Jeffrey Miller

Forbidden Planet is a science fiction film icon. There is a reason it turns up in the Rocky Horror Show's "Science Fiction Double Feature" lyrics: it's a complete classic. Bear in mind that this is a film that is over 50 years old; and while by today's measure it may feel slow in parts because it focuses on dialogue (some of which is also dated), it still entertains. For its time, the special effects were top notch (views from within the great Krell machines, Robby, monsters from the id), the sets were lush and well designed, and it was one of the very first fully electronic musical scores in a film. Add to that the themes of the film (which is a loose retelling of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'), that technology can be used for good or ill, the dangers of science not stopping to think of where its leading (early shades of Jurassic Park). It hits all the right buttons and pulls all the right levers for a 50's space opera, complete with theremin music backing a mad scientist, a mighty robot, flying saucers, and ray guns, and a monstrous, hidden danger!