JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL

REVIEWED BY CHARITY BISHOP

Our rating: 3 out of 5

Because of: innuendo, profanity, sensuality, thematic elements

Rated:

Editor's Note: The images are from various productions, not the movie itself.

Robert Louis Stevenson was responsible for writing the soul-searching tale of one man's search for salvation through science that was, throughout the years, transformed into more of a horror story than the intellectual masterpiece that literary fans have loved for generations. Jekyll & Hyde is an HBO film of the popular Broadway musical.

At the height of the Victorian era, Dr. Henry Jekyll (David Hasselhoff) is attempting to make a name for himself through a discovery that will bring an end to the horrific crime sprees spreading throughout London. He believes that good and evil can be separated through use of a serum, which would remove mankind's sin nature and retain a Utopian society. Fully supporting him in this venture is his beautiful fiancée, Lucy (Coleen Sexton), despite rumors amongst the wealthy and elite that he is steadily losing his mind, and searching for a proverbial holy grail where there is none. The scientific society accuses him of blasphemy, and considers his research too dangerous to grant permission for him to test it on a human being. Forced to take matters into his own hands, Jekyll thumbs his nose at the institution and injects himself with the serum. Much to his horror, what emerges is evil in its purest form -- in the shape of Hyde, a menacing madman with a lust for blood, who leaves a string of bodies in his wake.

Caught in this disastrous web is a beautiful prostitute, Emma (Andrea Rivette) that Hyde has been romancing. Briefly acquainted with Jekyll in a moment of downcast reflection, Emma is lured back into the underworld through the presence of this enigmatic, seductive, powerful man. The more Jekyll indulges this nasty whim, the stronger Hyde becomes until soon he is imposing himself on his counterpart without the use of medicine. What was once a search for the ability to repress the evil in man is now a tumultuous struggle between the two sides of a schizophrenic. Jekyll desires redemption, the ability to repress his darker instincts, threatening his future happiness with Lucy, while Hyde is determined to eradicate his good side and cast his soul into hell. What results is a surprisingly emotional journey through madness that manages to retain the message that the novel so profoundly made apparent: that good and evil cannot be enhanced or repressed, and salvation and control can only come from God.

It has an ultimately tragic conclusion in more ways than one, but is also equipped with a very powerful score. Most of the songs are phenomenal, with a strong undercurrent of passion beneath the lyrics. They range from soft romantic ballads with a hint of sorrow ("Take Me As I Am," "His Work  & Nothing More," "Into His Eyes," and the incredible "It's  a Dangerous Game") to some fierce, animalistic observances of madness ("Alive," "The World Has Gone Insane," and "Confrontation"). The downfall is that in comparison to the original Broadway audio recording, not all of these actors live up to their full potential. David Hasselhoff absolutely butchers two of the leading songs. His costars are very good, and for a play production, the costume and set design is particularly effective. Audiences must also be aware that it's very long, running well over two and a half hours. I also found it a little dull, and missed the presence of several excellent songs from the original recording. There were a lot of rewrites before its general release.

No modern-conceived musical is without its content issues, and this is no exception. Several of the songs contain mild profanities. Jekyll curses himself and others in several tracks, and in "Confrontation" screams, "G**d**n you, Hyde!" Lyrics are often sensual, and Hyde is very direct in his comments to Lucy. Emma wears an extremely revealing outfit, very low cut and tight up top, and with not much on the bottom. She sits with her legs apart more than once, giving us a glimpse of thigh. Prostitutes cavort with sailors in the background of one song. Hyde attempts to seduce her at one point, while they're both sitting on a bed. There is some violence, with passerby being attacked and killed. Hyde stabs several people, and strangles another. He turns violent against the women in his life. A man is shot and killed.

One reason I like this musical is because the music is so emotionally stirring and catchy. If you're not singing the lyrics for days afterward, there's something wrong with you. I have loved the audio recording for many years, and am a little disappointed that the film leans rather heavily on the sexual aspect of the production. It's not to say that there isn't merit to Jekyll & Hyde, but it taints the majesty of the music by attempting to distract us with physical implications. It's well worth watching for fans of the original score, provided you can shift to the inferior voices, but I would recommend the audio for newcomers.