It is unusual to watch a science fiction movie from the early 1960s without wanting to laugh yourself silly, but this little number not only looks the part (albeit in a 60s style -think original Star Trek series production values), it also bridges two distinct styles within the genre. On the one hand, there is the earlier, declamatory style of traditional alien-busting 'Golden Age' sci-fi; on the other the later, more confessional storytelling characterised by '2001: A Space Odyssey' or 'Solaris' through to 'Alien' and 'District 9'. In the latter sort, there is a much darker, dubious foundation; man is usually more a part of the problem than the solution. Arguably, this linking of styles was also achieved quite nicely in 'Forbidden Planet', but excellent as it was, that movie still had us rooting for the 'Cowboys' versus the 'Indians' (despite the 'Indians' being a product of one man's insecure ego), and fell back on that already tired old staple of the misunderstood scientist with a glamorous daughter! For me, the stunning thing about 'Ikarie XB 1' is the astonishingly precocious direction and editing. It is sharp, dynamic and typical of very much later offerings. At a trim 1 hour 23 minutes, it manages to do a great deal. It is true that much of the 'exterior' work is pretty clunky, but that doesn't detract too much from the whole. Also, I'm afraid I did find one thing to laugh myself silly at: the trashing of poor old Patrick, the ageing robot, would have fit right into an episode of 'The Simpsons'! ("Patrick -RETREAT!!"...CLUNK! CRASH! Oh dear, too late!) All this and the discovery of a diabolical weapon called 'Tigger Fun' - what's not to like?
This movie can be viewed in entirety, with English subs, on YouTube.
Finally, whilst writing this, I have learned (belatedly) of the death in January this year of Anne Francis, who played Altaira in 'Forbidden Planet'. I am sure my sadness at her passing will be shared by many.
This movie can be viewed in entirety, with English subs, on YouTube.
Finally, whilst writing this, I have learned (belatedly) of the death in January this year of Anne Francis, who played Altaira in 'Forbidden Planet'. I am sure my sadness at her passing will be shared by many.