In my mind this is one of the best children’s stories ever put on the big screen. Out of the live action children’s stories, I feel this is the best. The Dark Crystal is able to do a couple of things that I think are essential; appeal to the emotions of the viewer, draw the viewer into the movie, give the viewer the desire to be a part of the action, and have a hero that is easily relatable. This movie does it all and does it well.
This movie was produced by Jim Henson, the same guy who created the Muppets and gave Kermit the Frog his voice. He not only made the Muppet Show but also helped start Sesame Street. Jim Henson passed away on May 16th, 1990 from a rare bacterial infection but his vision still lives in his children and co-workers. But sadly none of the other Muppet movies since his death have had the same charm.
The Dark Crystal is a live action fantasy movie starring a boy named Jen. He grew up with a community of Mystics who took care of him since he was a baby. The Mystics taught him many things including writing and reading. Jen is a Gelfling and most of his kind has been killed off by the Skeksis because of a prophesy. The movie starts off with Jen being sent out on his own to fulfill the prophesy. It is very much a coming of age movie for Jen.
The mystics are a gentle race that look very similar to a wolfhound but are bi-peds with multiple arms. And you will notice that they don’t move very fast. You also get the sense that they are good, which is just the opposite of the Skeksis. The Skeksis are an evil race that rules the wasteland outside of their castle. They have giant insect like guards as well as other creatures to do their bidding. They don’t eat very nicely and don’t treat others (as well as themselves) with any respect. A very self-centered race that only thinks of themselves.
The puppeteer work in this movie is awesome. It isn’t like the Muppet show at all where the puppets just do not look real. The puppets in this movie really do look real and lifelike. The detail on the puppets is impressive. The puppets move like real life forms move. It is a beautiful thing.
The character development is done pretty well. We get to know the hero of the story (Jen) quite well. His loves, passions, fear, naiveness, inner strength, etc. They did this character justice. The character building for the Skeksis was also well done, which is a good thing since they are the evil force in the movie. You get to know some of the rituals, inner workings, and desires of the Skeksis. The pecking order is pretty obvious and each Skeksis has their own unique personality. The Mystics are a mysterious race so their character building is very limited. Although I would love to know more about them, I think leaving a bit of mystery was a good decision and compliments the end of the movie.
The writing is good but not the best. In parts it is corny and seems unrealistic. I think that parts of the dialogue are the weakest part of the film. I just feel they could have done a better job in this department.
The special effects are good for a film from the early 80’s. Now it isn’t up to the Star Wars level of special effects but the times which they used special effects it only enhanced the story, not detract from it.
I describe the music as John William-ish. It is not John Williams but Trevor Jones that did the music. The music is full of emotion, feeling, and freedom. It really compliments the story being told.
Secrets and goofs They used actors for the long shots. The actors had 5 digits (like you and me) but the puppets had 4 digits. I remember being told as a child that the stone was not originally supposed to break as it did but I can’t find any information to support that tale.
Rating PG
Additional DVD material The world of the “Dark Crystal”- 57 minute documentary, it looks old but is full of information. Deleted funeral scene- Some extra footage of the deathbed scene. Original Language work print scenes- Other clips of extra footage. Character drawings and profile- Some basic drawings and a brief description of some of the characters. Theatrical trailers- Talent files- Information on Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and Brian Froud
The key players Director: Jim Henson & Frank Oz Story by: Jim Henson Screenplay by: David Odell Music: Trevor Jones Produced by: Jim Henson & Gary Kurtz Director of Photography: Oswald Morris
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