Sometimes it’s just hard to get your original idea for a movie to the big screen especially when most movies that go through the Hollywood system are limited to sequels or movies based on pre-existing source material. Even worse is that it’s proven time and time again that a recognizable property is more likely to succeed financially compared to a completely original film. This seems to be the case for one of Jim Henson’s most ambitious films to date, The Dark Crystal. A movie that did okay financially but didn’t quite strike a chord with critics and audiences at the time of its release. Is this a cult classic in the making? Or is this movie more style over substance at its core.
On a strange planet thousands of years ago, there lives a group of humble creatures called the mystics. The oldest and wisest of the mystics sends his adopted Gelfling named Jen on a quest to stop the evil vulture-like Skeksis from draining all the power from The Dark Crystal. Jen sets out on his adventure and comes across many allies who help Jen along his journey and many dangerous creatures who seek to stop Jen from fulfilling his destiny.
It still is impressive how well the story of the movie still holds up but it does come at an unfortunate cost. The overall narrative can be rather complicated to follow and I’m not just talking about younger viewers because even I couldn’t take in most of it. The overall flow of the story can feel kinda choppy and sometimes it can play itself like almost every other fantasy movie ever made and that really shouldn’t be the case for a movie as unique as this. The main characters like Jen and Kira are alright in their personalities and I will give the film credit for at least attempting good character development. The side characters arguably might be trying harder than the main ones. The Skekie’s for example are over the top and downright cruel which can make them the most interesting to watch as they are memorable and unintentionally funny.
Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and the rest of the crew are more well known for making cartoonish and kinda cutesy looking puppetry. So for the company to go completely out of the box to show off something completely different is quite surprising and for the most part, it really works. The design of most characters goes for a more realistic style but still leaving enough room for expression and character. The Skeksis in particular are the most intriguing design-wise as they are ugly and repulsive but in the best way possible. The set design is also great as it has an otherworldly feel to the whole thing. There are even some impressive landscaping shots that were actually shot on natural live action locations. The music is done by composer Trevor Jones who would later go on to do the music for Labyrinth which is another Jim Henson produced movie. There are some nice melodies and fantasy-like music that sets the tone of what the movie wants you to feel.
This is a true passion project for the Jim Henson company. It’s obvious to tell there was a lot of love being put in to make something that is far from perfect and yet has this level of craft and ingenuity that tries to push puppetry into its own form of art. This movie would go on to have a cult status among fans and the franchise would continue to expand in novels and a prequel series on Netflix. It definitely a style over substance movie, but it is still a movie that is sure to even amaze the most serious of film buffs.
(Final Grade: B+)