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Though the film "The Island of Dr. Moreau" is taken from H.G. Well's original novel, there are several significant differences in both mediums that tie into the central thesis.
One prime example is the difference in causes of Dr. Moreau's death. In the novel, he and one of the “beast-men” engage in a brawl and end up killing each other. In the film, one of the beast-men has a gun and shoots him. This clear advancement in technology presents a correlation with England's progression as a nation. England's parallel role also follows Dr. Moreau's character.
In the 1996 film, Dr. Moreau is played by Marlon Brando. Brando's character is an older, fatter, less active character. The contrast is apparent when comparing the two Dr. Moreaus of the opposing covers above. On the left, Dr. Moreau from the novel is a more fit individual with more physical capabilities. Similarly, the British Empire of 1896 was a far greater colonialist power than it was roughly a decade ago in 1996. Brando's out-of-shape character likewise parallels Britain's more reserved nature.
