Mr. Frost

Mr. Frost

1990

Director- Philippe Setbon

Cast- Jeff Goldblum, Kathy Baker, Alan Bates, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Roland Giraud, François Négret, Vincent Schiavelli ,Charley Boorman

           

Mr. Frost (Goldblum) is a serial killer who comes to the police’s attention after thieves find a body in his home. When confronted by the police, he admits everything rather cordially and eventually ends up in an asylum.     

After 2 years of silence, rebuffing the world’s most eminent psychiatrists, he speaks to Sarah (Baker), one of the doctors at the asylum. It becomes quickly obvious that Mr. Frost believes he is the Devil. He seems privy to secrets that no one should know. To make matters worse, the policeman that arrested Mr. Frost (Bates) fervently believes that he is the Devil as well. Mr. Frost reveals to Sarah that his mission is to undo the cynicism and atheism that modern science has created. He wants to prove that science is impotent in the face of evil and pushing Sarah to the point that she will murder him.

Outrageous things begin happening; Sarah’s favorite patient, a placid young boy, leaves the asylum and goes on a killing spree; her paralyzed brother regains the ability to walk; the policeman’s loyal dog turns on him; a co-worker goes crazy. All of this slowly begins to erode Sarah’s shield of empirical thought.

Mr. Frost is more psychological thriller than straight forward horror. As the viewer, you have to wonder if the events are supernatural or explainable, which puts the viewer in the same place as the protagonist. The film is classic Jeff Goldblum with all of his mannerisms and idiosyncrasies.  Fans of the quirky actor will want to see this. Also look for cameos by veteran character actor Vincent Schiavelli and Charley Boorman (young Morded in Excalibur).