Fantastic Planet (1973)

Fantastic Planet is a truly awe-inspiring film creation, and is the work of French director René Laloux. It is not clear exactly when the film takes place due to the fact it is set on an unfamiliar planet, although generally it is thought to be a depiction of the future. It is based on the novel Oms en série, by the French writer Stefan Wul, and the planet is the native home of huge blue alien-like creatures named Draags, who also share the planet with human beings known as 'Oms'. They are minute in size compared to the Draags, who capture the Oms in order to domesticate them as pets. A Draag child named Tiva domesticates an Om she finds on her travels, and names him Terr. As Tiva is still a child, she undergoes many info sessions, in which Terr is able to retain much information about the Draags and the fantastic planet itself.

Terr is somewhat rebellious, and obviously not cut out for the domesticated life, and so when he gets a chance decides to run away. He stumbles upon many savage Oms with which he cohabits and reveals to them the knowledge he has gained, allowing the Oms to fight back against the Draags. 

Fantastic Planet uses cutout stop-motion animation, which is another reason as to why the film is so impressive. Each movement that takes place has to be photographed in order to make the movements seem continuous, demonstrating just how much time and effort went into its production. Although the process of the animation was certainly slow, this does not impact the visuals, as Fantastic Planet is visually pleasing throughout and is filled with an abundance of  detail. The planet consists of many bizarre creatures and plants, which add a certain charm and capture much of the viewers attention. The animation was produced in Czechoslovakia, so perhaps these surreal elements were influenced by Czech cinema which produced many surrealist works. 

Many see the film as allegorical, likening the plot to the fall of man. Whether Laloux intended Fantastic Planet to be an allegorical work or not is ambiguous, yet there is no doubt the film works best when left to the viewers interpretation. The one and only downside to the film is the little depth of the characters, and it is somewhat frustrating that we as an audience never receive more than mere conversation between them. That being said, Fantastic Planet is one of the most original creations in animation, and although it is of a sci-fi nature, it is most definitely appealing to many. 

8/10