I was nine years old when Forbidden Planet was released, and the whole family saw it at the Centre Theater in St. Paul, MN. Even at that age I was into sci-fi, but the cerebralism of that movie was so overwhelming that I just GOT it ! It was years before I ever felt characters' empathy so well again. To this day I am still amazed at how well the story revealed itself to a little kid.
Great breakdown. One more thing about when Robby short circuits at the command to shoot the captain. This was foreshadowing when Morbius orders Robby to protect him from the monster and he short circuits. Robbie knew it was him creating the monster.
Sept. 2024 - Dear RetroNerdGirl, You did an amazing, comprehensive fact filled review of MGM’s 1956 “Forbidden Planet” sci-fi movie. From the Disney artist creating the roaring energy Monster to the mini-skirt introduction, you covered all the bases and so much more! I have a Poster and a Robbie the Robot toy in my home. This, along with “Star Trek”and “2001: A Space Odyssey” will keep our sci-fi imaginations going forever. Thanks soo very much for presenting the details with your radio ready 🎙️ clear voice! Take care.🙂📡🔭🚀🛸🛰️signed, A new devoted fan!
Interesting and most informative. I like the fact that, as you pointed out, they treated the production seriously even though sci-fi was generally regulated to B-movies at the time and tended to be hokey or goofy. They showed what you could really do if treated as a first rate movie and paved the way for many other great movies and television series to come.
Thanks for the thoughtful review, this is one of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time... though the monster scared the crap out of me when I was a little kid in the early 60's... that roar!
I had no idea, this was the first ever movie to be entirely set on another planet. I see alot of star trek elements in this, it must have inspired Roddenberry.
Roddenberry like George Lucas lifted much that the giants of Sci-Fi that came before them. For instance ..if you want to see Indiana Jones before there was an Indiana Jones, watch Charlton Heston in Secrets of the Incas.
I also heard that this movie was a major influence on Gene Roddenberry when he created Star Trek. Oh and it was said that Leslie Nielsen had his fart machine on set. He always wanted to do comedy, but Hollywood wanted him as a leading man for years. I can kind of see that. He was a handsome man with leading role looks.
Couldn't click on this fast enough! :) Been waiting for this, one my all-time fave "classic" sci-fi films, and ahead of it's time in so many ways. Thankyou so much for the work you put into this and your obvious enjoyment of this amazing film.
I saw this movie as a kid in the late 1960's in the Canadian arctic. I remember this movie because as I was kicking off my winter boots to go in to see the movie, I got a finger caught in the hinge of a closing door and it crushed my fingertip. We never got many movies so every movie was must see...so I cleaned up, wrapped paper towel around my finger...and went in. I tried to watch the movie but my throbbing finger proved too much distraction. What I still remember, is the scene with the invisible monster bending the spaceship stairs as it walked down them. That scene made enough of an impression to, at least momentarily, overcome the throbbing of my finger. By the way, I found your channel after it was recommended by Chris Gore of Film Threat.
Great review and extremely thorough. I saw Forbidden Planet in the early 60s (I was probably ten years old) and my young mind stretched itself to try to understand and keep up with the film. Since then, I've been hooked on science fiction in general and this film in particular. Thank you for your detailed and insightful comments.
I first saw FP in 1956, when I was 13 years old. Your point that the flying saucers always belonged to the aliens is well taken. In the opening, the C57D was flying along among the stars so beautifully I expected some aliens as usual. However, when the interior of the saucer was shown and I saw humans flying it, my heart stopped. It was ours! I have never forgotten that. Went into science, got a PhD, worked with satellites, never got to make a flying saucer though. Sigh. Excellent review. Cheers.
Thanks so much for that insight. This is the very reason this film is so special to me. I always imagined mankind would be able to travel to distant worlds one day.😀
I always thought that Dr Moprbius (Walter Pidgeon) was the blueprint for Dr Strange! Love this film. I atch it at least once every year. Love Anne Francis as an actor and woman. Leslie Nielson is outstanding, and the soundtrack ground-breaking. The biggest influence on Sci-Fi until Star Wars and Blade Runner decades later. The Id monster gave me nightmares for years!
What a wonderful review and mini documentary and tribute to my second favorite film of all time. I first saw this movie on Channel 56 in 1968 when I was only seven and the movie was only twelve (I can date that so accurately because the comic book on the couch beside me to be read during commercials was Fantastic Four #75). This movie really embodies the exotic and romantic and intellectual elements of SF that grabbed me since I was old enough to read: A mysterious universe to be explored, full of secrets to be discovered and truths to be learned. It's almost mystical in its breathtaking sense of wonder. You really captured all the angles of the film, from the alien landscapes to the sprawling technology to the avant garde fashions to the unplumbed depths of the subconscious. Even the courtly and courteous behaviors of characters in conflict evokes a more civilized time to come. It truly is the future as we once imagined it-- and that I'm still holding out hopes for. As a production, the movie is quite a work of art from the script to the matte paintings, and the cast is simply wonderful. Walter Pidgeon really helps to give the film gravitas and Leslie Nielsen as the young challenger of his authority-- on both professional and personal levels-- is perfect. And there are a bunch of faces in there that would become very familiar over the next couple of decades. Anne Francis, of course, was amazing, and I had a huge crush on her. I found her character to be very liberated-- when you think about it, probably the only liberated character in the movie. When I first saw this, in 1968, Women's Lib was in high gear and Altaira fit right in. She was completely indifferent to her father's authority, she was curious and intellectual, sexually forthright, and hardly demure. It was fun to finally see Forbidden Planet get the RNG treatment and I'm glad you loved it as much as I did (as I knew you would). Thanks again for this great channel. It's like an antidote to all the ills of the world. :)
RJD, I enjoyed reading this so much and the amazing details you visit. I agree. As well, thank you so much for always giving me such great feedback and encouragement.😊 You're awesome!
Robbie and the Id Monster also parallel characters in "The Tempest" in character if not in appearance. Robbie is the films iteration of Ariel, the good aspect of Prospero's servants and the Id Monster paralleling Caliban, the evil "monster" servant of Prospero.
This is one of my favorite movies. It's a rare treat to see any coverage of classic sci-fi. Thanks for covering it. Looking forward to JJ's sequel, Forbidden Planet: Into Darkness. j/k
@@Yarblocosifilitico: I just finished chapter 12 with my critique group. It's going well. Even the non-sci-fi readers can't wait for each chapter. We haven't gotten to the "World in Exile" yet (title). It's the fifth planet out from Altair, the fourth having been "Bh-lown up, sir!" (movie reference?) There will be evidence of the Krell, and a new civilization which is off-limits to Earthlings for a very dangerous reason. Of course, we will meet them. Love your handle! Reference to Clockwork Orange! I just published my first book. It's on Amazon among other places. It's called "Pipeline" and my last name is Kuttner.
Loosely based on "The Tempest"? There are many more similarities than the few you mentioned. Prospero, like Morbius, has access to information and abilities the other characters don't. Like Prospero, he gives up and renounces his powers at the end of the story (even telling the Id Monster that he rejects him). Robby the robot serves double duty - like Ariel the spirit, he is dispatched to "magically" make the seemingly impossible happen, and like Caliban, he serves as a comedic respite in the drama, though Robby does this with considerably more sophistication & panache. Both Robby and Ariel have tremendous powers, but they don't (or can't) use them to rebel against their masters, who they care for and protect. The Cook played brilliantly by Earl Holliman in the film is taken from the drunk Stephano in the play and adds to the comic relief in interactions w/Robby. Alta in the film, and Miranda in the play are practically mirror images of each other. Both are symbols of human purity, and both get schooled in the ways of the world by observing the visitors, and change their world view (Miranda: "What a brave new world that hath such creatures in it"), both fall in love w/similar positive - but very human - male characters. Both male characters must wrestle w/their libidos and control themselves, displaying noble character. The visitors in the play are ship-wrecked by a storm conjured by Prospero, and can't leave. The invisible Id Monster wreaks havoc on the space ship, delaying their departure. Both characters of Prospero and Morbius are primarily driven by total concern for the welfare of their daughters. The guts of "Forbidden Planet" are lifted almost whole cloth from "The Tempest", just as the guts of the original "Star Trek" series were lifted from this film (appearance of the transporter device & effects, viewscreen, characters of the captain, doctor, engineer, & #1, just for starters). Nothing like starting w/quality to beget quality (great artists steal, remember), and is the sincerest form of flattery. Shakespeare himself was influenced by others - if you're brilliant, you make it brilliant, if you're not the results are mediocre. The 3 productions mentioned here are all brilliant. If I could only see one play again for the rest of my life, it would be "The Tempest" - one film, it would be "Forbidden Planet". The perfect TV series would be an amalgam of the original "Star Trek" and the "Next Generation", in my humble opinion. It's all a continuum, in the end. Sci-fi, mythology, and Shakespeare all deal w/ the Big Questions of existence, writ large - they naturally go together.
