The Lucid Nightmare: 1982

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Monday, January 30, 2017

Sunday, September 22, 2013

REVIEW: Time Masters

Time Masters

Director: Rene Laloux

Year 1982

Time Masters, AKA Les maitres du temps, is a fantastically strange and obscure French animated Sci-Fi movie which is brimming with mystery and intrigue. Immersed in a fictional futuristic world, this space opus is among the most unique and bizarre of its kind. With original designs by the acclaimed illustrator Jean Giraud, otherwise known as Moebius, and an ability to present a world void of restrictions on the imagination, Time Masters is without a doubt a science fiction feature that will take you to worlds unimaginable. Not only that, but it is wrapped tightly around a story that is anything but orthodox.

The film follows a lost boy named Piel, who has recently been orphaned on the savage planet of Perdide. Having survived an attack by the planet's carnivorous creatures, which brings about the death of his father, Piel makes contact via radio with a man named Jaffar, an adventurer who is traveling the cosmos with his motley crew. Separated by great distances, Jaffar and his crew must divert from their current mission in order to come to Piel's aid, but will they get there in enough time.

What a wild film Time Masters is! First of all, the cast of characters are extremely diverse and equally strange, ranging from space pirates, a conniving and feminine prince, a pair of telepathic little creatures, a jovial old space explorer, and a heroic space adventurer. There is nothing typical about any of these characters, and each one feels fresh and unique to this original science fiction landscape that collaborators Rene Laloux, Stefan Wul, and Jean Giraud have created. Based off of Wul's novel L'Orphelin de Perdide, the film delves deep into some of the most unusual aspects of the novel, but still manages to add a few daring alternatives to the already compelling points of the original story.

Immersed in a wild universe that is anything but typical, the film relies heavily on outlandish moments and otherworldly creatures to dazzle your mind. Throughout the feature, we are witness to giant vicious bugs, faceless angel-like beings, weird quadrupedal creatures, and just about every strange thing in the book. The world's that the filmmakers have brought to life are effective in their presentation and often unsettling in their unfamiliar nature. Danger looms around every corner, appearances deceive, and most of all there is a heavy dose of wonder etched in every frame of this film.

Visually the film is expertly crafted thanks to the original designs by the legendary Moebius. Everything in the world is just so peculiar in presentation that it does wonders for making you believe in the validity of the unnatural realms on display. In an imaginatively slow build up we are introduced to the characters, landscapes, and creatures of this cinemascape, and each of these instances is pure Moebius. Like something out of his Arzach or The Incal graphic novels, the vivid intricacies of his designs and the cohesive nature in which they all flow together in believable juncture, give a great lived in feel to the texture of the world.

As for the story, it is a simple yarn, yet one that gets extremely twisted and bold as the narrative weaves its way forward. Nothing is as it seems in this film, and by the end of this unusual journey you will be left with a strange sense of awe and respect for the genuinely unique vision that all of the artists involved have been able to accomplish. Astoundingly against the grain and rather bold and daring in its presentation, Time Masters is one animated feature that opens our eyes to a greater vision, one filled with wonderful sights and dangerous adventures.

Time Masters is a unique interpretation of French writer Stefan Wul's 'The Orphan Perdide'. Taking the same tone as the book and expanding upon it, the animated feature opens up the possibilities of this thriving world, allowing for us to explore its unusual offerings and diverse vistas. The characters within this story are surprisingly complex and are often faced with rather extraordinary situations, which tap on a handful of moral issues and philosophical quandaries.

In general the real asset of this production is the collaboration of all its aspects and the way they gel so nicely together. The creatures, the various planets, the overall atmosphere of the production, they all combine to make for a compelling watch. Added on top of that is a story that traverses on subjects and situations that most likely have never, or will never, be explored again within the medium. End it all with a twist that is both emotionally disheartening and wholly unexpected, and you've got yourself one hell of a good animated science fiction feature. If you're a fan of Moebius' distinct style or a sucker for animated science fiction, then you owe it to yourself to track this one down. It's a real winner! Time Masters is.....

Creepy Space Staring Contest..... GO!

Are you sure you forgot to pack all of your pants Jaffar?

That's one sassy little creature.

Suddenly I have the feeling..... Like we're being watched!

What's up guys.... ladies? What the hell are you?

Will you stop playing around on that thing and get me the hell out of here!

Jaffar's got some sweet dance moves!

You're not going anywhere until you get a hug from me buddy.

Never take candy from strangers kid.

Let's kick this dance off right!

How about a backrub? Why you little perverts!

Get this kid a fly swatter!

And you thought the mosquitoes in your town sucked.

Behold! The Master of the Greenscreen!

