Flash Gordon
(1980)
Directed by: Mike Hodges
Starring: Sam J. Jones and Melody Anderson
With Max Von Sydow as Ming the Merciless
Flash Gordon flew onto the big screen trying to grab onto the ever rising tail feathers of the Star Wars phenomenon. While it failed pitifully in comparison it is a masterfully created film. First off if the film were meant to be serious then the acting is bad, very bad, but if you look at the film as a space opera ,which it most definitely is, then I think you can come to appreciate its simplistic and artistic nature. The sound track created by Queen in the days where Freddy Mercury sang from the heart and the world loved his voice despite his homosexuality is what made the movie stand out for me. The movie basically bombed at the box office at that time, but over the years it has become a cable television classic. Bringing the classic Flash Gordon storyline to the screen, director Mike Hodges seems to be on the sidelines during the film, which I think adds to the improv like feel the film has. Max Von Sydow plays an amazing role as Ming, he seems made for the part. His sarcasm throughout the movie is wonderfully evident, and his hatred for humans seems genuine. Flash Gordon is a fun movie that is full of laughs and predictability; it almost seems to be more of a play than a film. If you are looking for a serious film then this is definitely not for you, but if you are looking for a fun popcorn movie with a great sound track Flash should fit the bill.
__________________
“The gladdest moment in human life, methinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton
Last edited by 7thson; 05-11-04 at 06:49 PM.