Cinema Classics Number 25 - "The total potential here must be nothing less than astronomical!"
Prepare yourself, listener, for a new scale of science-fiction cinematic value. Dare you come with us and visit the Forbidden Planet? Skipper Mike & First Lieutenant D.K are joined on this amazing voyage by returning interplanetary specialist Justin Avery Smith as we head to Altair IV and arguably the birth of the sci-fi genre as we know it. Celebrating 70 years since it's initial release our intrepid trio dive deep into the genesis of this cinematic landmark, explore the groundbreaking ideas, effects, and Shakespeare-inspired plot. There's a lot of praise for the visuals, the acting (mostly) and the sheer imagination and directorial vision. There's also fair critique of the elements that don't hold up so well, from dated sexism to creepy crewmen and a view of humanity’s guardrails that feels retroactively naive. But ultimately, perhaps unsurprisingly, things devolve into a Robby the Robot love-fest, as we attempt to explain just how this mechanical marvel has charmed audiences and captured imaginations for seven decades. We conclude with the usual critical response, along with an extended look at this film's unique and lasting legacy, finishing with our highlights, critical conclusions and scores out of five interstellar stars. So have your own Robby whip you up a drink (maybe not 60 gallons of bourbon), press play and enjoy this imaginative space odyssey.
Links:
• Follow Justin on Facebook, Instagram & Threads; @Justinaverysmith
• Follow Justin on BlueSky @Justaverysmith
Get tickets for "Revenge of the Soy Boy" in person or live streaming:
• www.eventbrite.com/e/revenge-of-the-soy-boy-tickets
• https://therockwell.org/boston-fringe/
• https://tickets.frigid.nyc/event/
Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods
Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479
Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH6
Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share
E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com
Created & Hosted by Michael Wilson.
Co-hosted by D.K
Written by Michael Wilson
Additional Material by D.K
Edited by Michael Wilson.
Produced by Mike Wilson.
"Monsters, John. Monsters from the id."
