Based on a True Story, Kevin Smith's movie Tusk, 2014, is about a human and his walrus human hybrid. The movie is a horror comedy and depicts the horrors and ghoulish complications of a human being surgically transformed into a walrus for a serial killer's pleasure.
However, the human-walrus surgical transformation part isn't entirely a true story, the real story is not as exaggerated and hyperbolic as in the movie. The Movie Tusk was inspired by a fictitious internet advert where an elderly guy provides a room in his home without charging rent, but there's a catch: the fortunate renter has to be capable and ready to periodically dress like a walrus and act like one. The author Chris Parkinson, served as Tusk's inspiration and was from Brighton, England.
As interesting and intriguing as the movie seems to be, let's delve deep into its review, summary, and analysis.
Tusk's Movie Release Date
Tusk had its world premiere on September 6, 2014, at the Toronto International Film Festival
Tusk was released on Blu-ray and DVD on December 30, 2014.
Movie Cast
- Wallace Bryton is played by Justin Long.
- Howard Howe is played by Michael Parks.
- Teddy Craft is played by Haley Joel Osment.
- Ally Leon is played by Genesis Rodriguez.
- Guy Lapointe is played by Johnny Depp.
- Movie Writer: Kevin Smith
- Movie Director: Kevin Smith
Movie Production Timelines.
The project began pre-production in September 2013
principal photography began on November 4, 2013, and wrapped on November 22, 2013.
The start date was pushed back from September to October, then to November, due to the filming site shifting from Canada to North Carolina. An additional two days of filming took place in Los Angeles for sequences involving Depp's character Guy LaPointe.
The Movie's Setting
Manitoba, Canada serves as the major setting for this film. Other locations in this film include Winnipeg, California, and Los Angeles.
Genre
Tusk is a comedy-horror film about a body. Body horror, often known as biological horror, is a subgenre of horror that features psychologically unpleasant situations that abuse the human body or the bodies of other species
Plot Details
The film tells of the narrative of Wallace Bryton, played by Justin Long, of the podcast show, Not See Party. Having a lot of followers, their podcast collects viral and trending videos and makes fun of them.
Wallace goes in quest of different, unusual viral videos and stories for his podcast which he mockingly retells his friend and colleague podcaster Teddy Craft. One of his previous podcasts features a viral and hilarious video of a 15-year-old Canadian internet celebrity Kill Bill Kid who became famous for accidentally cutting off his leg while messing with a Katana as he was showcasing his skills.
Delighted with the feedback, Wallace decides to fly out to Canada mainly to interview the kid by himself upon arrival he learns that the Kill Bill Kid committed suicide due to all the bullying he got from the internet.
Later that night Wallace feeling frustrated, goes to a bar to have some drinks, where he calls Teddy to rant to him about the kid. He went ahead to make fun of the kid with no sympathy saying the kill Bill kid had killed himself.
After having a few drinks, he goes to the bathroom where he finds a handwritten letter from an old man. The old man invites them to host anyone in his big lonely home for free. In turn, they agree to listen to his Last Days Stories and wear a walrus costume. and a lifetime of interesting stories not wanting to waste his trip to Canada he gives it a shot.
While there, he meets a fascinating and possibly unsettling lead in the shape of a helpless elderly man, Howard Howe. Who invites to host anyone in his big lonely home for free and in return they agree to listen to his Last Days Stories and wear a walrus costume.
Howard brings him some tea which Wallace compliments. Howard then starts telling him his old-time sailor story of how he one time drowned as a sailor and a walrus whom he named Mr. Tusk saved his life. By the time Howard finishes narrating his story, Wallace passes out as he realizes that his tea was spiked.
Wallace wakes up to a flashback of his girlfriend Ally Leon who was trying to convince him to stay as he was leaving for Canada.
The movie takes a dark and twisted turn when Wallace becomes the prisoner of Howard Howe, who has evil plans for him. He has always wanted to execute his evil plans and now was the most appropriate time having gotten his Mr Tusk back. As Wallace wakes up in a wheelchair missing a leg, Howard tries to deceive him by explaining that a poisonous spider stung him and that the only way to save his life was by getting him amputated.
