“Forbidden Zone” is a wild, surreal, and twisted musical fantasy. The film follows the adventures of the Hercules family as they enter the mysterious “Forbidden Zone” through a door in their basement. Inside, they encounter bizarre characters and surreal situations. The movie features music from Danny Elfman and showcases his unique style with its avant-garde visuals and bizarre humor. Overall, “Forbidden Zone” is a strange trip that will leave you feeling simultaneously confused and delighted.
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Review
Have you ever come across a movie that left you speechless and perplexed at the same time? One that challenged your imagination and perception of reality? If not, then you must watch the 1980 American independent film, ‘Forbidden Zone.’
Written and directed by brothers Richard Elfman and musical genius Danny Elfman, Forbidden Zone is a unique blend of live-action bizarre fantasy with elements of animation. Released under the banner of Mystic Knights of Oingo Boingo, it was their first production.
The film’s plot offers an unforgettable experience. A curious young girl named Frenchy (Marie-Pascale Elfman) discovers a door to another dimension in her basement. She ventures into the forbidden zone, where she is welcomed by the mischievous King Fausto (Hervé Villechaize) and his queen Doris (Susan Tyrrell). The king falls in love with Frenchy and plans to make her his queen. Meanwhile, her brother Flash (Phil Gordon) and grandfather (Hyman Diamond) venture into the forbidden zone to rescue her.
The opening sequence sets the tone for what’s to come- an energetic performance featuring Danny Elfman’s band Oingo Boingo singing “Forbidden Zone.” The storyline unfolds in a disjointed manner, reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland with added punk-rock music. It’s fast-paced and unpredictable- you never know what will happen next.
The cast includes some fascinating characters like Hervé Villechaize as King Fausto- a man with a giant head who speaks in gibberish but manages to captivate audiences with his charisma. Susan Tyrrell as Queen Doris is equally intriguing; she’s cruel yet vulnerable at times.
Richard Elfman himself has made an appearance as Squeezit Henderson, a notable character who sings “Bim Bam Boom” while wearing clown makeup. Other cast members include Matthew Bright as Squeezit’s brother Rene Henderson, Viva as a piano teacher, and Joe Spinell as the Mystic Knights’ leader. The actors bring their A-game to the table and deliver performances that are memorable and entertaining.
Forbidden Zone’s cinematography is impressive, considering it was a low-budget production. The use of black and white for some scenes creates a sense of timelessness, while the use of animation adds to the film’s quirky atmosphere.
The musical score is another highlight- Danny Elfman’s compositions elevate the film, making it more than just a cult classic. Forbidden Zone’s soundtrack features songs like “Bim Bam Boom,” “Squeezit the Moocher,” and “Private Life” – all catchy tracks that stick with you long after the movie is over.
The film has had its share of criticism- some have labeled it offensive due to its depiction of stereotypes. For instance, King Fausto can be seen as a problematic character in terms of representation. However, this could be interpreted as part of the film’s satirical tone- unconventional characters that push boundaries.
Forbidden Zone did not fare well at the box office initially but gained popularity through midnight screenings and home video releases. Its uniqueness has earned it a dedicated fan base even after 40 years since its release.
In conclusion, Forbidden Zone is not just a movie; it’s an experience that stays with you. It’s fun, bizarre, musical, and imaginative all at once- everything you’d expect from a cult classic. So take a journey into the Forbidden Zone if you dare- who knows what adventure awaits?
Technical Data
- Runtime : 74
- Release : 1980-03-15
- Genre : Music, Comedy, Fantasy
- Cast : Hervé Villechaize as King Fausto of the Sixth Dimension, Susan Tyrrell as Queen Doris of the Sixth Dimension, Matthew Bright as Squeezit & René Henderson, Gene Cunningham as Pa Hercules, Marie-Pascale Elfman as Susan B. “Frenchie” Hercules
- Crew : Danny Elfman as Original Music Composer, Matthew Bright as Screenplay, Richard Elfman as Screenplay, Richard Elfman as Director, Richard Elfman as Producer
- Popularity 7.981
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Hercules Films
- Summary : A mysterious door in the basement of the Hercules house leads to the Sixth Dimension by way of a gigantic set of intestine. When Frenchy slips through the door, King Fausto falls in love with her. The jealous Queen Doris takes Frenchy prisoner, and it is up to the Hercules family and friend Squeezit Henderson to rescue her.
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