Justin Long And Michael Parks In Tusk (2014)
Wallace Bryton (Justin Long) takes a trip to the Great White North that takes a turn for the horrifying when he meets up with Howard Howe (Michael Parks) – a reclusive retired seaman. Listening to Howe’s tales of shipwreck, near-drowning and rescue by a walrus, Bryton suddenly succumbs to the drugs with which Howe has laced his tea, and passes out. When he regains consciousness, he discovers that his leg has been removed and that Howe is actually an insane individual that plans on turning him into a walrus by way of extensive surgery.
Bryton’s scream is an excellent example in modern cinema of the ‘howl of realization.’ As Howe reveals his true nature to a newly vulnerable Bryton who is no longer able to defend himself, the full terror of the situation hits him like a freight train, and he begins to scream while staring at Howe across the table. The moment is powerful because Howe begins to scream back at him – only his scream quickly descends into a menacing growl, accompanied by gnashing teeth. Bryton pauses – now understanding that all hope is lost – before the two continue to wail at each other, with the sounds wafting away into the night.
– Sarah Myles
Published: Oct 21, 2014 11:16 pm