There is a scene early in the movie where the Starship C-57D is looking down on Altair IV and you see the planet through the view screen. Now this is before a pictures from space had been returned to Earth nothing had been in orbit yet. And yet the view of the planet from space, as quick and low resolution as it is still holds up. You could be forgiven for thinking it's the surface of Mars in a picture sent back by one of our probes. This at a time when most movie depictions of plants from space looked like colored maps. Just my own take on a little effect they got absolutely right.
Thumb Up #395! 👍. Thanks for your fun and informative, digital video recording! 🎬🤠😎🤓✌️🖖 Notes: Okay, I was expecting another reaction DVR, but instead, I got your wonderful review with a slide show and your pleasant voice narrating it! A nice change of pace from the guys that I've seen react to it, what with their nose picking, scratching, et cetera. But anyway, I thought that I heard you say, "C-57B", one time. Also, you said, "ally", rather than, "alloy". 🤔 Hey! That's right! I never noticed the trio arrangement before now, so thanks! But I barely think about it when viewing, "Star Trek", anyway. I prefer to think about the females. Altaira! Her adventures are somehow legally allowed to continue beyond the movie, in comic book magazine publications like, "Heavy Metal Magazine". (I guess a fee or something was paid, so that they aren't just what some call, "fan fiction". 🤔 ) They are even sexier than what was shown in the movie. By the way! I asked her about the skinny dipping scene. She was wearing a "flesh suit", "nude suit", or whatever, to simulate nudity. She acknowledged that it was noticable in the movie, hence why it causes confusion as to her actual status versus intended status, as to her state of apparel or nudity. 😁🙄
I think FP has a tighter correlation with the Tempest than you state. As an example, his "abuse" of the Krell's technology/devices correlates to the mistreatment of the island's natives in the Tempest. Further the desire to warn off (vs attract) visitors is just a minor subplot difference; in both cases he knows of the society those visitors come from and it’s that society he is challenging / rejecting. Lastly, of course magic and highly advanced technology could be (have been) said to be indistinguishable. I could go on, but it seems to have a deeper connection to the play than just a few characters as you sugggest.
I think when I wrote the script for this video I was only stating that the wasn't a replica of the story beat for beat. I love the awesome similarities you pointed out and I encourage you to go to town if you have more insights to share. 😊
I've watched this film for decades and have read many reviews, and yours is the best. Excellent call on all the seeming minutia paying off and adding to the resolution. Take a look at The Seven Samurai with that in mind. Good catches on the importance of the opening credits, the flying saucer, the captain (and not Morbius or the Doctor) solving the main crisis, the lack of villain but abundance of danger and suspense, Robby being neither a villain nor hero, and the non-traditional final scene, which showed caring consolation rather than passionate kiss, and deep respect for the man who (inadvertently) caused all the trouble. Did you notice that while Alta wears dresses covered in precious stones, she is ALWAYS barefoot? There were two reasons for this and they follow the two sides of her character that you mention. Your insight into this film is spot on.
Wonderful commentary of this truly classic movie. Remarkable movie that indeed influenced so much that came later. This amazing film has stood up over half a century, showing the immense talent and creativity of all those who worked to make it. Couple of things I remember from some other vid on the making of the film was that the original performer of Robby the Robot during shooting went off to lunch and came back drunk and lost his job as a result. And you spoke about Ann Francis's wardrobe in the movie. I also recall from another Forbidden Planet vid that the movie was not shown in Spain because of her short skirt. At the time it was considered too inappropriate. And yes, the themes of this movie were deep and compelling and the whole production and performances were very well done. Truly a movie at least a decade ahead of its time. Once again, wonderful review.
My #1 Favorite SciFi Movie..and in my Top 10 Greatest Films Of All Time. I have a 4×5 foot Poster of the Film on my bedroom wall! Excellent Review...Forbidden Planet also became a Musical with the Title "Forbidden Planet: Revisited"!
The impact of this film cannot be understated!!! In regards to the Sci/Fi Genre; there was Before FP & After FB! & you are correct about the Biblical overtones... With Miss Francis primarily seen in 'The Garden' as well as the Captain being named Adam! (Like Mr. Rennie being named Carpenter in 'The Day the Earth Stood Still'!) One 'elephant in the room' trope of the film was the initial Away-Team (like in Star Trek) being the white male triumvirate. Can't tell you how nice it was to get your latest Review! Sorry you've been having some tough times! Whatever the situation was/is... hope things work out!
This is a favorite of mine. I found your analysis quite interesting. One interesting tid-bit about the "Garden of Eden" analogy: in this case, Adam gives Eve the "apple". 😊
Wow. Fun and informative review Ms. Girl! Helpful, too. I've been a student of this film since I saw it in '56 at age 9 in a drive-in. You gave me a few new insights I had missed, e.g. the Genesis references. Your cute & upbeat style made it fresh & fun. It'll be helpful in writing my current novel, a thinly disguised sequel to this film. BTW, it's "ad-a-MAN-tine" ("unyielding") steel and "Bell-ER-o-phon," (a Greek hero). I'm off to browse your catalog and then do some writing... I'm inspired!
My goodness! This is one of my favorite old school movies ever! I even have a recorded documentary on how forbidden planet it was made and I love to imagine this federation of planets is the same one from star trek sure star fleet gets most of the 95% action but the federation does I believe have it's own starships for this very kind of this situation not the hole situation like in the movie but being able to handle more important basic stuff like exploring colony issues and what would in a more normal federation colonies situations
Retro Nerd Girl has been using something, having a super-good day, found the movie especially funny, or is being just plain silly - or something. Whatever it is, - she gives a dimension to the part of narrator that makes her fun to hear.
A bit of symbolism here. Dr. Morbius arrived on a ship called the Bellerophon. In Greek myths Bellerophon was a man who tamed Pegasus and used the power of flight to intrude upon Olympus. Bellerophon planned to dine with the gods and become immortal. Needless to say, the Olympians were not happy about this. Things ended badly. Thanks for mentioning Louis and Bebe Barron. First electronic soundtrack ever, and one of the best. Bebe Barron actually had formal training in music, Louis was basically an an electrician who was obsessed with Norbert Wiener's cybernetics theory. They were both geniuses. Also the scene in Star Wars (77) when Obi Wan turns off the tractor beams was copied from Forbidden Planet, as was the Great Machine shot in Babylon 5.
The "monster from the id" coincides with Calaban, the evil character, in Shakespeare's The Tempest; Robbie the robot coincides with Ariel, the good spirit in the play.
Brilliant review of my favorite science fiction movie . I must seen it so many times in my life , when l saw it as a 8 year old ,l thought it was star trek ,l was scared 😱 by the music and the monster, that looks like the MGM lion 🦁. The most interesting part of this spell bound movie is underneath the planet ,the knell the wonders ,there incredible technology. One of best things of forbidden planet is we see what Knell race look like . I have forbidden planet on video dvd and blue ray .seen it on big screen few times . Robby the robot is definitely a huge highlight . Richard Anderson is great as chief quinn before he gets killed by the monster. 👍👍👍👍❤
Odd that Jack Kelly was the XO, rather than Richard Anderson, who plays the Bos'n. Burt Reynolds always said Anderson looked like "old money." He later tended to play senior officers like the Battalion Commander/R S-3/Regimental Commander in Roddenbury's USMC 1963-'64 series, The Lieutenant.
