Weekend Movie Recommendation by Chrischi
In the realms of 1980s cinema, one film stands out for its lavish production, quirky creativity, and questionable taste - the adaptation of the classic comic strip, 'Flash Gordon'. Directed by Mike Hodges, the film features a star-studded cast, a memorable soundtrack, and visuals that hark back to the era of 'Superman: The Movie'.
The story begins with a thrilling crash sequence, as Flash Gordon, Dale, and Dr. Hans Zarkov collide in a plane. This sets the stage for a series of extraordinary events, including Dale's transformation into the space Blofeld's wife through drug drinks and hypnosis rings. Dr. Zarkov, too, falls victim to brainwashing, becoming Ming's helper.
The film's villain, Ming, the Emperor of Mongo, is portrayed by the esteemed Max von Sydow. Klytus, Ming's right-hand man, presents Earth as a toy to play with, adding a chilling touch to the film's otherwise whimsical tone.
Prince Barin, played by Timothy Dalton, offers a nod to the James Bond franchise with his pompous demeanor and a notable mustache. He initially considers Flash an enemy due to his affection for Aura, Ming's daughter, who secretly brings Flash back to life after his execution.
The film's visuals are a spectacle to behold, with bright costumes, a supervillain with aristocratic charm, bumbling heroes, and flying humans with an attack formation. However, the rear projections, reminiscent of 'Expendables 4', are criticized as the worst in recent memory.
The film's soundtrack is another highlight, with Queen composing the theme song and a pompous Queen song playing during the finale. Ornella Muti and Melody Anderson are depicted in suggestive poses and revealing outfits, adding to the film's controversial allure.
'Flash Gordon' was produced by Dino De Laurentiis, who was inspired by George Lucas' success with 'Star Wars'. Despite a budget 35 million dollars less than that of 'Star Wars', the film is described as glossy trash in its purest form.
The comic source material for 'Flash Gordon' is almost half a century old, yet the film's adaptation remains a fascinating relic of 1980s cinema, offering a unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and campy humour. For those who appreciate the strange and the spectacular, 'Flash Gordon' is a must-watch.
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