Fantastic Planet (1973) Review- By Michael J. Carlisle

Title: Fantastic Planet
Year: 1973
Director: Rene Laloux
Country: France
Language: French

May 1968 was a volatile period of civil unrest in France highlighted by demonstrations and massive general strikes as well as the occupation of universities and other places of work across the country. Political leaders feared revolution as France's economy came to a halt. The protests spurred an artistic movement, with songs, imaginative graffiti, posters, and slogans but also intense violence, which ensured their defeat. The period of time immediately following this event spurred an artistic hippie movement which would allow films like Fantastic Planet to be made. 

This futuristic story takes place on a faraway planet where blue giants rule, and oppressed humanoids rebel against the machine-like leaders.

During the late 60's-early 70's France had spurred an intellectual hippie movement, much like America did, but perhaps a little more left leaning. They sought to produce films of great intellect that would also be a spiritual experience. It also helped that they did loads of drugs. While you're watching Fantastic Planet you'll be thinking "were these people high!?" and the answer is yes, yes they were. 

The first French animation feature since 1953, it was hand-drawn by Roland Topor and roughly 25 other artists.Their aesthetic blends well with Topor’s style of art, which is a combination of intellectual and random. Compared to computer animation of today and the clean rotoscoped animation of yesterday, the hand drawn animation certainly shows its age. Granted, I suspect the film-makers didn't want animation that was too clean and too polished. They weren't exactly keen on sticking to a formula. 

The jazzy score by Alain Goraguer is a remarkable product of the time. While it doesn't flow well out of context with the film and/or time period it still evokes much of Fantastic Planet's themes (which can be applied to an endless amount of topics)  and improves the picture. This is a fairly unique picture that is obviously a must-see for anybody who is interested in film.