Instinct

1999, Drama, 2h 3m

66 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

A convoluted and predictable plot overshadows the performances. Read critic reviews

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Instinct Photos

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Movie Info

Years after he goes missing in the jungles of Africa, anthropologist Ethan Powell (Anthony Hopkins) resurfaces when it's discovered that he has murdered two poachers who were killing the gorillas he was studying. After spending an extended time living with the primates and without any human contact, Powell seems to be unhinged, and psychiatrist Theo Caulder (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is called in to try to get through to the withdrawn and angry man -- who may be wiser and saner than he appears.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Jon Turteltaub
  • Producer:
    Barbara Boyle, Michael Taylor, Hunt Lowry
  • Writer:
    Gerald Di Pego, Gerald Di Pego
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $34.1M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Filmes Lusomundo, Toho Company Ltd., Buena Vista Pictures, Aurum Producciones S.A. [es], Buena Vista International [us], Gaumont [fr]
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Scope (2.35:1)

Cast & Crew

Anthony Hopkins
Ethan Powell
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Theo Caulder
Donald Sutherland
Ben Hillard
Maura Tierney
Lynn Powell
George Dzundza
Dr. John Murray
John Ashton
Guard Decks
John Aylward
Warden Keefer
Thomas Q. Morris
Pete
Doug Spinuzza
Nicko
Paul Bates
Bluto
Ivonne Coll
Dr. Marzuez
Kurt Smildsin
Guard #1
Jon Turteltaub
Director
Gerald Di Pego
Writer
Gerald Di Pego
Screenwriter
Barbara Boyle
Producer
Gail Katz
Executive Producer
Wolfgang Petersen
Executive Producer
Christina Steinberg
Co-Producer
Michael Taylor
Producer
Hunt Lowry
Producer
Brian Doubleday
Co-Producer
Richard Lerner
Co-Producer
Danny Elfman
Original Music
Philippe Rousselot
Cinematographer
Richard Francis-Bruce
Film Editor
Renee Rousselot
Casting
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Critic Reviews for Instinct

All Critics (66) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (18) | Rotten (48)

View All Critic Reviews (66)

Audience Reviews for Instinct

  • Jun 15, 2014
    A scientist (Hopkins) goes completely native in Africa and needs some psych work before he can safely re-enter good ole society. Enter uber-mind probe types Gooding Jr. and Sutherland for some of that luscious brain squeezin' we all love so much. But wait just one goldurn minnit, is it the scientist who's bonkers ... or is it us? Maura Tierney adds a warm touch to this predictable yet entertaining mangle that still succeeds (with a wink) because of the caliber of guns present.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jan 18, 2011
    Some of the philosophy is nice, and Cuba Gooding Jr isn't totally useless in this movie, but the film is still pat and won't appeal to a wide audience.
    Dillon L Super Reviewer
  • Dec 01, 2009
    Decent acting, but hackneyed, overly-didactic, sucky story. If you're considering watching this, do yourself the favor of watching the similarly themed but infinitely better <a href="http://www.flixster.com/movie/gorillasinthemistthestoryofdianfossey">Gorillas in the Mist</a> in its stead.
    Ed K Super Reviewer
  • Nov 14, 2009
    Decent prison movie with Anthony Hopkins defending the apes and his fellow prisoners in the jail. Cuba is good too.
    Lafe F Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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