In a different scene, Ally cries on her bed complaining that Wallace is never there for her and that he is a cheat. She feels like Teddy is a nicer guy and he understands her better. Ally then tries to call Wallace and as he is trying to reach his phone, the line gets disconnected before he picks it up. He immediately calls back but Ally doesn't hear the phone ringing, so he leaves a voice message signaling for help.
The next morning Ally sees the message, wakes Teddy and they report the issue to the authorities. Eventually, they get led to a guy named Guy Lapointe, who had been trying to hunt down Wallace for a long time.
In another scene, a sequence of body horror, body transformation, and the implications of brutality is evident Howard is in a room with gorry diagrams of human anatomy. Wallace's body is painfully transformed into a Walrus by the serial Killer Howard, leaving him damaged.
Psychological turmoil in "Tusk" primarily centers around the transformation of the main character, Wallace Bryton, into a walrus. The character undergoes a horrifying and dehumanizing process at the hands of his captor, Howard Howe (played by Michael Parks). This transformation not only involves physical mutilation but also has a profound impact on Wallace's mental state. Howard gives Wallace a walrus conditioning forcing him to swim and eat raw fish.
Cast's Performance
The performers of "Tusk" showed dedication to the film's unusual themes, embracing the weird and frightening character of the plot. The performers' success stems from their ability to traverse the film's tonal fluctuations, from comic to visceral horror, which contributes to the film's contentious and polarizing reaction. The cast of "Tusk" delivered performances that matched the film's bizarre and unsettling narrative.
Justin Long, in the role of Wallace Bryton, showcased his versatility by navigating the character's journey from a lighthearted podcaster to a victim of grotesque transformation. Long's portrayal effectively conveyed the horror and despair of his character's predicament, contributing to the film's emotional impact.
Michael Parks, playing the mysterious and malevolent Howard Howe, delivered a chilling performance that added depth to the film's antagonist. Parks' ability to embody the unsettling nature of his character played a crucial role in establishing the eerie atmosphere of the movie.
Haley Joel Osment and Genesis Rodriguez, in their respective roles as Teddy Craft and Ally Leon, provided solid supporting performances. Their characters added emotional layers to the narrative, particularly as they grappled with the shocking events surrounding Wallace.
Johnny Depp's cameo as Guy Lapointe, a detective investigating peculiar cases, injected an element of humor and eccentricity into the film. Depp's quirky portrayal added a distinct flavor to the overall tone, balancing the horror with moments of dark comedy.
Kill Bill Kid The character in the film who cuts his leg. In the film, his role is a satire. It's a parody of Star Wars Kids, a 15-year-old Canadian who made a video of himself practicing lightsaber techniques. After the video went public, he was subjected to mockery and abuse.
Tusk Movie Theme
The main theme of the movie is humanity. However, it is presented in an animalistic way. Consider the following questions to better comprehend the theme: Is man, in fact, a walrus? Consider the walrus to be an animal, and then consider if the man is an animal.
Before Wallace travels to Canada, we witness his inhumane personality. On his podcast channel, he mocks the disabled youngster, which traumatizes him and leads to his death. Wallace intends to visit and interview the youngster after all of this devastation. So he didn't care what prompted the boy's actions or how they may affect his life.
Mr. Tusk, the walrus's nickname, was inspired by Howard Howe's encounters with loving creatures on the island. In contrast, the walrus, who was Wallace when he was a person, has transformed into a beast. Howard contributes to the development of the notion of inhumanity. torturing humanity in this manner is unethical.
Alley puts Wallace to the test after he transforms into a walrus. We observe him sobbing, indicating that he still has humanity. Despite the fact that he is Mr. Tusk, he has a soft place for him. So, unlike humans, animals in this film demonstrate humanity. There are several situations in which the character, Walrus, weeps.
