We Were Once Free — But Not Anymore on this ‘Fantastic Planet’
It is time for a change
Czechoslovakia wasn’t an ideal place to live in 1968. Soviet forces invaded the country, causing many deaths. The Russians were conquering Europe like Germany did decades before.
During the conflict, a French animated film postponed a movie based on the science fiction novel Oms en Série (Serial Oms) by Stefan Wul. Given the film’s delay, the movie changed themes. Director and writer René Laloux along with writer Roland Topor then based it on oppression and power.
Fantastic Planet answers those themes — a 1973 experimental animated science fiction film about advanced aliens owning little people. The Draags keep the tiny people, Oms, as pets. Unfortunately, one Om doesn’t enjoy being a pet, so he rebels against his Draag owners.
The theme is quite simple: the Draags control the Oms. They demand they fall in line. Act like dolls so Draag children can dress them in flashy and cute accessories.
The message of control rings true today. Through the centuries, humanity sought to control others through fear. Yet if fear didn’t work, those in power tell one set of people you are better than others. Therefore, you deserve to be on top.
The Draags are superior, given their technology and stature. They’re giant blue figures who look like the Creature from the Black Lagoon stoned. Their very appearance symbolizes how those against the Soviets depicted them.
The Oms are tiny but are like you and me if we were all light-skinned. I’m not offended by this. Sci-fi depicts its characters as white, or their race is unclear. 21st-century sci-fi somewhat addresses the concern. Yet, this issue is something humanity needs to understand besides government oppression.
Regardless, I’m in awe of the surreal animation style of Fantastic Planet. The worlds are creative and eye-catching. You can compare it to Monty Python’s intro or higher-budget South Park.
The backgrounds and characters look crisp thanks to the paper cutout design — for…
