The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977)

An adaptation of H. G. Wells' 1896 novel of the same name, this version of the story stars Michael York as unlucky sailor Andrew Braddock, who ends up on the titular island after a shipwreck somewhere in the middle of the Pacific. The island is home to many types of animal and many secrets, overseen by the studious Dr. Moreau, a man driven by his obsession with biology and science.
We're supposed to sympathise with York's character the most, but it's Burt Lancaster as Moreau that dominates. The actor's performance communicates the scientist's ability to weigh his wickedness against his ultimate goal and come up with an imbalance on the side that's favourable to him. It feeds into musings on things such as morality, society, theocracy and law, but the film lost my attentions more than once, which is never a good sign.

2½ cell instructions out of 5