Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy
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Deep Dive
What is 'Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy' about?
The 1981 Yugoslav-Czech co-production 'Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy' is a surreal sci-fi fantasy film about a writer named Robert who manifests his imaginative ideas into reality, including intergalactic aliens and bizarre monsters. The film explores the conflict between creativity and real-life responsibilities, with Robert's girlfriend being turned into a metallic cube and a monstrous rampage by a creature named Moo Moo.
What makes 'Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy' unique in terms of its plot?
The film is unique for its unpredictable and absurd plot, which includes a major subplot where the protagonist's girlfriend is transformed into a metallic cube and a gory monster rampage by a creature resembling a cross between Alf and Mickey Mouse. The narrative feels like a child making up a story as they go, with bizarre details and a lack of conventional structure.
Who directed 'Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy' and what was his background?
The film was directed by Dušan Vukotić, a Bosnian-born filmmaker who started as a political and satirical cartoonist in the 1940s before transitioning to animation in the 1950s. He co-founded Zagreb Film Studio and was known for his bouncy, absurd animation style. His 1961 short film 'Surrogat' won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
What are the key influences on 'Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy'?
The film draws from international sci-fi and horror of the 1960s and 70s, Czech New Wave absurdity, magical realism, and 1960s camp. It also contrasts the mundane, everyday world with the colorful, explosive world of fantasy, reflecting the tension between reality and imagination.
What is the significance of the character Moo Moo in the film?
Moo Moo is a grotesque monster created by the protagonist's imagination, designed by Czech stop-motion animation master Jan Švankmajer. The creature is both absurd and terrifying, with a design that includes oversized and misplaced bits of human anatomy, such as giant human ear lobes as wings. Moo Moo plays a central role in the film's climax, attacking a wedding and causing chaos.
How does 'Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy' explore the theme of creativity versus reality?
The film explores the conflict between creativity and reality through the protagonist Robert, who has the supernatural ability to manifest his imaginative ideas into reality. However, this ability disrupts his real-life relationships and responsibilities, leading to chaos. The film suggests that creativity without grounding in reality can lead to destructive consequences, as seen with the rampage of Moo Moo.
- The film is a 1981 Yugoslav-Czech co-production.
- It's considered one of the weirdest movies the podcasters have ever covered.
- The film's restoration is available from Deaf Crocodile.
- Many scenes were filmed in locations also used in Game of Thrones.
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