When “Flash Gordon” was released in 1980, many were inclined to view it as a “Star Wars” cash-grab. George Lucas’ interstellar success may have made a feature length “Flash Gordon” possible, but in no way is “Flash” attempting to track the Millennium Falcon through hyperspace.
On the contrary, the film revels in its comic strip origins, as a gaudy spectacle that is all about elevating camp production design and celebrating its own proto-pop pulpiness. Like the overripe performances of the actors themselves, “Flash” knows just what it is all about, with a deliberate tongue-in-cheek vibe and a subversive, foreign film sensibility – a surreal blend of high and low style, go-for-broke fashion, Mediterranean sensuality, and kink.
The heightened artificiality and lightness of touch make the film seem like one big party, underscored by Queen’s giddy, hilarious soundtrack. FLASH! AH AHHHHHHHHH!!
Clearly, there’s a lot to say about Flash Gordon – wholly befitting of the savoir of the universe. Enjoy last night’s overstuffed conversation, with special guest Jon Haag – and collectibles – here:
Join Roy tomorrow at a special time, as he welcomes authors David Hirsch and Robert E. Wood, who will talk about their new release, “To Everything That Might Have Been: The Lost Universes of ‘Space: 1999.’” The book draws on recently-discovered documentation and correspondence regarding the early days and development of the cult-favorite TV series, shedding new light on how exactly “Space: 1999” came to be.
“Space: 1999” fans will be over the moon for the next Roy’s Tie-Dye Sci-Fi Corner. Bring your Eagles to roost in the comments section, when they livestream on Facebook, THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT 3:00 EST!
