"The Mower Man" is a 1992 science fiction horror film that delves into the consequences of scientific experimentation gone awry. Directed by Brett Leonard and written by Leonard and Gimel Everett, the film stars Jeff Fahey as Jobe Smith, an intellectually disabled gardener, and Pierce Brosnan as Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Angelo, a scientist with ambitious plans.
Dr. Angelo decides to use Jobe as a subject for his experiments, aiming to enhance Jobe's intelligence through advanced technology. As the experiments progress, Jobe gains superhuman abilities, unlocking the untapped potential of his mind. However, these enhancements come at a cost, as Jobe's increased intelligence is accompanied by heightened aggression and an obsession with evolving into a digital being.
Originally based on a 1975 short story by Stephen King, the film diverges significantly from its source material. In King's story, the titular lawnmower man is a strange, animalistic figure who controls his lawnmower with mystical powers while consuming grass like a goat. In the film, Jobe controls the lawnmower through the stimulation of his brain, a result of Dr. Angelo's unethical experiments with nootropic drugs.
The narrative unfolds as Jobe, initially portrayed as a harmless worker, transforms into a menacing figure as his newfound powers take hold. This transformation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pushing the limits of human potential without regard for ethical boundaries.
Despite its departure from King's original story, the film faced legal challenges. King successfully sued to have his name removed from the title, which was originally "Stephen King's The Lawnmower Man." Nevertheless, the film stands as a chilling exploration of the dark side of scientific progress and the unforeseen consequences of tampering with nature.