HOME | DD
Garoooooh — Moreau Less Human
Published: 2014-08-08 18:42:58 +0000 UTC; Views: 5241; Favourites: 87; Downloads: 28
Redirect to original
Description
This is my entry into 's Books into Disney Movies contest. It is inspired by The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells. The book has been adapted for the screen several times but never in animation.My version removes most of the horror elements and has more of a steampunk aesthetic. The story revolves around Dr. Moreau’s attempts at creating a human by genetically modifying animals (vivisection in the original). Edward, the main character, is attacked shortly after his arrival on the island and his body is later repaired with mechanical augmentations. Because of this attack, Dr. Moreau decides to put even greater restrictions on the Beast Folk, but this fosters a rebellion. The leader of the Beast Folk is the goat hybrid, Montgomery (who is based on several characters from the book). He and his Hyena-swine thug, Hogsclaw, orchestrated the attack on Edward and framed Leona the Leopard-girl (based on the book’s Leopard-man) for it, in order to dispose of them both and secure his place as leader. He plans on using the rebellion to usurp Dr. Moreau’s position as supreme ruler of the island.
(I wanted to write a lot more information here, but it would probably be excessive given the length of the accompanying song. Instead I have put some notes in the character sheet portion of the picture, and the rest I might eventually put elsewhere.)
What Makes a Man?
This is the song I wrote for the contest. I imagine it to be sung by Leona to Edward, with some accompaniment from the other Beast Folk. Note that the word ‘man’ is used to mean humankind as a whole, not just the males.
Monkeys do what monkeys see
They learn to ape behaviors
But man has such variety
You come in many flavors
Your lack of fur is quite bizarre
Your legs won’t get you very far
Not a scale and not a feather
Really makes me wonder whether
You’re truly worthy of the place
You gave yourself, your human race
No killer fangs, no razor claws
No eagle’s wings or lion’s paws
You’re long of hair but short of tail
You think your plans aren’t going to fail
Being so much smarter than the rest
I bet that when put to the test
You wouldn’t last far longer than
A baby bird without a hen
You wanted us to learn to stand
Now tell me, boy
What makes a man?
They say you see into the soul
When gazing through the eyes
Is that where every life unfolds?
Is that where the truth lies?
Give a man a fish
And you feed him for a day
Teach a man to fish
And he’ll ask for hazard pay
Does man believe that every task
Requires compensation?
What is it that a man holds dear
Besides his reputation?
The speaking tongue?
The beating heart?
A mind to think
Before you start?
Feet for walking Easy Street?
Teeth for talking, not for meat?
I’ll let you count the fingers
I have on both my hands
No venom in my stingers
Are these what make a man?
Have I a use for higher thoughts
Or are they just a burden?
Change my mind or change my spots?
How can I know for certain?
The will to win?
The right to choose?
The love of kin?
A life to lose?
Would I find these
Inside my soul
Or am I empty
Less than whole?
Am I a grain
Of tidal sand?
Just tell me, boy
What makes a man
You can see the march of ants
But cannot hear them speaking?
Probing everywhere perchance
What is it that you’re seeking?
You claimed that this was all for science
I’m thinking that you lied
How can you say that my defiance
Cannot be justified?
You think that I am less than you?
You think that you may judge me?
I say that I am human, too
Though maybe not as ugly
I’m bored of playing this game with you
I’m sick and I am tired
Give me a list of what to do
Tell all that is required
Should I have invented fire?
Strive to hinder base desire?
Wear a coat with all the trimmings?
Cease to roar, but take up singing?
Should I kneel and pray for mercy?
Learn to bow or learn to curtsy?
Shall I dream of the unseen?
Or have reason for my being?
Must I obey
What Fate has planned?
How would you know?
You’re just a man
Enough of this
The time has passed
There is no need
For us to ask
What point is there
When all I see
That’s stopping us
From being free
Is our own fear
A self-made prison
Until you all
Make this decision
Don’t give up
When we’re so near
This is the time
For you to hear
The truth in what
I have to say
We must stand up
This very day!
