Forbidden Planet is Perhaps the Trophy Film of Retro Sci-fi
I don’t think I have ever seen retro sci-fi as retro sci-fi as Forbidden Planet is. To me, this is the centerpiece of this genre. Right behind this would have to The Day The Earth Stood Still but, wow this is an amazing piece of vintage science fiction from the height of its classic era. This film has it all, robots, lasers, outer space, etc. Put on your space suit and let’s get ready for the countdown to blast off.
My "Lists"
I have in my mind several lists. One is antique pieces I’m looking for. This includes a certain model of ‘50s television (see my blog on Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure here), a waterfall dresser (see my blog on Blue Velvet here), and more. Movies are another that I keep a running list of in my mind. Some are rewatch for blogging and some are I’ve never taken time to watch but I want to. Forbidden Planet was on the latter. One night of driving in circles and Tubi having this movie married the opportunity and I watched it. It was one of the best movie-watching decisions I ever made.
Forbidden Planet's Greatest Contribution, Robby the Robot
Perhaps the most famous part of this movie and the maybe most well-known robot of all time is Robby the Robot. If you’ve ever seen anything on vintage sci-fi, you’ve likely seen this fellow. Not sure what I’m talking about? Dig the photo below this caption. Robby is a ‘50s sci-fi robot to a T. I can’t imagine anything getting close to him. He can replicate anything that you put in his tray. Our characters in Forbidden Planet test him with alcohol. Of course, he is programmable, and in Forbidden Planet his program won’t let him harm. Robby’s voice is another great addition to his character. It fits so very well.
Let’s beat on Robby the Robot for a few lines though. While he is probably the best robot out of this genre, perhaps there are flaws. Again, this robot can replicate anything that you put in his tray. He can guard your home, lift anything, has a ray gun of some sort, and crazy artificial intelligence. You would think that a robot like this would look something like the AI bots we see people building in Japan today or something like the Terminator movies. No, Robby has a glass dome for a head, short raptor arms with pinchers, and his torso and legs are a bunch of spheres. I think it is the odd appearance that helps make the character so iconic. It fits perfectly with the retro sci-fi genre. Anything more realistic wouldn’t have fit. Read more about Robby here.
Perhaps the most famous part of this movie and the maybe most well-known robot of all time is Robby the Robot. If you’ve ever seen anything on vintage sci-fi, you’ve likely seen this fellow. Not sure what I’m talking about? Dig the photo to the left of this caption. Robby is a ‘50s sci-fi robot to a T. I can’t imagine anything getting close to him. He can replicate anything that you put in his tray. Our characters in Forbidden Planet test him with alcohol. Of course, he is programmable, and in Forbidden Planet his program won’t let him harm. Robby’s voice is another great addition to his character. It fits so very well.
Let’s beat on Robby the Robot for a few lines though. While he is probably the best robot out of this genre, perhaps there are flaws. Again, this robot can replicate anything that you put in his tray. He can guard your home, lift anything, has a ray gun of some sort, and crazy artificial intelligence. You would think that a robot like this would look something like the AI bots we see people building in Japan today or something like the Terminator movies. No, Robby has a glass dome for a head, short raptor arms with pinchers, and his torso and legs are a bunch of spheres. I think it is the odd appearance that helps make the character so iconic. It fits perfectly with the retro sci-fi genre. Anything more realistic wouldn’t have fit. Read more about Robby here.
Forbidden Planet Fits the Genre Perfectly
Regarding “fitting”, there is a lot that fits in Forbidden Planet and its place in the sci-fi hall of fame. I don’t know that such a thing exists but, if it did, this film would be the president. Ok, so beyond the robot what is there? Well, to start with there are flying saucers that look like flying saucers. Laboratories with gears, lights, foreign technology, and odd machines that connect to your mind. Let’s not forget laser beams and fitting sound effects. There’s a space buggy that resembles the Cadillacs of the day with fins. Honestly, in a lot of ways, I think Forbidden Planet set the bar for retro sci-fi now that I think about it.
Culture of the 1950s
I’m not entirely sure why, but it seems like ‘50s movies at least sci-fi had a lesson to them. It must have been something about the culture. I need to find someone old to talk to about this. I digress – movies, I think, always say something about the culture. Which is frightening because what does that say about our current culture? I’m not throwing off on anyone or anything here but, one of the biggest films around is The Terrifier II which got its hype because of how disturbing it is. We are going back to the Caligula days. I’m personally not a fan. Forbidden Planet seemed to suggest, to me, that we as mankind are not God and that we are our own biggest enemy. I certainly concur.
Something else I find interesting about midcentury movies like this is their use of the female character. One of the first blogs I ever did was on a movie called Last Woman on Earth from 1960. You can guess from the title what it was about. A battle between the only other two characters in the movie, both were men, then ensued. Forbidden Planet had a similar piece of plot in it as well. There is only one female character so, there is some competition amongst the crew for her attention. What did this say about the ‘50s culture? I’m going to go talk to an old friend in Belton who is 90+ years old and ask some questions. This is going to bug me.
We're Back on the Saucer, Destination Planet Earth
All and all, Forbidden Planet is one of the greatest retro sci-fi movies to date. It may be the best and is my favorite thus far. The story is great, the characters are great, some are iconic, small glitches in the film reveal the special effects, and the list goes on. All fans of this genre must see Forbidden Planet. Your journey into retro or vintage science fiction is not complete without a viewing of this one. I don’t understand how a woman falls madly in love with a fellow over only 2 days, but otherwise, this movie was completely great. I will certainly watch Forbidden Planet again.
We’re getting back on the saucer and heading back to Earth as the mission is complete. In closing, is there anyone out there reading this blog that saw this originally? Has anyone out there seen the original Robby the Robot suit? I understand that it’s in a museum somewhere now and had to be restored. You can read about that here if you’re not familiar. Anyway, comments and thoughts are welcome. While you’re on my page, check out more blogs here and my artwork here. Peace.