Red Rover... Red Rover... let Billy come over!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

REVIEW: The Dark Crystal

The Dark Crystal
Director: Jim Henson & Frank Oz
Year 1982

The Dark Crystal is a magical fantasy film born from the minds of Jim Henson, David Odell, and Frank Oz. Featuring an entire cast of puppets and a fabricated fictional world, this outlandish production brought to life a vivid realm in which movie lovers had never seen before and unfortunately have yet to witness again. With an ambitious mindset and a dedicated and passionate crew, Jim Henson was able to realize a dream through this film, allowing the way we create and view movies to change in the most dramatic and beautiful of ways. The Dark Crystal is a wonder of achievement as it opens our eyes to a plain of existence that only exists inside the celluloid frame of a true visionary’s sprawling masterpiece come to life. Jim Henson…. You’re the man!

In another world, in another time, in the age of wonder, a young Gelfling named Jen must embark on a most perilous journey, in order to restore the balance of the universe. His mission is to restore the Dark Crystal, a power source for his planet, which was cracked by the reigning race of bird-like lizard creatures called the Skeksis. Armed with the missing shard from the crystal and naïve in the ways of the world, Jen sets out to repair the Dark Crystal, and in the process, finds out that the world is a much bigger place than he first realized. Across bounding landscapes and through extraordinary countrysides, Jen comes into contact with various inhabitants of this savage yet breathtaking realm as he comes to realize his true destiny and purpose among such wondrous things. As the dying planet comes closer to the end of its life-cycle, can Jen defeat the Skeksis and reclaim this decaying world for all that is good? Time will tell in this epic tale of good versus evil, but I have a hunch that Jen is going to come out on top. Do it you beautiful little Gelfling bastard!

The central characters in this imaginative little yarn come in the form of small, sprite-like beings named Jen and Kira. These two Gelflings, thought to be the last of their race, are pitted against an overwhelming amount of opposition, yet Jim Henson and his puppeteers make them feel like living-breathing, flesh and blood characters to the point that you really believe that they can press through the turmoil and conquer their collective obstacles. The designs of these creatures are simplistic, yet exceptionally crafted, taking inspiration from the traditional physical appearances of fairies and other iterations of that ilk. What is most noticeable about the race of Gelflings is that they are one with nature in both their physical appearances as well as their tendency to live in harmony with their surroundings. This tree hugging aspect of their characters is heartwarming, especially when you juxtapose them against the beliefs and lifestyles of the Skeksis.

In the same love and care that went into creating Jen and Kira, Jim Henson and company went above and beyond in creating a believable array of creatures and beings to inhabit the world that they set up. First and foremost we have the two races of creatures that nurture both Jen and Kira from infancy. The wise and mysterious race known as the Mystics, are the ones who cared for Jen, while the Podlings, a gentle race of “earth-people” are the beings that take Kira in as their own. The design work on the Mystics is just astounding as these creatures really look like believable beings. The movements they make have a sense of weight to them, and you instantly take it as fact that they inhabit this world and are a direct connection with the life that inhabits this film. With their extra appendages, dinosaur like features, and mesmerizing motions, the Mystics are a highlight of the movie. While not as visually impressive as the Mystics, the Podlings are a more energetic race of creatures, mirroring the spirit and fun of the Fraggles, yet in Doozer size forms. The peaceful way in which these Podlings live their lives is lovingly portrayed by Henson and crew, and the family bonds that these lively puppets possess between each other in the film is quite endearing and perfectly executed. Each upbringing, be that by Mystics or Podlings, are totally different in appearance, yet similar in their underlying theme which is to treat the earth and its creatures with respect while living in harmony with nature. That creed is beautifully recreated in the design work that went into creating these memorable creatures.

Aside from Jen, Kira, and the races of Mystics and Podlings, there is one more memorable do-gooder in the film, who though ambiguous in nature, leans more towards the side of good more so than evil. Aughra the Keeper of Secrets, is a wildly zany character that honestly scared the shit out of me as a kid and till this day still gives me the creeps. With horns like a ram and one single eye that she can pop out and gross people out with, Aughra is a character that you won’t soon forget. With a sassy personality and a tendency to impersonate the illogical dialogue structure of master Yoda, Aughra gives Jen and the audience their first taste of the strange beings that inhabit this unusual new world. I love the odd nature of her character and the fact that she pops in and out of the narrative at the most curious of times, makes her appearances that much more spontaneous and enjoyable. Aughra is definitely a Henson creation that brings that spark of imagination to full fruition.

The enchanting creature creations don’t stop there, no far from it. On the flip side of the coin we have the darker side of this world represented by the evil race of Skeksis. These grotesque beasts are scavengers at heart, resembling a disgusting hybrid of bird and lizard, and with a vulture’s disposition. The race of Skeksis is an opportunistic lot, always vying for power and constantly devouring everything around them. When we are first introduced to this vile bunch, they are at the end of their reign with their power waning because of the slowly diminishing Dark Crystal. Henson holds nothing back in showcasing just how terrible these creatures truly are by giving us some rather disturbing series of scenes that emphasize the chaotic nature of living under a Skeksis regime.

