Overview

Fierce Creatures is a 1997 British comedy film written by John Cleese. It follows the staff of a traditional zoo after the property is acquired by a profit-driven owner who insists the collection be reduced to animals that could, in theory, kill people. The film works as a workplace satire, blending farce and social commentary while reuniting several performers associated with an earlier Cleese project.

Plot and themes

The central narrative concerns the zoo's management as they try to reconcile animal welfare, public expectation and commercial pressures. The ownership change forces practical and moral choices: whether to keep gentle species that draw families or to emphasize 'fierce' specimens as a marketing device. The story lampoons corporate takeovers, bureaucracy and the commodification of nature, using comic misunderstandings and eccentric characters to explore those ideas.

Cast and characters

  • John Cleese — a senior manager struggling to protect the zoo's mission (cast details).
  • Kevin Kline — the new owner whose business instincts upend the status quo (biography).
  • Supporting players include familiar comic actors from prior collaborations (ensemble).
  • Other roles and cameos are documented in production credits (credits).

The film is often described as a spiritual sequel to A Fish Called Wanda because it features much of the same principal cast and a similar comic tone, though it presents a distinct story rather than a direct continuation (comparison).

Production and release

John Cleese wrote the screenplay and the production involved established creative collaborators. Direction was led by Fred Schepisi, with additional directorial contribution noted in some reports (director, production notes, filming details). The film was shot in locations chosen to evoke a working British zoo and employed animal handlers and technical advisors to represent the setting responsibly (animal consultancy).

Reception and legacy

On release, the film received mixed reviews: critics praised performances and moments of sharp satire but some regarded it as less consistently successful than earlier collaborations by the same actors (critical response, reviews). Over time it has been discussed for its commentary on commercialization and for reuniting a notable comic ensemble (retrospective, analysis).

For further reading and resources, see production histories, cast interviews and archival material referenced by film historians and enthusiasts (interviews, archives, further links).