Greetings, Wow, this seems to be my day researching sci-fi reviews, trailers and opening film scores, &etc. Forbidden Planet is one of my top ten films and one of my BIG THREE sci-fi thrillers. The Thing From Another World, Day the Earth Stood Still - both from 1951; and Forbidden Planet - 1956. I grew up with these classics and have pretty much squeezed every detail out of them. But I must tip my hat to Retro Nerd Girl for her fascinating take of Forbidden Planet. Most, if not all, reviewers are guys. Who else to rely upon for the technical facts of a film? Especially a sci-fi film. Well, its about time we hear from the fairer side in the man's domain. What a refreshing take from a female perspective! Looking at the film with a more intuitive slant offers a slightly different, more in focus, view of Forbidden Planet. Very informative with some genuine good humor thrown into the mix. For instance, I loved your take on Alta's sexually honest but socially awkward remark about the two "handsome" hunks in the ship's crew. That has never been commented on before, but is a an important observation into Alta's innocence and naivety. I consider myself more or less an expert on this film, having grown up with it since I was 9 or 10, sixty years ago. So when I say your review was interesting, informative, intelligent and a refreshing new take on an old film. Take that to the bank. This is my first Retro Nerd Girl review. No doubt you have brought similar humor and unique observations to your other films. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Bravo!
The fictional science in this film shows with acuity what we can do, in fact one is a reality now. The radio signal was emitted from the planet 20 miles squared. That is todays Phased Array Antennas.
Greetings, I just poked around on your home page. Can't wait to read your reviews of Metropolis and War of the Worlds for starters. Some great fodder to distract me on those gloomy afternoons to come. My best to Retro Nerd Girl.
Forbidden Planet was not based on the Tempest. It was loosely based on a partially reconstructed Homeric play called " Bellerophon " which also happens to be to name of Dr. Morbius' space ship.
I wonder if A.E. von Vogt's stuff from his Voyage of the Space Beagle stories (like Black Destroyer) inspires its extra-solar setting? I think this one was the first to be set on a planet in another system (with an explanation of how the ship could travel that far quickly).
Nielsen played heroes (and bad guys ) for about 30 years before Airplane! and Police Squad!. One good series he did (that bombed back in 1961-'62) was The New Breed.
Top flight review of a brilliant cinema classic. Very thought provoking. Thanks Retro Nerd Girl. It’s been remarked many times....but still deserves restating - Forbidden Planet is a rather shocking yet (hopefully) cathartic text-book Freudian exploration of titanic subconscious forces. With a touch of politics, especially gender-politics, thrown in. I kid you not! Really, for the 1950s, the analysis of Dr Morbius’ failure to recognise his romantic-erotic jealousy of his daughter Altaira’s burgeoning love for Captain Leslie Nielsen....this is very daring. The less-than-good doctor’s very name suggests he is half asleep, at least regarding awareness of his own submerged desires. He is also an agent of unwitting killing - hence the sickly aroma of morbidity. He walks around in professorial black or brown (with a very Germanic academic tie), as if he were working on, umm, problems of nuclear fission in a 1930s Berlin Technical Institute, blind to the fateful consequences. The film is so visually ravishing, yet so unsettling mysterious from the beginning, the audience is gripped! The way the mystery is unravelled is dramatically slick, like a 1940s film noire with EG Robinson on the case to catch the insurance fraudster 😉. Unwittingly, like a textbook psychotherapeutic case, Dr M’s is unable to resist laying out the clues to his murderous subconscious. But, the cultured Doctor also represents a universal failure of self knowledge....at least within 1950’s capitalist-imperialist America, with its hot-house, nuclear-family psychodynamics. (Not much has changed, except the fantasies of total control and infinite technology are more lurid.) Anyway, I bet MGM wouldn’t have approved that as a byline for the marketing campaign 🤣. We are not yet in the late 60s/early 70s world of The Graduate, or Harold and Maud. The id monster is horrifying, an unspeakable beast of limitless rage, breathing destruction and with the eyes of hell. HIeronymus Bosch on steroids. Which perhaps tells even a 2020s audience that there might just be something riveted very deeply into human psychology, about the dynamics between fathers/daughters/lovers. Something written into our genes in our joyful evolutionary playground in sub Saharan Africa. The way the id Monster electrocutes the crew and throws the bodies aside as garbage, is emotionally and morally disgusting. Not entirely unlike the bloody butchering of young men at the opening of Saving Private Ryan. The fact that the Monster grows ever stronger the more the male crew (heavy emphasis) pours lethal radiation into it, is a cracking metaphor for the fruitlessness of trying to undo the errors of lack of self knowledge by ever greater masculine violence. Boys with their toys.... The chummy-chummy but hollow camaraderie amongst the crew as they prepare to face the invisible monster has the same air of dread and doom as those USAF lieutenants sitting at the launch controls of the Minutemen missiles. “We are prepared for any eventuality, General LeMay.” Straight out of “Dr Strangelove”. Altaira, on the other hand, is the creation of what sounds like a half-balanced love between Dr M and his now dead wife. Nothing suspicious there, at least the way the Dr tells it, eh? She is also full of optimistic and frank realism about biology and love and the real world. Her name is derived from the planet where she was born. In a rather heart warming way, she is like a young Gaia figure, a feminine life-positive energetic ever-developing being. Particularly seductive is her sensuous connection with fawns and the like. The appearance of the Tiger-Tigress (a spontaneous creation one suspects of the Krell machine) as simultaneously an emblem of her shimmering and ever-developing erotic power, and of her father’s continuing destructive antipathy towards her romantic-erotic connectedness to another man, is a nice touch. Who wouldn’t love her? The Tiger-Tigress is sobering hint that just because you are feminine-positive and life-positive, and even if you have great self awareness of the beauty and divine quality of erotic union, that doesn’t mean that romantic-erotic union with each other is always a one way trip hand-in-hand to heaven on earth. Sometimes it can be. Ask our Hindu friends about the many embodiments of the wonderful goddess Kali. Or see the films Blue is the Warmest Colour by Abdellatif Kechiche, and Caramel by Nadine Labaki. As the very wise Retro Nerd Girl observes, there is something enlightening and positive about the twin facts that (1) Altaira rejects her father’s tyrannically possessive love, and (2) the more wholesome Capt LN, who loves Altaira with an “adult mutuality”, is able to see the truth about the Great Machine. He also sees the error of a dream of limitless technical power when coupled to lack of self-knowledge. Dr M’s sacrifice of his life in the claws and jaws of the Monster has a certain redemptive element - he realises his responsibility for killing, due to his reckless dabbling with the brain-booster, even if he didn’t consciously intend it (a dainty moral question). But why can’t he simply admit his guilt whilst banishing the monster via higher self-knowledge, and take his portion of just punishment? This is the rather too glib à la Shakespeare exit of the morally flawed antagonist. I always regret the ending with its destruction of the Krell technology and learning. It’s too pessimistic about our human ability to handle these forbidden fruits 🍎🍏. Keep those reviews coming, Retro NG, SVP.
I loved this movie growing up. I love it even more now many years later. That is the sign of a truly great movie. A movie whose importance transcends space and time. The message of this movie is to our future selves. Please watch Steve Job's 1981 Interview about how the computer will Amplify the human mind. Then watch this movie and contemplate what the Internet and the algorithms are doing and you'll understand the message.
