts	...	Patsy
Hollace Colburn	...	Counter waitress
Bob May	...	Trooper in diner
Sara Young	...	Lady in diner
John Toles-Bey	...	Trooper at roadblock
Zachary Weintraub	...	Young man at motel (as Zachary Bogatz)
Curt Darling	...	Queasy deputy

Storyline

Jack meets Adrian out in Nevada. Adrian latches on to Jack, and won't go away. Jack tries to lose Adrian, but Adrian informs Jack not to mess with him, or he'll call the police because he knows Jack's secret. In the meantime, the car radio keeps blaring news reports of a serial killer in the area called "The Hatchet Man", as well as a theft of a huge sum of money from a local casino. Jack is concealing a briefcase, and wherever he and Adrian go, "The Hatchet Man" seems to strike within the vicinity!

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Plot Keywords:

trailer narrated by jim cummings | evil wins | hatchet murder | bible quote | sheriff | 

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Taglines:

All men are created evil.

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Genres:

Crime | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for hard drug use, strong language, a sex scene and some terror/violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Reunites Lance Henrikson with Brion James after The Horror Show (1989).

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Quotes

Adrian: The fella' in the fancy suit must have a name.
Jack Powell: Jack.
Adrian: You know, Jack? I can usually tell in about two minutes all I need to know about a person.
Jack Powell: Like what?
Adrian: Like is he a loser? Does he shoot dope? Does he like to wear ladies' underwear?
Jack Powell: Are you telling me that you're a psychic, or that you like to look at people's pants?
Adrian: You're a funny guy, Jack.

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Connections

Referenced in Powder (1995)

User Reviews

great script, great acting!

We often forget the script is what it's all about. Throw in a couple of Hollwood-veterans and some good shooting and you get a real cracker. The script is so well though-out you never imagine the ending. It's amazing! It's one of these rare cases where you get an American film (a TV-production no less!!) with a totally unpredictable conclusion. The acting is top-notch and beats anything out there, very powerful. The scenes are often mystical and nocturnal, the only qualm I would have is that there was plenty of space for extra creative camera-work, just to heighten the suspense even further. If a remake of this was done by a more revolutionary director (e.g. Michael Mann), this could definitely account for a new Hollywood blockbuster (and no doubt keeping the two main actors as well).

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nature of the Beast

Filming Locations:

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Itasca Pictures, New Line Cinema, Norstar Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1