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After an in-flight anti-gravity striptease (masked by the film’s opening titles), Barbarella, a 41st century astronaut, lands on the planet Lythion and sets out to find the evil Durand Durand in the city of Sogo, where a new sin is invented every hour. There, she encounters such objects as the Exessive Machine, a genuine sex organ on which an accomplished artist of the keyboard, in this case, Durand Durand himself, can drive a victim to death by pleasure, a lesbian queen who, in her dream chamber, can make her fantasies take form, and a group of ladies smoking a giant hookah which, via a poor victim struggling in its glass globe, dispenses Essance of Man. You can’t help but be impressed by the special effects crew and the various ways that were found to tear off what few clothes our heroine seemed to possess. Based on the popular French comic strip.
Duration: 98 min
Released: 1968
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10 (20,851 Votes)
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Dubbed Movies, Fantasy
Stars: Jane Fonda, John Phillip Law, Anita Pallenberg, Milo O’Shea
Directors: Roger Vadim
Writers: Jean-Claude Forest, Claude Brulé, Terry Southern, Roger Vadim, Vittorio Bonicelli, Clement Biddle Wood, Brian Degas, Tudor Gates, Jean-Claude Forest
Year: 1968
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Barbarella (1968): A Psychedelic Sci-Fi Adventure
Introduction
Released in 1968, Barbarella is a cult classic science fiction film that blends adventure, comedy, fantasy, and a vivid psychedelic aesthetic. Directed by Roger Vadim and starring Jane Fonda in the titular role, this movie stands out as an iconic example of 1960s cinema that captures the era's experimental spirit and bold visual style. With a whimsical yet action-packed storyline and eccentric characters, Barbarella continues to resonate with fans of retro sci-fi and campy humor.
Plot Summary
Barbarella follows the adventures of the eponymous heroine as she journeys through space in the 41st century. Barbarella is an adventurous and sensual space traveler, working for the United Earth government. The story kicks off when she is sent to find and stop the evil scientist Durand Durand, who has developed a dangerous weapon known as the ''positronic ray'' that could potentially destroy humanity.
Throughout her quest, Barbarella encounters a series of bizarre and surreal worlds, filled with peculiar characters, including the blind angel Pygar and the resurrected scientist Dildano. The film is punctuated by fantastical and erotic set pieces, from a garden where Barbarella discovers a mechanical doll to sequences showcasing a deadly vacuum tube run and the fascinating Dream Machine.
The narrative combines light-hearted comedy and fantasy elements, with the underlying message promoting peace, love, and the celebration of sensuality. Despite the film’s campy tone, there’s an imaginative vision of the future underlying its aesthetic, blending psychedelic visuals with futuristic technology.
Main Cast and Characters
Director and Writer
Roger Vadim directed the film; he was well-known for his work that often highlighted strong, sensual female leads, befitting Barbarella’s character. The screenplay was written by Terry Southern and screenwriter Roger Vadim himself, adapting Jean-Claude Forest’s French comic book series of the same name. This creative team brought together a mix of satire, fantasy, and sexiness to create a film that is visually striking and thematically playful.
Visual Style and Impact
The movie is renowned for its vivid color palette, innovative costume design (notably by Paco Rabanne), and its campy yet inspired set design. Barbarella's costumes, especially the iconic transparent bubble outfit, have become emblematic of 1960s pop culture. The film’s psychedelic visuals and outlandish sets contributed to its cult status, influencing fashion, film, and music over the succeeding decades.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
Although not an initial box-office hit, Barbarella grew in reputation to become a cult favorite. Its mix of eroticism, fantasy, and humor, combined with Jane Fonda’s charismatic performance, has inspired many filmmakers and artists. The character of Barbarella herself stands as a symbol of liberated sexuality and adventurous spirit in female protagonists of science fiction.
The film is also frequently referenced in pop culture, from music videos to fashion collections, showcasing its lasting impression on the collective imagination. John Phillip Law’s character, Pygar, and the antagonist Durand Durand (whose name later inspired the band Duran Duran) are part of this cultural footprint.
Conclusion
Barbarella is a captivating blend of fantasy, comedy, and adventure, encapsulating the vibrant and experimental era of the late 1960s. With Jane Fonda’s memorable portrayal and Roger Vadim’s visionary direction, the film offers a unique cinematic experience. Fans of psychedelic cinema and classic science fiction will appreciate this quirky gem that continues to shine as a testament to creativity and flamboyance in filmmaking.
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