Dang, RNG, you worked hard on this and it shows. (Old business out of the way first -- you mentioned one Robert Meyer Burnett to me, but I don't know about checking him out, all his videos seem at least fifty minutes long, plus it looks like he got into a controversy a couple of months ago -- but I will take your word for it that you were paying a compliment.) It was good not only to revisit Forbidden Planet but to pick up your fresh insights as well. (I loved the "Commander J.J. Abrams" joke even if it was accidental. In fact, I have to wonder a little -- does Abrams call himself J.J. to make that subliminal association? Hmm ... !) I've heard an argument that Robby is a riff on Caliban from The Tempest, although I don't know if that really obtains. I think Robby was what a lot of little kids really took away from this; as you say, he started a long solo career as early as 1958. (Quick note: the mythical name Bellerophon is pronounced Bell-AIR-ophon. Sounds pretty, doesn't it?) You're right, the more I look at this movie, the easier it is to think of Star Trek as Forbidden Planet: The Series, especially when you see Trek's original pilot episode. Trivia: the movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show -- worth checking out for its own sake -- has a great opening credits song which tosses in the lyric "Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet." Walter Pidgeon was also great casting. I can recall my mother commenting "It's hard to imagine Walter Pidgeon having monsters of the id" and I said "That's kind of the point." Oh, and it somehow never really hit me how immediate and direct the influence of Asimov must have been. (Never really followed his Robots books, I was more a Foundation guy.) Hmm, that poster -- honestly, I study how the features of Robby's "face" are arranged and he seems to be grinning with evil glee. That is one perverted-looking robot running off with that girl, I tell you. Anyhow, this was a great look back. I offer, entirely at your own leisure, the original Outer Limits episode "The Sixth Finger," which I think -- hope -- is available here on YT chopped up into tiny chapters. The idea there is that we can make ourselves evolve to become a kind of honorary Krell. We develop a giant skull and telekinesis, then eventually become beings of pure energy, as the Krell hoped to become. It's worth a look, it's easily one of the best all-time OL episodes. Well, so long as there are forty minutes left to my morning, I'd better sign off, but thank you so much. Excelsior!
Really well done, many points I had not considered (esp. the Biblical analogies!), makes me want to revisit this classic again. (When I watched it my 1st dozen times, at my viewing age, I'm afraid I got a little distracted by Anne Francis, continually waiting for her in the next scene). P.S. I advised "Starmn Sixty" (below) that maybe HE read TOO much into your review, and then agreed with him, maybe it is best for everyone, that he go elsewhere. Keep up the good work, I'm catching up with your reviews.
I don't believe it was Dr. Morbius' "jealousy" that was the root of his keeping the Krell's language secret, but rather his concern that humankind would end up the same way as the Krell, if they ever learned the secrets. Dr. Morbious was guarding his secrets closely and said he would release some of his Krell knowledge to Earthlings as he saw fit and at his own discretion. That does not make him a jealous" person, but rather a protector, or a moderator for the benefit of human kind. That is why he destroyed the planet Altair IV, so that men would not become "like Gods".
The only mistake they made was showing what the monster look liked in the energy field. It would have been much better to have left its horror entirely to our imagination, in the same way they kept the appearance of the Krell as a complete mystery.
Dee was accused of things like attempting to bind an angel and attempting to use the livers of human corpses to predict the future (by a disgruntled assistant) and is remembered as one of the fathers of the science of optics . . . .
10:20 Um, isn't it his ship's doctor who makes that connection to solve the puzzle? After being enhanced by the Krell machine, the doctor dies while he explains his realization to the captain. Sorry, but the captain has no real merit in solving that particular mystery, but I'm sure he's a great guy, nonetheless. Anyway, great vid, I also love this movie! Cheers! ;-] PS : The following is an unrelated and trivial correction that only a real nerd would appreciate. ;-] Star system: Altair Planet: Altair 4 Girl's name: Altaira The name of the planet should sound like All-taire. Altair, an actual star 16.8 light-years from us, is pronounced with the 'air' sound. Like fair, hair, and repair. So, it's Altair.. not "Altier" or "Alteer", which is what you sounded like you were saying. In the same way, the young lady's name is not Altira, but Altaira, same pronunciation as the star and planet, with the word 'air' in the middle. In the sentence, "Altaira, from Altair, is fair haired.", all of the key words should sound similar -- If they don't then, no offense, but you're just doing it wrong. ;-]
Mark 0:11. Greetings! 🖖 I just subscribed, though I thought that I was already a subscriber. 🤔 Whoa! That's a first! Robbie, holding a man like that, instead of her, as did most other robots and monsters. Well, not her specifically. Just whomever the female lead was. I wonder why they changed it? 🤔 Just FYI, if you're viewing it by DVD, or whatever. Robbie, got a spin-off movie! On VHS, it was sold separately. But for DVDs and beyond, it is usually included as a bonus feature. It's B & W, though. I call it a, "spin-off", not a, "direct sequel", because it doesn't star the people from this movie. Though if you consider, Robbie, to be the big star, not the people, then it would be a, "direct sequel". "The Twilight Zone", reused just about everything from the movie. Even actress, Anne Francis! The actor that plays the doctor too. Hmm. Everyone except actor, Leslie Nielsen, unless he did and I didn't recognize him. 🤔 I met, Anne Francis, during a, "Trek Expo", in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a very nice person to meet too! 🥰. I had an, "RCA LASER Disc", unless there was competition in that format, of the movie. I got her to autograph it for me. Oddly enough though, she had never seen the format before, and thought that I had painted artwork on plastic, and she was reluctant to spoil my artistry! Her assistant, helped me to explain what it was. But anyway, because of our lovely moment, her death did strike me more than as if we had never met. 😥
Your explanation of Altaria's character with a Shakespeare story is very good. I would like to add that eventhough this film depicts technical advances in mankind's exploration of space, it was made in 1953 with a scripted dialog of stereotypical 1950's gender tones for women. It was a bit annoying to hear this at times in the film that the woman has no place to be in. And, Commamder Adams appears to be annoyed with Altaria's presence and couldn't seem to deal with it. Also, the crew were acting silly and unprofessional with her too. But I liked the film and story line adaptation. I'm also a fan of Robby the Robot.
I was nine years old when Forbidden Planet was released, and the whole family saw it at the Centre Theater in St. Paul, MN. Even at that age I was into sci-fi, but the cerebralism of that movie was so overwhelming that I just GOT it ! It was years before I ever felt characters' empathy so well again. To this day I am still amazed at how well the story revealed itself to a little kid.
I was seven and saw it from the back seat of our Dodge station wagon at the Unadilla Drive-in. It changed the way I thought about sci-fi forever.
Great breakdown. One more thing about when Robby short circuits at the command to shoot the captain. This was foreshadowing when Morbius orders Robby to protect him from the monster and he short circuits. Robbie knew it was him creating the monster.
Sept. 2024 - Dear RetroNerdGirl, You did an amazing, comprehensive fact filled review of MGM’s 1956 “Forbidden Planet” sci-fi movie. From the Disney artist creating the roaring energy Monster to the mini-skirt introduction, you covered all the bases and so much more! I have a Poster and a Robbie the Robot toy in my home. This, along with “Star Trek”and “2001: A Space Odyssey” will keep our sci-fi imaginations going forever. Thanks soo very much for presenting the details with your radio ready 🎙️ clear voice! Take care.🙂📡🔭🚀🛸🛰️signed, A new devoted fan!
Thanks so much! The pleasure was mine. This movie is so outstanding and a pure treasure for retro sci-fi lovers like us. :)
@@RetroNerdGirl There was, and still is, a lot to love in the 1956 MGM movie, “Forbidden Planet.” More power to you! 🙂
When all early movie sci-fi spaceships looked like conventional rocket ships, it was innovative to imagine the C-57D as UFO like.
I can't believe how influencial this movie was. It literally influenced everything that came after it haha
Star Trek just to name one.
Interesting and most informative. I like the fact that, as you pointed out, they treated the production seriously even though sci-fi was generally regulated to B-movies at the time and tended to be hokey or goofy. They showed what you could really do if treated as a first rate movie and paved the way for many other great movies and television series to come.
Another thoughtful review. This brings to mind Goya’s work “The Dream of Reason Produces Monsters” from 1799.
Thanks for the thoughtful review, this is one of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time... though the monster scared the crap out of me when I was a little kid in the early 60's... that roar!
I had no idea, this was the first ever movie to be entirely set on another planet. I see alot of star trek elements in this, it must have inspired Roddenberry.
Roddenberry like George Lucas lifted much that the giants of Sci-Fi that came before them. For instance ..if you want to see Indiana Jones before there was an Indiana Jones, watch Charlton Heston in Secrets of the Incas.
@@alantasman8273 debateable on that specific reference. but of course all of art, literature and film is built upon what comes before it.
Great review! Thank you very much!
I also heard that this movie was a major influence on Gene Roddenberry when he created Star Trek. Oh and it was said that Leslie Nielsen had his fart machine on set. He always wanted to do comedy, but Hollywood wanted him as a leading man for years. I can kind of see that. He was a handsome man with leading role looks.