The right to follow one’s own plan
Truly that’s what makes a man!
Related content
Comments: 81
Been a Wells fan for a long time. That title is *genius.* Well done!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
This would be an awesome film, and the title is excessively witty. This is brilliant.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I think this is one of the most awesome things I have ever seen
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
This is pretty good. I could see this along side Gargoyles
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thanks.
I never thought of potential crossovers, but Gargoyles is probably the most appropriate of Disney's properties. It's also my favorite Disney TV show; I don't think there will ever be another one like it.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
You know, I could see any infants in Moreau as looking 100% animal. Say (for example) Leona had a sister who recently had cubs or Bernard became a grandfather. The cubs or puppies look like normal cubs or puppies.
That's just me
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I think, scientifically, that would be possible, perhaps even probable. It's comparable to what happened in the original book.
I even had another story about a civilization of genetically modified animals that had to deal with the fact that they were becoming less human every generation.
I suppose it would be up to the writer to decide what elements they want in the story.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I just got the idea from an episode of Dr Who. A male Catkind and his human wife were in a car and the Doctor found that they were transporting their offspring: a box of kittens.
I just like the idea myself.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I think, whatever the case, newborns would look far less human than the adults, perhaps being able to pass for normal animals. For example, dog puppies look extremely similar at birth, but soon the unique traits of their respective breeds develop; I'd assume anthropomorphic animals would be something like that.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I love this. I had an idea to do a Disneyfied version of Phantom of the Opera, but I have it as more a sequel to the book but the events of the book were embellished by the Persian so we never did learn the truth behind Eric. My version has it where Eric's father upset a gypsy who in turn cast a curse, not on the father but on his first born to punish him for judging someone by their appearance, with the hopes that he'd learn his lesson about having a good heart. Upon Eric's birth his father was disgusted by Eric's appearance and all but disowned him. Afterwards he was never allowed to leave the house so Eric took solis in the one thing that made him happy, music. Now the twist I put is that when Eric plays beautiful music his outward appearance matches his good heart but once the music stops he turns ugly again. Eric would take advantage of that if he ever looked at himself while playing.
Anyway the events of the book eventually happens, just not as the Persian claims. Eric doesn't die because of the curse keeping him alive until someone can love him for who he is. Eventually the present comes around and there he finally meets someone who can lift the curse.
Even before Frozen came out, yes my idea is a few years old, I thought it'd be interesting to not have the love be a symbol of true love but of a different love. The gypsy was hoping for paternal love but the gypsy never specified so a love of a friend works in the end. I hope to someday send this off to Disney and have it done in Paperman style.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I think Jeff Wayne should do the music.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlpl-R…
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
This look like it would be an awesome take on "The Island of Doctor Moreau", with the steampunk look to it. I like how much detail you put into all the characters and their backstories.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thanks.
I developed the story further than I wrote here and I might use it for a comic one day.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Really interesting! Considering that Disney was able to make a "family-friendly" (though still pretty dark and bold) version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, coming across your art got me thinking - could they pull something like this off too?
I once did some drawings of the characters after reading the book, though I've never been into overly gruesome stuff and so my versions looked more like mere anthropomorphic animals than the "stitched-together" results of vivisection. However, if I took an alternative turn, like you've done... hmm, perhaps I could revisit the whole thing sometime?
Well done again for the art and your ideas. It really got me interested and inspired, and I always appreciate it when that happens!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Disney might be able do it, though I suspect even my version may not be entirely suited to them.
The concepts from the original story can be used in many ways, so you don't need to limit yourself.
Glad to know I inspired another artist
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I like how you have character design and info stuff on the left and a poster on the right. I should've done something like that. Kind'a thought of the possibility briefly.
The picture's nice and the character designs are nice. ^_^ The song's nice, too, though it seems rather long. Could it be broken up and parts be sung at different times? Or just a long song?