However, as an animal, a walrus may be sobbing to gain compassion from people in exchange for food. But, in the end, Wallace the walrus may be sobbing after discovering what type of animal he has become and has always been to others. As a result, the film depicts Wallace's persona as selfish, introverted, and animalistic. As a result, his walrus persona represents his true human behavior toward people.
Cinematography
"Tusk" cinematography was led by James Laxton, who collaborated closely with director Kevin Smith to portray the film's eerie and darkly humorous tone. The cinematography is crucial in generating atmosphere and improving the overall viewing experience, especially in a film that blends horror with comedy in such an unusual way.
While "Tusk" may have divided audiences and critics, the cinematography played a crucial role in bringing Kevin Smith's vision to life and eliciting strong reactions from viewers. The visual choices in the film contribute to its unique identity within the horror-comedy genre. Here are some of the cinematography elements in "Tusk":
Visual flair: The film's visual flair complements its unique narrative. The cinematography uses visual approaches to enhance the bizarre and frightening aspect of the story, balancing moments of horror with humorous components.
Setting, atmosphere, and mood: The locales chosen and the manner they are shot contribute to the film's spooky mood. The cinematography reinforces the sense of isolation and horror, from the Canadian wilderness to the restricted rooms where much of the drama takes place.
Color Palette: The color palette of "Tusk" is generally muted and dismal, reflecting the story's deeper themes. The images contribute to the overall tone of the picture, emphasizing the horror themes while also allowing for dark comedic moments.
Composition and Framing: Shot composition and framing are critical in establishing an atmosphere of discomfort and suspense. The cinematography employs a variety of techniques to underline the narrative's transition and psychological themes.
Transitions: The film incorporates smooth and intentional transitions between scenes, which contribute to the narrative's flow. These transitions serve to keep the audience's attention and improve the storyline.
Close-ups and Detail Shots: Due to the film's body horror aspects, the cinematography frequently features close-ups and detail shots that accentuate the characters' physical and emotional metamorphosis. This gives the viewing experience a more visceral and intimate feel.
Back Story
The backstory of the movie "Tusk" is rooted in the whimsical and unconventional mind of filmmaker Kevin Smith. The concept for the film originated from episode 259 of Smith's podcast, "SModcast," which he co-hosted with his longtime collaborator Scott Mosier. In the podcast episode titled "The Walrus and the Carpenter," Smith and Mosier engaged in a humorous and hypothetical discussion about a Gumtree (an online marketplace) ad seeking a roommate willing to dress up as a walrus for free room and board.
Inspired by this bizarre and comedic conversation, Smith decided to turn the concept into a horror film. The result was "Tusk," a movie that explores the consequences of curiosity and the grotesque transformation of its protagonist into a walrus. The film takes unexpected turns and blends elements of horror and dark comedy, challenging traditional genre boundaries.
The central premise involves a podcaster, played by Justin Long, who travels to Canada for an interview but becomes the victim of a deranged man's macabre experiment. Michael Parks portrays the mysterious Howard Howe, the man behind the twisted plan. As the story unfolds, it takes the audience on a surreal and disturbing journey, tackling themes of body horror and the limits of human transformation.
"Tusk" was part of Kevin Smith's Canada-centric trilogy, known as the "True North Trilogy," which also includes "Yoga Hosers" (2016) and "Moose Jaws" (in development as of my last knowledge update in January 2022). The film's unique origin and unconventional narrative contributed to its polarizing reception, with some viewers praising its originality and others finding it disturbing and bizarre.
Background Music
The soundtrack to the film "Tusk" includes a number of notable songs, with the soundtrack contributing to the ambiance and tone of the film. The heavy usage of Fleetwood Mac's song "Tusk," which also inspired the film's title, is one of the soundtrack's notable elements. This contemporary pop track is used in the film, offering a contrast to some of the more classic and nostalgic choices in the soundtrack.