Thank you, I adore this film. I think that two more elements from the Tempest were Robbie as Aerial and the Id Monster as Caliban.
Interesting!😊
Ariel.
Surely, you jest?
No, I don't. And don't call me Shirley!
Couldn't click on this fast enough! :) Been waiting for this, one my all-time fave "classic" sci-fi films, and ahead of it's time in so many ways.
Thankyou so much for the work you put into this and your obvious enjoyment of this amazing film.
Thanks Adam! It was a pure pleasure. 😊
The very first movie I saw at the theater.
I saw this in 1963 as a 13 year old. I loved it. So much so that I made it a point to watch it again some 45 or 50 years later! Thanks for the review.
Still my favorite sci-fi movie. Would love to see it on a big screen!
I first saw it as a kid, in the back seat of a station wagon at a drive-in. I had my PJs on!
Agree, re-release it, not remake it.
I saw this movie as a kid in the late 1960's in the Canadian arctic. I remember this movie because as I was kicking off my winter boots to go in to see the movie, I got a finger caught in the hinge of a closing door and it crushed my fingertip. We never got many movies so every movie was must see...so I cleaned up, wrapped paper towel around my finger...and went in. I tried to watch the movie but my throbbing finger proved too much distraction. What I still remember, is the scene with the invisible monster bending the spaceship stairs as it walked down them. That scene made enough of an impression to, at least momentarily, overcome the throbbing of my finger.
By the way, I found your channel after it was recommended by Chris Gore of Film Threat.
Great review and extremely thorough. I saw Forbidden Planet in the early 60s (I was probably ten years old) and my young mind stretched itself to try to understand and keep up with the film. Since then, I've been hooked on science fiction in general and this film in particular. Thank you for your detailed and insightful comments.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your kind words.😊
I first saw FP in 1956, when I was 13 years old. Your point that the flying saucers always belonged to the aliens is well taken. In the opening, the C57D was flying along among the stars so beautifully I expected some aliens as usual. However, when the interior of the saucer was shown and I saw humans flying it, my heart stopped. It was ours! I have never forgotten that. Went into science, got a PhD, worked with satellites, never got to make a flying saucer though. Sigh. Excellent review. Cheers.
Thanks so much for that insight. This is the very reason this film is so special to me. I always imagined mankind would be able to travel to distant worlds one day.😀
I always thought that Dr Moprbius (Walter Pidgeon) was the blueprint for Dr Strange! Love this film. I atch it at least once every year. Love Anne Francis as an actor and woman. Leslie Nielson is outstanding, and the soundtrack ground-breaking. The biggest influence on Sci-Fi until Star Wars and Blade Runner decades later. The Id monster gave me nightmares for years!
Love ALL your videos! Great reviews! Enchanting laugh! The old science fiction movies are always a pleasure to watch!
Thanks so much! You're awesome!😊
What a wonderful review and mini documentary and tribute to my second favorite film of all time. I first saw this movie on Channel 56 in 1968 when I was only seven and the movie was only twelve (I can date that so accurately because the comic book on the couch beside me to be read during commercials was Fantastic Four #75).
This movie really embodies the exotic and romantic and intellectual elements of SF that grabbed me since I was old enough to read: A mysterious universe to be explored, full of secrets to be discovered and truths to be learned. It's almost mystical in its breathtaking sense of wonder. You really captured all the angles of the film, from the alien landscapes to the sprawling technology to the avant garde fashions to the unplumbed depths of the subconscious. Even the courtly and courteous behaviors of characters in conflict evokes a more civilized time to come. It truly is the future as we once imagined it-- and that I'm still holding out hopes for.
As a production, the movie is quite a work of art from the script to the matte paintings, and the cast is simply wonderful. Walter Pidgeon really helps to give the film gravitas and Leslie Nielsen as the young challenger of his authority-- on both professional and personal levels-- is perfect. And there are a bunch of faces in there that would become very familiar over the next couple of decades. Anne Francis, of course, was amazing, and I had a huge crush on her. I found her character to be very liberated-- when you think about it, probably the only liberated character in the movie. When I first saw this, in 1968, Women's Lib was in high gear and Altaira fit right in. She was completely indifferent to her father's authority, she was curious and intellectual, sexually forthright, and hardly demure.
It was fun to finally see Forbidden Planet get the RNG treatment and I'm glad you loved it as much as I did (as I knew you would). Thanks again for this great channel. It's like an antidote to all the ills of the world. :)
RJD, I enjoyed reading this so much and the amazing details you visit. I agree. As well, thank you so much for always giving me such great feedback and encouragement.😊 You're awesome!
@@RetroNerdGirl Aw, you're very welcome. I love coming here and I'm going to try harder to keep up. :D
Robbie and the Id Monster also parallel characters in "The Tempest" in character if not in appearance. Robbie is the films iteration of Ariel, the good aspect of Prospero's servants and the Id Monster paralleling Caliban, the evil "monster" servant of Prospero.
This is one of my favorite movies. It's a rare treat to see any coverage of classic sci-fi. Thanks for covering it.
Looking forward to JJ's sequel, Forbidden Planet: Into Darkness. j/k
🤣
I didn't know he was doing one. Although... after what he did to Star Wars, I'm nervous.
I'd better hurry with my novel-sequel!
(see details below)
@@KutWrite how's it coming along? And what direction did you take the sequel? Exploration of the Krell?
@@Yarblocosifilitico: I just finished chapter 12 with my critique group. It's going well. Even the non-sci-fi readers can't wait for each chapter.
We haven't gotten to the "World in Exile" yet (title). It's the fifth planet out from Altair, the fourth having been "Bh-lown up, sir!" (movie reference?) There will be evidence of the Krell, and a new civilization which is off-limits to Earthlings for a very dangerous reason. Of course, we will meet them.
Love your handle! Reference to Clockwork Orange!
I just published my first book. It's on Amazon among other places. It's called "Pipeline" and my last name is Kuttner.
@@KutWrite sounds good! I'll check out your book. And nice reference-catching haha, most people probably think it's a russian name or something :P
Loosely based on "The Tempest"? There are many more similarities than the few you mentioned. Prospero, like Morbius, has access to information and abilities the other characters don't. Like Prospero, he gives up and renounces his powers at the end of the story (even telling the Id Monster that he rejects him). Robby the robot serves double duty - like Ariel the spirit, he is dispatched to "magically" make the seemingly impossible happen, and like Caliban, he serves as a comedic respite in the drama, though Robby does this with considerably more sophistication & panache. Both Robby and Ariel have tremendous powers, but they don't (or can't) use them to rebel against their masters, who they care for and protect. The Cook played brilliantly by Earl Holliman in the film is taken from the drunk Stephano in the play and adds to the comic relief in interactions w/Robby. Alta in the film, and Miranda in the play are practically mirror images of each other. Both are symbols of human purity, and both get schooled in the ways of the world by observing the visitors, and change their world view (Miranda: "What a brave new world that hath such creatures in it"), both fall in love w/similar positive - but very human - male characters. Both male characters must wrestle w/their libidos and control themselves, displaying noble character. The visitors in the play are ship-wrecked by a storm conjured by Prospero, and can't leave. The invisible Id Monster wreaks havoc on the space ship, delaying their departure. Both characters of Prospero and Morbius are primarily driven by total concern for the welfare of their daughters. The guts of "Forbidden Planet" are lifted almost whole cloth from "The Tempest", just as the guts of the original "Star Trek" series were lifted from this film (appearance of the transporter device & effects, viewscreen, characters of the captain, doctor, engineer, & #1, just for starters). Nothing like starting w/quality to beget quality (great artists steal, remember), and is the sincerest form of flattery. Shakespeare himself was influenced by others - if you're brilliant, you make it brilliant, if you're not the results are mediocre. The 3 productions mentioned here are all brilliant. If I could only see one play again for the rest of my life, it would be "The Tempest" - one film, it would be "Forbidden Planet". The perfect TV series would be an amalgam of the original "Star Trek" and the "Next Generation", in my humble opinion. It's all a continuum, in the end. Sci-fi, mythology, and Shakespeare all deal w/ the Big Questions of existence, writ large - they naturally go together.
