Blackmoor Vituperative

A great science fiction classic, Forbidden Planet, is playing this Friday and Saturday at the Naro Expanded Cinema. By today’s standards, of course, Forbidden Planet is silly, cliched, and melodramatic, but that’s mainly because it was a trend setter. Every great work of fiction that goes on to inspire countless imitators becomes a cliche. Tolkien’s work is probably the best example of that. You need to remember that when Forbidden Planet was made, Sputnik had yet to be launched, and Star Trek was a decade away.

Despite its antiquity, Forbidden Planet holds up remarkably well, both in its special effects and in the scientific explanations for the fantastic events which take place. The matte paintings are splendid, and Dr. Morbius’ explanations of the Krell’s technology is at least as scientifically sound as those one hears from characters on the bridge of the Enterprise. It’s also refreshing to see what Leslie Nielsen was like before he became a caricature of himself: as Commander Adams, he’d give Captain Kirk a run for his money. (It’s a pity that Police Squad hasn’t been released on DVD, though.)

Forbidden Planet is part of an intermittent series of films in honor of the local late-night movie host, Doctor Madblood (a childhood hero of mine). It plays at the Naro on Friday, March 18 at 22:00 and Saturday, March 19 at 11:30 and at 22:00.