The Dentist – Film Review

The Dentist, directed by Brian Yuzna and written by Dennis Paoli, Stuart Gordon, and Charles Finch, is a disturbing and gruesome journey into the mind of a dentist turned deranged serial killer. While it offers some compelling elements and a memorable performance by Corbin Bernsen in the lead role, it ultimately falls short in its storytelling and character development.

The film opens with a seemingly perfect life for Dr. Alan Feinstone (Corbin Bernsen), a respected and successful Beverly Hills dentist. The Dentist wastes no time establishing its unsettling tone as we witness the meticulously sterile environment of Feinstone’s dental office. This initial setting is undoubtedly one of the film’s strongest aspects, as it effectively utilizes the common fear of dental procedures to create an atmosphere of dread and discomfort.

Corbin Bernsen’s portrayal of Dr. Feinstone is undeniably the highlight of the film. He masterfully captures the character’s descent into madness, transitioning from a poised, charming professional to a deranged maniac with a twisted sense of justice. Bernsen’s performance is both believable and unsettling, making it easy to sympathize with the character’s initial frustrations before being repulsed by his gruesome actions.

The Dentist excels in its use of practical effects to depict the gruesome dental procedures and Feinstone’s increasingly grotesque acts. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the audience the gory details, which can be both captivating and repulsive. The practical effects team deserves credit for their work, as the dental horror scenes are some of the most memorable and cringe-worthy moments in the film.

However, as the story progresses, The Dentist begins to show its flaws, primarily in its character development and narrative structure. Dr. Feinstone’s transformation into a sadistic killer happens rather abruptly, and his motives are inadequately explored. While the film hints at his obsession with perfection and the fear of betrayal, it fails to provide a deep enough backstory to fully understand his descent into madness. This lack of character development makes it challenging to empathize with or even be intrigued by Dr. Feinstone’s transformation.

The film’s supporting characters are underdeveloped as well, serving primarily as plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Linda (Linda Hoffman), Feinstone’s wife, and Brooke (Allison Smith), his hygienist, both play significant roles in the story, but their characters lack depth and are reduced to mere victims of Feinstone’s madness. Their potential for more complex narratives is squandered, leaving the audience with one-dimensional characters.

The Dentist also struggles with pacing issues, especially in its second act. After the initial shock of Dr. Feinstone’s descent into madness, the film’s momentum slows down significantly. It relies on repetitive dental horror sequences, which, while effective initially, become predictable and lose their impact over time. This pacing problem leads to a sense of monotony, making it difficult to maintain engagement with the story.

Another aspect where the film falters is in its tonal inconsistency. The Dentist attempts to balance horror, dark comedy, and psychological thriller elements, but it doesn’t always succeed. The shifts between these tones can be jarring and disrupt the film’s overall cohesion. At times, the film leans too heavily into dark comedy, undermining the horror and tension it initially builds.

Despite these criticisms, The Dentist does have its moments of suspense and tension. The final act of the film, where Dr. Feinstone’s madness reaches its peak, manages to recapture some of the initial dread and unease. The climax is a gruesome spectacle that brings the story to a satisfyingly gruesome conclusion, albeit with a somewhat predictable resolution.

In terms of direction, Brian Yuzna does a commendable job in creating a visually disturbing and unsettling atmosphere. The sterile and clinical look of Feinstone’s dental office contrasts sharply with the gruesome acts that take place within it, heightening the sense of horror. Yuzna’s use of lighting and camera angles adds to the film’s unsettling aesthetics, creating an effective visual narrative.

The Dentist is a film that elicits mixed feelings. It excels in its portrayal of dental horror and benefits greatly from Corbin Bernsen’s captivating performance as Dr. Feinstone. The practical effects and visual aesthetics contribute to the film’s disturbing atmosphere. However, it falls short in terms of character development, pacing, and tonal consistency. The abrupt transformation of its protagonist and underdeveloped supporting characters leave the audience wanting more depth and complexity. While it manages to recapture some tension in its final act, the film’s overall impact is weakened by these shortcomings. The Dentist remains a gory and memorable entry in the horror genre, but it ultimately leaves viewers with a sense of missed potential and unfulfilled promise.