One moment in particular displays the hierarchy of their race. In this telling scene we learn that they are ruled over by one king who holds control over the entire group. The king in their case is a dying old crone who has all the appearances of a walking corpse. Like vultures circling dying prey, the group watch in bated breathe as the king succumbs to his inevitable demise. As soon as the king passes, each member of the council begins to announce his desire to rule and individually they begin vying for position to take the throne. We come to find, in a very intense scene, that the only way to determine who will be ruler is through a physical test called Trial by Stone. In this situation, two combatants must each take a sword and attempt to embed the biggest mark they can in a slab of granite in order to prove their worth. The attention to detail and historical significance that this event relays to the audience is ingenious, and Henson does a wonderful job in guiding us through this cultural awakening that allows us to witness this rite of passage between the Skeksis. I find it fascinating that Henson and crew went into such detail to flesh out their story and bring this whole fictitious world to life. Needless to say that this isn’t the only example on how the filmmakers managed to inject a sense of validity to their work, and we see this time and time again as the rest of the world and its inhabitants are opened up to us.

Aside from the imaginative creatures of the film, the world of The Dark Crystal is equally as animated as its inhabitants. From the sprawling vistas that reach for miles around to the intimate nooks and crannies of the thick forests of this planet, we come to find that this ecosystem is a thriving metropolis of vegetation and unimaginable living things. The landscapes are truly breathtaking in their presentation and Henson and company do a magnificent job in bringing this all to stark life using some of the most practical of effects to achieve their wonderful vision. From mountain formations, to deep valleys, this film world has a great breadth of visual panache and it’s all executed to perfection. Not only that, but the miniature work on this movie is astoundingly good and extremely detailed. One in particular is the depiction of the Skeksis’ fortress, replicated with that twisted and contorted mindset that perfectly captures the personalities of those loathsome creatures that dwell within.

Another splendid aspect of the production is the inclusion of some of the most wonderfully reconstructed sets that I’ve seen this side of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Take Aughra’s observatory for instance. The scale and scope of her home is mind-boggling, and the planetary mechanism that dominates the center of her abode is impressive to say the least. Out of all the architectural structures in this film, I’ve always been rather fond of Aughra’s place, and the level of care that went into constructing that intricate set can be felt with extreme effectiveness while viewing the film. All in all, the entire production seems to be a labor of love for all that was involved with the creation of this magical film. Henson and his team of visionaries took a chance on a movie that probably seemed unfilmable to anyone outside their circle. I’m glad they took the gamble, because their hard work paid off in full. Thanks to them we have this wonderful fantasy tale to revisit again and again, hopefully sparking the imaginations of coming generations as they begin crafting their own fictional works of art.

The Dark Crystal is one of the most imaginative and potent pieces of work to ever come out of the fantasy genre, marking a milestone for cinema as a whole and delivering a film that will be cherished by those who dare to dream along with its creators. With a heavy emphasis on world creating and a loving touch when designing the countless iterations of creatures and inhabitants, the film is a shining example on how to make a living-breathing cinematic experience that never feels artificial and always aims to absorb the viewer into its proceedings. From Gelflings, to Mystics, to Podlings, to Skeksis, the movie encapsulates us in its history and never forgets to pay the satisfactory respect to its individual races and creatures.

On top of the excellent creature work, the filmmakers provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for all of these creations to thrive upon. The lush surroundings of this world are displayed in sensory driven excellence as they visually pop from the screen in inviting presentation and vivid detail. Most likely your jaw will drop from some of the mesmerizing landscape shots that depict this fictional world in all of its glory. The scale of this production is epic, yet the way the filmmakers tackle the material provides for an intimate portrayal of good and its trials and tribulations on conquering evil. This fantasy tale is bathed in a production aesthetic that is anything but routine, and for this hard work ethic and strict attention to detail, I have to give a salute to Henson and his crew for making such a wonderful world for our imaginations to run wild in.

With the heart and soul that they put into this film, you’d be hard pressed not to be swept up in its magic and splendor. If you’ve never seen this movie before, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. There has been nothing as potent and eye-opening as this film within the genre and the practical way in which the filmmakers approached the material gives the production a sense of validity and authenticity that is really hard to come by in this medium. Gone are the days of practical cinema, but those special moments still live on through the hard work of all that dedicated their lives to bringing something special to the screen. The Dark Crystal is one of those films and if you love fantasy films as much as me, then you should get a real kick out of this one. This movie is simply put a…..