When noted anthropologist Dr. Ethan Powell, who left society to live in the jungle, is imprisoned for murder, it's up to young psychiatrist Theo Caulder to get through to him.When noted anthropologist Dr. Ethan Powell, who left society to live in the jungle, is imprisoned for murder, it's up to young psychiatrist Theo Caulder to get through to him.When noted anthropologist Dr. Ethan Powell, who left society to live in the jungle, is imprisoned for murder, it's up to young psychiatrist Theo Caulder to get through to him.
- Awards
- 1 win & 2 nominations
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAfter takes with Cuba Gooding, Jr., Sir Anthony Hopkins would routinely say "Show me the money!" in reference to Cuba's character in Jerry Maguire (1996).
- GoofsWhen Theo goes to visit Lynn at her home it is late at night, yet once inside the house, daylight is coming through the windows.
- Quotes
Ethan Powell: [Farewell letter to Dr. Calder] Dear Theo: I'm sorry I'm not there to say goodbye. You were right. Freedom is not just a dream. It's there, on the other side of those fences we build all by ourselves. Thank you for giving me hope and for giving me back my daughter. And I thank you, Theo, for sharing this journey with me. Your friend, Ethan.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: Instinct/The Loss of Sexual Innocence/Limbo (1999)
Dr. Calder is sent to make an evaluation on Dr. Powell, an anthropologist convicted for murdering 5 men in Rwanda. However, when Dr. Powell relates his experience in the African jungle, he starts teaching Theo Calder a thing or two about "civilisation" and "humanity", thus encouraging Theo not only to learn how to live but also to challenge the rules.
The scenes with the gorillas were so realistic, that I only realised later that they were created artificially. Sometimes, I felt like I was actually watching a documentary.
The acting was superb. Anthony Hopkins was excellent as always and Cuba Gooding Jr. was just perfect as his student/friend. The supporting cast was solid as well, especially the prison inmates.
Despite Theo and Dr. Powell's daughter's confusing relationship and the highly improbable ending, "Instinct" has some beautiful movie moments. Dr. Powell's connection with the gorillas as well as his speech to Theo at the zoo are very touching. The scene at the prison where the inmates tear apart their cards, challenging the guards' authority also reminded me of the famous "O Captain, My Captain" scene in "Dead Poets' Society".
All I can say, is that "Instinct" is a rare film. One that does not need tons of action and explosions to be enjoyable but simply talks about something we can all connect too: life!
- simmers
- Jul 16, 1999
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $80,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $34,105,207
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $10,390,387
- Jun 6, 1999
- Gross worldwide
- $34,105,207
- Runtime2 hours 6 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1