Discussions about the precise delineations between sub-genres of fantastical fiction must sound as tedious to the outsider as listening to a headbanger break down how sludge metal exactly differs from doom metal. As such, I’ll simply say that space opera’s unique from “regular” science fiction for its inclusion of mysticism in a wildly-removed outer space setting. Hence Star Wars and Flash Gordon are space opera, Sunshine and Solaris aren’t, and Firefly and Farscape are maybe in a gray zone. Green Lantern is most definitely space opera--its mythos takes much inspiration from Doc Smiths’ seminal Lensmen series--so if its release has got you curious about exploring something similar on screen, what say we look at some notable entries in the sub-genre?
Dune (1984) Dir. David Lynch
Fanboys wishing for something darker and more challenging out of Star Wars more-or-less got their wish about 30 years ago from a director who famously turned down an offer to direct Return of the Jedi. It may stand as a cautionary example of the gulf between what audiences say they want and what they’ll actually put their money down for. Frank Herbert’s classic is arguably the most important modern science fiction novel and it has the un-filmable complexity that’ll typically goes with an honor like that. Lynch’s adaptation is an absolute triumph of provocative visuals, otherworldly sound design and unrelenting mood; a nightmarish vision that remains unsurpassed in its terrifying grandeur. It’s also really, really hard to sit through, and not because any of the ghoulish grotesqueries of House Harkkonen or the Spacing Guild are intolerably unsettling. The politics of Arrakis and all its sister planets’ are just too damn dense for any amount of voice over narration to adequately convey in a movie. This version of Dune may not turn your eyes blue, but it'll most likely make your head feel like it's in a Bene Gesserit Agony Box.
The Fifth Element (1997) Dir. Luc Besson
Pure, unadulterated entertainment with an uncommonly human core. It’s the best picture Besson’s ever made, by my reckoning, and it’s easily one of my favorite movies ever. Bringing the fantasia of Heavy Metal magazine to life in much more representative way than either of the actual Heavy Metal movies, the Fifth Element’s a ceaseless parade for the senses that still feels fresher than a whole nose-full of mountain mist. And it’s certainly the most fashionable space opera I’ve ever seen. People so often joke about whether runway designers are actually making clothes for aliens, and this might be the one flick to put that idle joke into practice. The fact that French fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier designed almost a 1000 individual costumes might actually be more impressive than all of its well-aged VFX.
In less high-minded terms, Chris Tucker's hysterical as Ruby Rhod, Milla Jovovich's Leeloo might just be the most kick ass “manic pixie dream girl” you’ll ever find and Willis anchors all the interstellar madness with one of his most relatable, grounded performances. Dare I say, this has all the elements of what you want from a proper adventure.
Titan A.E. (1998) Dir. Don Bluth
It’d be really too bad if this ended up being the last full-length feature directed by Don Bluth, one of the true masters of American animation. However, for as much fondness as I hold for an American Tail, Dragon’s Lair and the Land Before Time, et al, it’s rough to see the man’s timeless vision tied up in such a hodgepodge of elements that already seemed kind-of dated in the late 90s. I’ve never been too big of a fan of integrating CG models with traditional animation and the painfully-basic cobalt blue aliens in this never seem like they’re in the same universe as the crisply-fluid 2D figures. Still, even though this runs through some well-worn plot standards and archetypes, it’s impossible not to be even a little charmed by its wide-eyed earnestness. And I don't care if you detest 90s alt rock--this had a kicking soundtrack.
Also, I didn’t realize until looking back on this that Joss Whedon was on the screenwriters. Perhaps this is where he got some of the first kernels of inspiration for Firefly?
I really enjoyed Titan A.E.
Yeah me too, haven't seen it in a long time, oh and I love The Fifth Element
I owned the fucking movie and I can't remember a single thing that happened... and despite rewatching the trailer now, I can't remember what happens and how it ends.
Outside of Dune I wouldn't really call either of these Space Opera's. When I use that term stuff like Battlestar Galatica and Farscape come to mind. These are more of Space Adventures but hey that's just me.
@_jackbauer: Don't feel too bad. I saw Titan A.E. stone cold sober as a teenager and also don't remember a goddamn thing about that movie.
The Fifth Element is a space opera because it has a blue opera singer...in space.
Heck if Star Trek TOS is a space opera, Farscape sure is. I always hear people complaining about how complicated Dune was, but 8-year old me didn't seem to mind it too much. I should really watch it again sometime - I occasionally mix it up with Flash Gordon :).
If I remember correctly Titan A.E. had production troubles, and either the script or direction was changed halfway through, leading to weird tone flipflops like vicious grasshoppers shooting a main character leaving him bleeding to death during a getaway shortly after a Warner Brosesque scene where they shoot a(n athropomorphic) side character and he explodes leaving only a mouth to give a last line, and later a family friendly sidekick character gets beaten out his chair after daring to ask a question. Strange movie.
Same I also liked dune as well
I'm very fond of the Dune movie. Like Tom said, the novel is DENSE (but great, I just finished reading it), and Lynch did his best with the source material. I feel like there is no way to make a great Dune movie- but the screenwriter did add a lot of weird things to the movie, like that giant slug alien that I THINK represented the Guild and phrases like "The sleeper has awakened!"
Wherever I go, though, I never walk without rhythm.
Also it seems CRAZY that ANYONE ranks the Fifth Element in their top movies. It's a fine film, but so damn weird and yes, Ruby Rhod is unbearable.
Dune... Dune ? DUNE ? DUNE ?
Oh my ! My friends were talking to me about dune, ow it was great and all... I've watched it some weeks ago and I must say I was very disappointed. The movie was barely watchable, the special effect didn't survive time, and the screeenpla was... well... let's just say bad.
Even for the time, I doubt it was that spectacular... the premises of the movie were interesting, but that's were my appreciation ended.
The Fifth element was cool, a lttle cheesy, but cool anyway.
Anyway, I can't think of too many space operas that aren't the OG Star Wars trilogy though. I mean, I'm aware of movies like He-Man, Krull, Flash Gordon, Last Starfighter and Chronicles of Riddick, but I don't know if any of them are actually what you anyone would consider a classic.
It was cool to find out that Joss Whedon was a writer for Titan though; I'll have to check it out again. Oh, and Pinchuk...for actually typing, "Dare I say, this has all the elements of what you want from a proper adventure." you get +5 points. You're officially the best writer on Screened.com now! Matt and Alex should take notes, 'lest they ever hope to achieve prose like that.
Farscape is not a borderline Space Opera, its a full blown space opera. Even by the limited definition requiring a mixture of sci fi and mysticism, Farscape has that covered. Season 4 and the Peacekeeper War's are chalk full of mysticism and the characters of Zhaan and Stark are characters are as mystical as they come.
@Lydian_Sel said:
Yes, if only because it's an important part of sci-fi history. Whether or not you end up liking it is another story.
Add me to the list of "guys who watched Titan A.E. as a teenager and don't remember anything about it".