I like the puns in the poster, and the little details about the characters on the left. Though... you mention about Leona not wearing shoes, but only one of the pictured animal people do, and it sounds like he mainly does because of how he really wants to mimic a man.
By the way, the mention of 'man' kind'a reminded me of the usage in Tarzan, and the overall idea might be a little like it. With a kind'a link between men and animals. I kind'a like that about it.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you
The song is probably too long for a Disney movie, but I would prefer it be left as it is.
Doctor Moreau desired that all of the Beast Folk don footwear, however, many of them could not because of their physical form. On the other hand, Leona could have worn shoes, but decided that she did not want to, despite the Doctor's orders.
Doctor Moreau had the Ape-men dress like humans, including the shoes, but when they fled into the forest they left all that behind.
The concept of trying to define humans as separate from (or similar to) animals is one of my favorites since it brings up many other ideas.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Fantastic work! I highly approve of the Steampunk angle (After all if Jules Verse was the Grandfather of steampunk it could be argued that H.G. Wells is the father of it). Also your designs are amazing, as is your song! Man...now I want to see this movie XD
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you very much!
I think many people would like to see Disney make a steampunk film.
The book is in the public domain so eventually someone will probably make another adaptation.
As for my own version I might make a comic someday.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Wow, this is a detailed poster and a song. I suspect the Simpsons did a parody of this so I vaguely know the story. BTW, did you know the see, hear and speak no evil monkeys should also include touch no evil? It isn't usually included because said monkey has his hands between his legs.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thanks!
Yeah, I didn't think the rarely seen 'do no evil' monkey would fit in so they remain a trio.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Certainly a unique take on the book. I really like your inclusion of a character sheet. It really helps develop the movie's story. The Steam punk setting is cool and would be interesting in a Disney movie.
Good Luck!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you!
Good luck to you as well.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
A cameo by Donald and Mickey
Sounds like a hoot!
And hey, this ALREADY looks better than the Val Kilmer version!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Yeah, I thought they could make an appearance, maybe in a crowd scene or like their cameo in 'A Goofy Movie'.
Thanks! I've never seen any of the movie adaptations, so I can't compare my version.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Just trust me when I say it's a compliment and you're (much) better off not watching that version.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
My goodness, what impressive characters! I was instantly grabbed by the "see no evil" monkey character near the bottom of the page. You have a really clear style and it shows in all the designs.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you very much!
I hope to be a very skilled artist one day, but being a consistent one would be nice as well.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
This looks awesome well done! I love the character designs too
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I love all the effort you put into all the character designs, they actually look awesome! I did not know this was an entry until I looked at the journal for the entries. Very good job!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you very much
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I really admire the effort you put into the character designs and song. I know I'm not the best judge for it, but yeah, the song was amazing, it really told a story, and that's always something I see as distinctly Disney.
The steampunk theme is also super great. Fantastic job!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you very much.
I tried to work a lot into the song. Probably more than I should have seeing how long it ended up being. In any case, I'm glad that you like it
By the way, you did a very good job on your entry as well. The queen is especially well done.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
You're welcome. 
Thank you so much. Cersei was a fun character to design and draw. I'm glad you like it.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
There were a few lines that I did cut and many that I altered. The verse about 'what a man holds dear' used to be more comical:
The eagle values both her wings
The elephant his tusks
What is it that a man holds dear?
Perhaps a kind of musk?
Yeah, my favorite part of your picture is Cersei on her throne along with the dragon's and the fire. The top half of the piece could have been a poster unto itself.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Haha 
Thanks a lot. That's really nice of you to say. It was kind of the goal to have Cersei look a bit like she was in her own picture. So it's awesome that you think that.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I just like rhymes. Words are often the best things to play with.
Do you think you will ever expand on your concept? Maybe make more pictures or something?
I've been toying with the idea of actually making a comic based on this version of mine. I probably won't get around to doing it, but I might do something.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
| Next =>