Synopsis

Anthropologist Ethan Powell returns from Africa after living among mountain gorillas, but he is accused of murdering several people and is committed to a prison for the criminally insane. Young psychiatrist Theo Caulder is assigned to evaluate the silent, hostile patient. As Caulder gradually earns Powell's trust, he uncovers the experience that transformed the scientist and challenges his own ideas about civilization, violence, and humanity's relationship with nature.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was inspired in part by Daniel Quinn's philosophical novel "Ishmael," although the movie develops its own story and characters.

• Jamaica stood in for Rwanda during the jungle sequences. Additional filming took place in Wisconsin, Orlando, and Los Angeles.

• Principal photography began on January 25, 1998, and finished on August 7, 1998.

• The gorillas were created by the Stan Winston Studio using performers in suits, detailed prosthetic heads, and puppetry. The production deliberately photographed them as elusive and mostly hidden animals rather than constantly displaying them.

• The gorilla work was designed to look as naturalistic as possible, drawing on the visual style of wildlife documentaries. The approach was partly informed by the studio's earlier experience creating gorillas for "Congo."

• Wolfgang Petersen was initially considering directing the film, but remained involved as an executive producer.

• Anthony Hopkins' disheveled hairpiece in the opening scenes was made from cat hair blended with mink.

• During production, Hopkins reportedly teased Cuba Gooding Jr. by repeating "Show me the money!", echoing Gooding's famous line from "Jerry Maguire" (1996).

• Danny Elfman composed the score, with Philippe Rousselot serving as cinematographer.