Fantastic Planet (1973)

René Laloux’s 1973 animated science fiction film, Fantastic Planet, is an incredibly detailed and encapsulating film that defines the 1970s wave of experimental animation and filmmaking. The film’s cutout animation, mysterious score, and outstanding voice acting make for a surreal and notable film experience.

The film, based on the 1957 novel by Stefan Wul, Ome En Serie, was masterfully adapted by René Laloux and Roland Topor. The film depicts the relations and conflicts between the enslaved population of humans, Oms, and the blue ruling class, Draags. The film’s main character, Terr, is an Om -who was enslaved since infancy. Terr eventually escapes captivity and joins a group of Oms, whom Terr assists in resistance against the Draags.

Despite the incredibly intricate world of Fantastic Planet, the film’s plot is simple and per the typical struggles of the oppressed in a tyrannical environment. The film attempts to be ambiguous in its treatment of the Oms by depicting the Om’s violent and savage tendencies and their oppression and struggle for survival. However, the film fails such ambiguity by constantly justifying the otherwise undesirable aspects of the Oms. The film portrays the Oms carrying out the gruesome murder of a Draag (00.51.00). Yet, the murder is framed as self-defense from the heartless Draags. Thus, the extensivity of the murder is accepted as a noble and brave action by the Oms, who later face more cruelty and abuse at the hands of the Draags. Through such a straightforward approach, the eventual success of the Oms is welcomed by the audience with little to no questions.

Yet, while the treatment of the Oms lacks ambiguity, the film’s general plot is timeless and relevant. Fantastic Planet can be interpreted as a metaphor for animal cruelty, racism, and ethnic genocide. In a science-fiction setting, the subject matter is more accessible and adaptable.

One of Fantastic Planet’s strongest features is the score by Alain Goraguer. The raw, consistent, and bouncy guitar riff, accompanied by underlying strings, machine-like drums, and synthesizers, demands the audience’s attention and sets the tone for the unfamiliar and intriguing setting, Ygam.

The film’s cutout animation is one of the most memorable aspects of Fantastic Planet. There is an unsettling stiffness to characters throughout the film, regardless of the situation. Facial expressions are transfixed in characters for extended periods, making for unnatural movements and expressions. Additionally, the film’s editing mirrors the animation style. Fantastic Planet features several hard cuts during tense moments. Thus, the film’s editing is stylized to mirror the rough yet intentional cutout animation of the film.

Fantastic Planet is truly a triumph of a film. Every aspect of the film works in unison for a greater purpose. Stylistic choices reflect themes and the atmosphere of Ygam. And while the film lacks ambiguity in some areas, the film’s multifaceted meaning allows for a variety of interpretations to be drawn by audiences.