There is a scene early in the movie where the Starship C-57D is looking down on Altair IV and you see the planet through the view screen. Now this is before a pictures from space had been returned to Earth nothing had been in orbit yet.
And yet the view of the planet from space, as quick and low resolution as it is still holds up. You could be forgiven for thinking it's the surface of Mars in a picture sent back by one of our probes. This at a time when most movie depictions of plants from space looked like colored maps. Just my own take on a little effect they got absolutely right.
Thumb Up #395! 👍. Thanks for your fun and informative, digital video recording! 🎬🤠😎🤓✌️🖖
Notes: Okay, I was expecting another reaction DVR, but instead, I got your wonderful review with a slide show and your pleasant voice narrating it! A nice change of pace from the guys that I've seen react to it, what with their nose picking, scratching, et cetera. But anyway, I thought that I heard you say, "C-57B", one time. Also, you said, "ally", rather than, "alloy". 🤔
Hey! That's right! I never noticed the trio arrangement before now, so thanks! But I barely think about it when viewing, "Star Trek", anyway. I prefer to think about the females.
Altaira! Her adventures are somehow legally allowed to continue beyond the movie, in comic book magazine publications like, "Heavy Metal Magazine". (I guess a fee or something was paid, so that they aren't just what some call, "fan fiction". 🤔 ) They are even sexier than what was shown in the movie.
By the way! I asked her about the skinny dipping scene. She was wearing a "flesh suit", "nude suit", or whatever, to simulate nudity. She acknowledged that it was noticable in the movie, hence why it causes confusion as to her actual status versus intended status, as to her state of apparel or nudity. 😁🙄
I think FP has a tighter correlation with the Tempest than you state. As an example, his "abuse" of the Krell's technology/devices correlates to the mistreatment of the island's natives in the Tempest. Further the desire to warn off (vs attract) visitors is just a minor subplot difference; in both cases he knows of the society those visitors come from and it’s that society he is challenging / rejecting. Lastly, of course magic and highly advanced technology could be (have been) said to be indistinguishable. I could go on, but it seems to have a deeper connection to the play than just a few characters as you sugggest.
I think when I wrote the script for this video I was only stating that the wasn't a replica of the story beat for beat. I love the awesome similarities you pointed out and I encourage you to go to town if you have more insights to share. 😊
I've watched this film for decades and have read many reviews, and yours is the best. Excellent call on all the seeming minutia paying off and adding to the resolution. Take a look at The Seven Samurai with that in mind. Good catches on the importance of the opening credits, the flying saucer, the captain (and not Morbius or the Doctor) solving the main crisis, the lack of villain but abundance of danger and suspense, Robby being neither a villain nor hero, and the non-traditional final scene, which showed caring consolation rather than passionate kiss, and deep respect for the man who (inadvertently) caused all the trouble. Did you notice that while Alta wears dresses covered in precious stones, she is ALWAYS barefoot? There were two reasons for this and they follow the two sides of her character that you mention. Your insight into this film is spot on.
Thank you! Yes I noticed and it reminds me why I love this movie so much. What a brilliant film. I will have to add Seven Samurai on my list. 😊
Another fantastic review of one of my favorite movies!
Wow, thanks!😊
Wonderful commentary of this truly classic movie. Remarkable movie that indeed influenced so much that came later. This amazing film has stood up over half a century, showing the immense talent and creativity of all those who worked to make it. Couple of things I remember from some other vid on the making of the film was that the original performer of Robby the Robot during shooting went off to lunch and came back drunk and lost his job as a result. And you spoke about Ann Francis's wardrobe in the movie. I also recall from another Forbidden Planet vid that the movie was not shown in Spain because of her short skirt. At the time it was considered too inappropriate. And yes, the themes of this movie were deep and compelling and the whole production and performances were very well done. Truly a movie at least a decade ahead of its time. Once again, wonderful review.
My #1 Favorite SciFi Movie..and in my Top 10 Greatest Films Of All Time. I have a 4×5 foot Poster of the Film on my bedroom wall! Excellent Review...Forbidden Planet also became a Musical with the Title "Forbidden Planet: Revisited"!
The ID monster is the MGM lion logo.
The impact of this film cannot be understated!!! In regards to the Sci/Fi Genre; there was Before FP & After FB! & you are correct about the Biblical overtones... With Miss Francis primarily seen in 'The Garden' as well as the Captain being named Adam! (Like Mr. Rennie being named Carpenter in 'The Day the Earth Stood Still'!) One 'elephant in the room' trope of the film was the initial Away-Team (like in Star Trek) being the white male triumvirate.
Can't tell you how nice it was to get your latest Review! Sorry you've been having some tough times! Whatever the situation was/is... hope things work out!
Thank you so much for you kind words on my behalf. I am doing much better now and looking forward. Sending you well wishes as well.😊
This is a favorite of mine. I found your analysis quite interesting. One interesting tid-bit about the "Garden of Eden" analogy: in this case, Adam gives Eve the "apple". 😊
Good point!😊
Here's a fun little sidenote. The saucer? It gets used in episodes of the original run of "The Twilight Zone". I mean both the interior and exterior.
Wow. Fun and informative review Ms. Girl! Helpful, too. I've been a student of this film since I saw it in '56 at age 9 in a drive-in. You gave me a few new insights I had missed, e.g. the Genesis references. Your cute & upbeat style made it fresh & fun. It'll be helpful in writing my current novel, a thinly disguised sequel to this film.
BTW, it's "ad-a-MAN-tine" ("unyielding") steel and "Bell-ER-o-phon," (a Greek hero).
I'm off to browse your catalog and then do some writing... I'm inspired!
My goodness! This is one of my favorite old school movies ever! I even have a recorded documentary on how forbidden planet it was made and I love to imagine this federation of planets is the same one from star trek sure star fleet gets most of the 95% action but the federation does I believe have it's own starships for this very kind of this situation not the hole situation like in the movie but being able to handle more important basic stuff like exploring colony issues and what would in a more normal federation colonies situations
I always wondered how they paid for all the starships, fancy uniforms, fuel, etc. Must be one hell of an income tax.
Retro Nerd Girl has been using something, having a super-good day, found the movie especially funny, or is being just plain silly - or something.
Whatever it is, - she gives a dimension
to the part of narrator that makes her
fun to hear.
Thank you Jackie!😊
A bit of symbolism here. Dr. Morbius arrived on a ship called the Bellerophon. In Greek myths Bellerophon was a man who tamed Pegasus and used the power of flight to intrude upon Olympus. Bellerophon planned to dine with the gods and become immortal. Needless to say, the Olympians were not happy about this. Things ended badly.
Thanks for mentioning Louis and Bebe Barron. First electronic soundtrack ever, and one of the best. Bebe Barron actually had formal training in music, Louis was basically an an electrician who was obsessed with Norbert Wiener's cybernetics theory. They were both geniuses.
Also the scene in Star Wars (77) when Obi Wan turns off the tractor beams was copied from Forbidden Planet, as was the Great Machine shot in Babylon 5.
The "monster from the id" coincides with Calaban, the evil character, in Shakespeare's The Tempest; Robbie the robot coincides with Ariel, the good spirit in the play.
Brilliant review of my favorite science fiction movie . I must seen it so many times in my life , when l saw it as a 8 year old ,l thought it was star trek ,l was scared 😱 by the music and the monster, that looks like the MGM lion 🦁. The most interesting part of this spell bound movie is underneath the planet ,the knell the wonders ,there incredible technology. One of best things of forbidden planet is we see what Knell race look like . I have forbidden planet on video dvd and blue ray .seen it on big screen few times . Robby the robot is definitely a huge highlight . Richard Anderson is great as chief quinn before he gets killed by the monster. 👍👍👍👍❤
Odd that Jack Kelly was the XO, rather than Richard Anderson, who plays the Bos'n. Burt Reynolds always said Anderson looked like "old money."
He later tended to play senior officers like the Battalion Commander/R S-3/Regimental Commander in Roddenbury's USMC 1963-'64 series, The Lieutenant.
