nws review: Forbidden Planet (1956)

An expedition is sent from Earth to Altair to investigate the silence from a colony of scientists. The earth cruiser finds the colony dead but for Dr. Morbius and his daughter Altaira. They have somehow survived a hideous 'planetary force' which roams the planet and even destroyed the colony ship. Morbius has made a great discovery of an ancient alien technology and is not ready to share it (or his daughter!) with anyone.

Saw this last night (trying to figure whether to buy the new restored version out on DVD in November.)

Interesting and enjoyable film that inspired these thoughts in no particular order:

• director did a great job of keeping the cast immersed in role
  
• too much exposition, but given to right actor and combined with some nice images (no one today would include walking tour of wonders)
  
• men stupid: cannot control hormones; cannot keep dick in pants
  
• robot smart: even strangers are treated very well; can do 'eyerolling' without eyes
  
• girl smart: open minded and flexible; obviously due for big disappointment when she gets to earth
  
• several Star Trek plots shadowed in this movie
  
• most of the Star Wars title visuals grabbed from opening sequence
  
• matte painting and animation work first class; stuff being done ten years after not as good
  
• most unintentionally disturbing dialog:
  Altaira: "He would've killed me. Why?"
  Adams: "You really don't know, do you?"
  Altaira: "No, I don't."
  [exit scene]