These songs, along with others, help shape the overall mood of "Tusk" and contribute to the film's unique blend of horror and dark comedy. Music is often a crucial element in setting the tone for movies, and in the case of "Tusk," the soundtrack enhances the overall viewing experience by complementing the film's unconventional narrative. Here are some key tracks from "Tusk":
Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk": This legendary Fleetwood Mac song inspired the title of the film. The song's use is significant in the film, and it contributes to the overall mood and themes.
Squeeze's "The Goodbye Girl": This song by Squeeze is featured in the film and contributes to the unique blend of songs on the soundtrack.
A song by The Beatles, "Long, Long, Long," is used in the movie. The Beatles' music often adds a nostalgic or emotional layer to scenes in which it is featured.
"Whistle for the Choir" by The Fratellis: The Fratellis' "Whistle for the Choir" is another track that contributes to the film's musical backdrop.
"Let Me Love You" by DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber
Film Critiques
Tusk emerges as a cinematic enigma, drawing both praise and disdain with its audacious plunge into the realms of horror and comedy. The film, crafted by Kevin Smith, is an unsettling concoction that weaves an unconventional narrative around the consequences of unchecked curiosity. The plot follows a podcaster's ill-fated encounter with a mysterious adventurer, culminating in a grotesque metamorphosis into a walrus.
Critics lauded the film's audacity and originality, commending its ability to defy genre conventions. The seamless blend of horror and comedy was appreciated by some, applauding the film for its daring departure from the ordinary. However, this audacious foray into uncharted territory was not without its detractors.
The unsettling and graphic nature of the body horror elements left many audiences bewildered and repulsed. The divisive reactions underscore the polarizing nature of "Tusk," where the line between creativity and discomfort blurs.
Some celebrated its deviation from the mainstream, while others criticized it for crossing boundaries that left a disconcerting aftertaste. In the end, "Tusk" stands as a cinematic experiment that elicits strong, disparate reactions, making it a challenging watch that pushes the boundaries of audience comfort.
"Tusk" is recognized for its unusual and divisive idea, which combines aspects of horror and humor, frequently plunging into the obscene. It's not for everyone because it's extremely unpleasant, but it's gained a cult following among aficionados of unorthodox and challenging movies.
Analysis
The film explores issues such as change, body horror, and the implications of human curiosity. Kevin Smith, best renowned for his work in the comedy genre, branched out with "Tusk" by mixing elements of horror and psychological thriller. The film delves into the limits of humans and the consequences of meddling with nature.
It's important to note that individual opinions on "Tusk" can vary widely due to its unconventional and polarizing nature. If there have been subsequent releases or developments related to a movie titled "Tusk" after 2022, I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information and reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions. (FAQs)
What Makes Tusk So Scary?
Tusk has some gorry details in its plot where Wallace's drink gets spiked and his body is mutilated and turned into a human- hybrid Walrus.
What is the main Message in Tusk?
The main message of the movie is humanity. Consider the following questions to better comprehend the theme: Is man, in fact, a walrus? Consider the walrus to be an animal, and then consider if the man is an animal. The film depicts Wallace's persona as selfish, introverted, and animalistic. As a result, his walrus persona represents his true human behavior toward people.
What is the Plot Twist in Tusk?
After some time, Howard discloses that he had to kill and feed off the original Mr. Tusk to stay alive as he puts on his flesh Walrus suit to fight with Wallace.
Who is the Killer in Tusk?
The Killer is Howard Howe. He painfully drugs Wallace and turns his body into a human Walrus.
Does The Movie Tusk Have a Happy Ending?
In the end, as Howard dresses in his Walrus suit to fight Wallace, Wallace finally flares up in anger and kills him with his Tusks. However, Howard dies a happy man having achieved his life goal.
Why did Howard fight Wallace while dressed as a walrus?
Howard desired that Wallace completely transform into a Walrus. He challenged Wallace, saying that in order to survive, he needed to be a walrus, which meant he needed to kill Howard. Wallace must thus overcome his human character and accept his new status as a tusked walrus.
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