Greetings, Wow, this seems to be my day researching sci-fi reviews, trailers and opening film scores, &etc.
Forbidden Planet is one of my top ten films and one of my BIG THREE sci-fi thrillers. The Thing From Another World, Day the Earth Stood Still - both from 1951; and Forbidden Planet - 1956. I grew up with these classics and have pretty much squeezed every detail out of them.
But I must tip my hat to Retro Nerd Girl for her fascinating take of Forbidden Planet. Most, if not all, reviewers are guys. Who else to rely upon for the technical facts of a film? Especially a sci-fi film.
Well, its about time we hear from the fairer side in the man's domain. What a refreshing take from a female perspective! Looking at the film with a more intuitive slant offers a slightly different, more in focus, view of Forbidden Planet. Very informative with some genuine good humor thrown into the mix.
For instance, I loved your take on Alta's sexually honest but socially awkward remark about the two "handsome" hunks in the ship's crew. That has never been commented on before, but is a an important observation into Alta's innocence and naivety.
I consider myself more or less an expert on this film, having grown up with it since I was 9 or 10, sixty years ago. So when I say your review was interesting, informative, intelligent and a refreshing new take on an old film. Take that to the bank.
This is my first Retro Nerd Girl review. No doubt you have brought similar humor and unique observations to your other films. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Bravo!
Thank you so very much Steve. Your glowing remarks encourages me to keep making these kinds of reviews. 😊
The fictional science in this film shows with acuity what we can do, in fact one is a reality now. The radio signal was emitted from the planet 20 miles squared. That is todays Phased Array Antennas.
Loved your discussion of this movie. Very intelligent. Very enjoyable. ❤
Hi,just found your channel, “Forbidden Planet” is one of my favorite sci-fi movies I hope you had reviewed it,Thanks,it’s a classic.🍿
Welcome! :)
Greetings, I just poked around on your home page. Can't wait to read your reviews of Metropolis and War of the Worlds for starters. Some great fodder to distract me on those gloomy afternoons to come.
My best to Retro Nerd Girl.
Thank you. I hope I've done them some justice. 😊
Forbidden Planet was not based on the Tempest. It was loosely based on a partially reconstructed Homeric play called " Bellerophon " which also happens to be to name of Dr. Morbius' space ship.
I wonder if A.E. von Vogt's stuff from his Voyage of the Space Beagle stories (like Black Destroyer) inspires its extra-solar setting? I think this one was the first to be set on a planet in another system (with an explanation of how the ship could travel that far quickly).
Nielsen played heroes (and bad guys ) for about 30 years before Airplane! and Police Squad!. One good series he did (that bombed back in 1961-'62) was The New Breed.
I have thought for a long time that The New Breed should be revived instead of another attempt to re-boot Dragnet . . . .
Top flight review of a brilliant cinema classic. Very thought provoking. Thanks Retro Nerd Girl.
It’s been remarked many times....but still deserves restating - Forbidden Planet is a rather shocking yet (hopefully) cathartic text-book Freudian exploration of titanic subconscious forces. With a touch of politics, especially gender-politics, thrown in. I kid you not!
Really, for the 1950s, the analysis of Dr Morbius’ failure to recognise his romantic-erotic jealousy of his daughter Altaira’s burgeoning love for Captain Leslie Nielsen....this is very daring.
The less-than-good doctor’s very name suggests he is half asleep, at least regarding awareness of his own submerged desires. He is also an agent of unwitting killing - hence the sickly aroma of morbidity. He walks around in professorial black or brown (with a very Germanic academic tie), as if he were working on, umm, problems of nuclear fission in a 1930s Berlin Technical Institute, blind to the fateful consequences.
The film is so visually ravishing, yet so unsettling mysterious from the beginning, the audience is gripped!
The way the mystery is unravelled is dramatically slick, like a 1940s film noire with EG Robinson on the case to catch the insurance fraudster 😉. Unwittingly, like a textbook psychotherapeutic case, Dr M’s is unable to resist laying out the clues to his murderous subconscious.
But, the cultured Doctor also represents a universal failure of self knowledge....at least within 1950’s capitalist-imperialist America, with its hot-house, nuclear-family psychodynamics. (Not much has changed, except the fantasies of total control and infinite technology are more lurid.) Anyway, I bet MGM wouldn’t have approved that as a byline for the marketing campaign 🤣. We are not yet in the late 60s/early 70s world of The Graduate, or Harold and Maud.
The id monster is horrifying, an unspeakable beast of limitless rage, breathing destruction and with the eyes of hell. HIeronymus Bosch on steroids. Which perhaps tells even a 2020s audience that there might just be something riveted very deeply into human psychology, about the dynamics between fathers/daughters/lovers. Something written into our genes in our joyful evolutionary playground in sub Saharan Africa.
The way the id Monster electrocutes the crew and throws the bodies aside as garbage, is emotionally and morally disgusting. Not entirely unlike the bloody butchering of young men at the opening of Saving Private Ryan. The fact that the Monster grows ever stronger the more the male crew (heavy emphasis) pours lethal radiation into it, is a cracking metaphor for the fruitlessness of trying to undo the errors of lack of self knowledge by ever greater masculine violence. Boys with their toys....
The chummy-chummy but hollow camaraderie amongst the crew as they prepare to face the invisible monster has the same air of dread and doom as those USAF lieutenants sitting at the launch controls of the Minutemen missiles. “We are prepared for any eventuality, General LeMay.” Straight out of “Dr Strangelove”.
Altaira, on the other hand, is the creation of what sounds like a half-balanced love between Dr M and his now dead wife. Nothing suspicious there, at least the way the Dr tells it, eh? She is also full of optimistic and frank realism about biology and love and the real world. Her name is derived from the planet where she was born. In a rather heart warming way, she is like a young Gaia figure, a feminine life-positive energetic ever-developing being.
Particularly seductive is her sensuous connection with fawns and the like.
The appearance of the Tiger-Tigress (a spontaneous creation one suspects of the Krell machine) as simultaneously an emblem of her shimmering and ever-developing erotic power, and of her father’s continuing destructive antipathy towards her romantic-erotic connectedness to another man, is a nice touch. Who wouldn’t love her?
The Tiger-Tigress is sobering hint that just because you are feminine-positive and life-positive, and even if you have great self awareness of the beauty and divine quality of erotic union, that doesn’t mean that romantic-erotic union with each other is always a one way trip hand-in-hand to heaven on earth. Sometimes it can be. Ask our Hindu friends about the many embodiments of the wonderful goddess Kali. Or see the films Blue is the Warmest Colour by Abdellatif Kechiche, and Caramel by Nadine Labaki.
As the very wise Retro Nerd Girl observes, there is something enlightening and positive about the twin facts that (1) Altaira rejects her father’s tyrannically possessive love, and (2) the more wholesome Capt LN, who loves Altaira with an “adult mutuality”, is able to see the truth about the Great Machine. He also sees the error of a dream of limitless technical power when coupled to lack of self-knowledge.
Dr M’s sacrifice of his life in the claws and jaws of the Monster has a certain redemptive element - he realises his responsibility for killing, due to his reckless dabbling with the brain-booster, even if he didn’t consciously intend it (a dainty moral question). But why can’t he simply admit his guilt whilst banishing the monster via higher self-knowledge, and take his portion of just punishment? This is the rather too glib à la Shakespeare exit of the morally flawed antagonist.
I always regret the ending with its destruction of the Krell technology and learning. It’s too pessimistic about our human ability to handle these forbidden fruits 🍎🍏.
Keep those reviews coming, Retro NG, SVP.
I loved this movie growing up. I love it even more now many years later. That is the sign of a truly great movie. A movie whose importance transcends space and time. The message of this movie is to our future selves. Please watch Steve Job's 1981 Interview about how the computer will Amplify the human mind. Then watch this movie and contemplate what the Internet and the algorithms are doing and you'll understand the message.
