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John Candy

Heavy Metal: Battling the Ever-Growing Evil

This was my first entry into the world of?Heavy Metal.

Having heard of the film for decades, I was well aware of the classic status amongst animation fans. Now, with the film’s restoration on 4K for the first time, this seemed as good a time as any to take the ride that people have been talking about for so long.

It’s a wild ride.

For others who may be unaware, Heavy Metal is an animated anthology that follows a glowing green orb that represents the ultimate in evil. Horrifying a young girl with wild stories of dark fantasy, the orb lays waste to the universe with increasing peril, ultimately leading to a final showdown on a faraway planet.

Based on the illustrated magazine of the same name, Heavy Metal is a wild, unruly animated romp that broke boundaries upon its release. Whereas R-rated animation has become more common in recent years, it was relatively unheard of on a mainstream level in the early 1980s. What?s more, the film is anchored by songs by Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Devo, Grand Funk Railroad, Stevie Nicks and many more. As such, there?s a certain level of respect for the material that the film carries to this day. 

What?s more, the film contains a shockingly solid cast of comedy icons. Produced by Ivan Reitman, the film is the very definition of Canadian content in the 70s and 80s by featuring voices such as Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Jackie Burroughs, Al Waxman and the late John Candy. (I have to admit that it felt a little emotional to hear Candy?s voice again after all this time.) 

Restored in 4K, one has to admit that the visuals look absolutely spectacular, giving the film a clarity and colour that is absolutely remarkable. Heavily influenced by anime, there is a certain sense of vibrancy to this sort of hand-drawn work that is often lost in a Pixar world. Stemming from the Don Bluth-era, this style of work is so well-crafted that it almost feels like rotoscope technology at times. As a result, Metal?s restoration infuses the film with new life and should satisfy the viewer with its vitality.

With this in mind though, while the animation remains stunning, the storytelling and themes have not aged as well. Each story is essentially a drug-infused male sexual fantasy, where men are valiant bad boys and buxom women are prepared to reward their heroes however they require. Fueled by graphic violence and sexuality, Metal is not for the faint of heart. For long-time fans of the film, this is of no surprise. However, for a first-time viewer such as myself, this sort of filmmaking may be jarring, especially in a post #MeToo world. (Taarna almost breaks this theory by giving a stronger female lead, but her hyper-sexualized appearance definitely stems from the male gaze.) While I hardly fault films for being a product of their time, it doesn?t necessarily mean that are relevant in the present. With its bravado and masculine dominance, I feel like this is likely the case with Heavy Metal.

Admittedly, the stories are definitely a mood. The noir-ish vibe of Harry Canyon almost feels like Blade Runnerin its prevalent darkness and corruption. Captain Stern is a dark comedy. Den?s silly heroism may be reminiscent of He-Man but it?s ritual sacrifice and violence give the episode a brutal edge. In each tale, darkness is a heavy weight that covers the land.

Tied together only by the dark power of an orb, each episode showcases a battle against the forces of evil. However, although the protagonists due their best, the power of evil grows consistently throughout. Until the final climax, Metal emphasizes the heaviness of oppression that marked 1980s cinema. In each narrative, the unnatural occurs with increasing authority. Corruption remains prevalent. Human sacrifices are made. The dead rise in a zombie apocalypse. In this animated universe, the forces of good are often kept at bay (or worse, remain silent). True heroes here are the ones willing to sacrifice themselves yet, frankly, few are found. 

One way or another, Heavy Metal will leave its mark on the viewer. For fans of the franchise, there is little question that they will be thrilled with the amazing quality of the restoration. However, for newcomers such as myself, this Metal definitely doesn?t keep its shine.

Heavy Metal is available on 4K on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022.

Self Isolation Film Festival: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

A recent Op-Ed piece in the L.A. Times made reference to our current experience of ?binary confinement? (as opposed to solitary confinement in prisons). That certainly fits for my wife and me?two people isolated (sort of) from the rest of the world. It?s good that we get along together. (My wife is very forgiving.) But as social isolation drags on, we may all look at the people we are with 24/7 and wish for a break?and those are people we love. What if you were stuck with someone awful? Let?s consider the John Hughes comedy Planes, Trains & Automobiles.

On a business trip to New York, Neal Page (Steve Martin) is rushing to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving with his family. It is a doomed trip. Even waiting to get out of a meeting takes forever. Trying to get a cab is impossible and when he things he has one, someone else steals it from him before he can get in. That someone, we discover, is Del Griffith (John Candy), a shower curtain ring salesman. They meet in the airport and things continue to go wrong for Neal. He and Del are oil and water, but they end up together in some very difficult situations as various problems send them to Wichita, Jefferson City, St. Louis, and other places. (You might note than none of those places are between New York and Chicago.)

Del is gregarious to the point of being annoying. Try as he might, Neal can?t get Del to be quiet. And due to the various problems they face, that aggravation keeps growing withing Neal. As their trip keeps spiraling into the road trip from Hell, Neal at times reaches his breaking point, exploding in anger.

When I thought of this film for inclusion in our Self-Isolated Film Festival, my memory of the film was that poor Neal had to put up with this jerk. But when I watched the film, I discovered that as annoying as Del may be, he really is a nice guy. He is generous. He has a positive outlook. He is loyal. Neal, on the other hand, is rude, self-centered, and constantly acts superior. Why Del would try to help this jerk get home is a testament to Del?s kindness.

As we face our ?binary confinement? (which could include more than just two people), we are bound to hit those times when nerves are on edge, when priorities clash, when habits annoy, when we are provoked to anger. First, we need to remember that these are people we love and who love us. But we might also want to reflect on the relationship between Neal and Del. And remember, when you look at that other person and think they are as annoying as Del, that is also the way they think of you. Then perhaps you?ll be able to channel the kindness and generosity that are the real definition of Del?s character.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is streaming on Amazon Prime.

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