Dang, RNG, you worked hard on this and it shows. (Old business out of the way first -- you mentioned one Robert Meyer Burnett to me, but I don't know about checking him out, all his videos seem at least fifty minutes long, plus it looks like he got into a controversy a couple of months ago -- but I will take your word for it that you were paying a compliment.) It was good not only to revisit Forbidden Planet but to pick up your fresh insights as well. (I loved the "Commander J.J. Abrams" joke even if it was accidental. In fact, I have to wonder a little -- does Abrams call himself J.J. to make that subliminal association? Hmm ... !) I've heard an argument that Robby is a riff on Caliban from The Tempest, although I don't know if that really obtains. I think Robby was what a lot of little kids really took away from this; as you say, he started a long solo career as early as 1958. (Quick note: the mythical name Bellerophon is pronounced Bell-AIR-ophon. Sounds pretty, doesn't it?) You're right, the more I look at this movie, the easier it is to think of Star Trek as Forbidden Planet: The Series, especially when you see Trek's original pilot episode. Trivia: the movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show -- worth checking out for its own sake -- has a great opening credits song which tosses in the lyric "Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet." Walter Pidgeon was also great casting. I can recall my mother commenting "It's hard to imagine Walter Pidgeon having monsters of the id" and I said "That's kind of the point." Oh, and it somehow never really hit me how immediate and direct the influence of Asimov must have been. (Never really followed his Robots books, I was more a Foundation guy.) Hmm, that poster -- honestly, I study how the features of Robby's "face" are arranged and he seems to be grinning with evil glee. That is one perverted-looking robot running off with that girl, I tell you. Anyhow, this was a great look back. I offer, entirely at your own leisure, the original Outer Limits episode "The Sixth Finger," which I think -- hope -- is available here on YT chopped up into tiny chapters. The idea there is that we can make ourselves evolve to become a kind of honorary Krell. We develop a giant skull and telekinesis, then eventually become beings of pure energy, as the Krell hoped to become. It's worth a look, it's easily one of the best all-time OL episodes. Well, so long as there are forty minutes left to my morning, I'd better sign off, but thank you so much. Excelsior!
Thank you! I will have to check out The Sixth Finger.
You see the themes in so many movies after. Even recent ones like ex Machina for example.
Really well done, many points I had not considered (esp. the Biblical analogies!), makes me want to revisit this classic again. (When I watched it my 1st dozen times, at my viewing age, I'm afraid I got a little distracted by Anne Francis, continually waiting for her in the next scene).
P.S. I advised "Starmn Sixty" (below) that maybe HE read TOO much into your review, and then agreed with him, maybe it is best for everyone, that he go elsewhere. Keep up the good work, I'm catching up with your reviews.
Oh thank you Kenneth! Anne Francis was a scene stealer in this one. 😊
@@RetroNerdGirl Indeed-E-O!
Well done! The writing of this video is on a high level.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your supportive words.😊
@@RetroNerdGirl Your work is superior and you are sure to lead the way in culture.
All time favorite movie. Thank you.
Wow learnt so much about this interesting film, thank you for sharing another great review!
My pleasure!😊
9:12 *The monster looks something like the MGM lion!*
I didn't notice that before, but you are right. It does! :D
I don't believe it was Dr. Morbius' "jealousy" that was the root of his keeping the Krell's language secret, but rather his concern that humankind would end up the same way as the Krell, if they ever learned the secrets. Dr. Morbious was guarding his secrets closely and said he would release some of his Krell knowledge to Earthlings as he saw fit and at his own discretion. That does not make him a jealous" person, but rather a protector, or a moderator for the benefit of human kind. That is why he destroyed the planet Altair IV, so that men would not become "like Gods".
Wow! I love your take. Dr. Morbius is such a wonderful complex character. What a great film! 😊
Found your channel, you rock girl!
Yay! Thank you!😊
The only mistake they made was showing what the monster look liked in the energy field. It would have been much better to have left its horror entirely to our imagination, in the same way they kept the appearance of the Krell as a complete mystery.
Maybe. I see your point.😊
Hey retro nerd girl!! i love it!!!!! you gave such a great in depth review of this wonderful film!!! i loved it!!
Thank you so much!!😊
Morbius is based on Prospero . . . and some say Prospero was based on Dr. John Dee, a mathematician, scholar and dabbler in the occult.
Dee was accused of things like attempting to bind an angel and attempting to use the livers of human corpses to predict the future (by a disgruntled assistant) and is remembered as one of the fathers of the science of optics . . . .
10:20 Um, isn't it his ship's doctor who makes that connection to solve the puzzle? After being enhanced by the Krell machine, the doctor dies while he explains his realization to the captain. Sorry, but the captain has no real merit in solving that particular mystery, but I'm sure he's a great guy, nonetheless.
Anyway, great vid, I also love this movie! Cheers! ;-]
PS : The following is an unrelated and trivial correction that only a real nerd would appreciate. ;-]
Star system: Altair
Planet: Altair 4
Girl's name: Altaira
The name of the planet should sound like All-taire. Altair, an actual star 16.8 light-years from us, is pronounced with the 'air' sound. Like fair, hair, and repair. So, it's Altair.. not "Altier" or "Alteer", which is what you sounded like you were saying. In the same way, the young lady's name is not Altira, but Altaira, same pronunciation as the star and planet, with the word 'air' in the middle. In the sentence, "Altaira, from Altair, is fair haired.", all of the key words should sound similar -- If they don't then, no offense, but you're just doing it wrong. ;-]
Mark 0:11. Greetings! 🖖 I just subscribed, though I thought that I was already a subscriber. 🤔
Whoa! That's a first! Robbie, holding a man like that, instead of her, as did most other robots and monsters. Well, not her specifically. Just whomever the female lead was. I wonder why they changed it? 🤔
Just FYI, if you're viewing it by DVD, or whatever. Robbie, got a spin-off movie! On VHS, it was sold separately. But for DVDs and beyond, it is usually included as a bonus feature. It's B & W, though. I call it a, "spin-off", not a, "direct sequel", because it doesn't star the people from this movie. Though if you consider, Robbie, to be the big star, not the people, then it would be a, "direct sequel".
"The Twilight Zone", reused just about everything from the movie. Even actress, Anne Francis! The actor that plays the doctor too. Hmm. Everyone except actor, Leslie Nielsen, unless he did and I didn't recognize him. 🤔
I met, Anne Francis, during a, "Trek Expo", in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a very nice person to meet too! 🥰. I had an, "RCA LASER Disc", unless there was competition in that format, of the movie. I got her to autograph it for me. Oddly enough though, she had never seen the format before, and thought that I had painted artwork on plastic, and she was reluctant to spoil my artistry! Her assistant, helped me to explain what it was. But anyway, because of our lovely moment, her death did strike me more than as if we had never met. 😥
Wow! What a fantastic memory of Anne Francis! Thank you for sharing it with me and the community! Welcome!😊
Have you ever read the novelization?
No. I need to.😊
@@RetroNerdGirl I could email you a copy if you like. It is a much more detailed telling of the story.
There has been a lot of talk about a remake over the years. I know it is possible but a second Mona Lisa!!
i like you're style
Love your overall comnent
Thank you so much!😊
"History of the Krell Civilization...Part 1" a story begging to be written and filmed.
Excellent review as always from the woman I love!! ❤️ 💕. Thanks you beautiful person. You will always have a place in my heart!
Aw, Thank you!
Love this movie !!!!
Correction altair 4
Surely, it would seem that you enjoyed this movie.
SEE THE KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE AND AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON
Congratz amazing video like the movie :)
Thanks a lot!😊
The planet was not mercury it was altaria4
Your explanation of Altaria's character with a Shakespeare story is very good. I would like to add that eventhough this film depicts technical advances in mankind's exploration of space, it was made in 1953 with a scripted dialog of stereotypical 1950's gender tones for women. It was a bit annoying to hear this at times in the film that the woman has no place to be in. And, Commamder Adams appears to be annoyed with Altaria's presence and couldn't seem to deal with it. Also, the crew were acting silly and unprofessional with her too. But I liked the film and story line adaptation. I'm also a fan of Robby the Robot.
1956 not 1953
Question:
Are you single and available? ❤️
I do not like it when channels read the script; that’s ultra-boring and an excuse to make the video longer
Afraid I find your reviews a bit too PC, and sometimes read too much into the films, RNG. Probably best I unsubscribe.
It's more like YOU ARE reading too much into people's reviews, 'SS', and it IS best you move along.