For my first blog entry, I endeavor to recall what is perhaps the most striking moment for me regarding puppets. I was about five or six, and I begged my mom to rent me a copy of Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal (and anyone who may say that TDC doesn't count for this entry CLEARLY has never seen the film because it is indeed a momentous feat in the world of puppetry). Little did I know when I was watching it that there were not only no human performers visible, but that the creatures depicted in the film were, in fact, not real creatures in our world. I suppose I imagined them as being some sort of alien life forms enslaved by Hollywood to do the bidding of Film Executives.
These puppets walk, talk, do everything a human is supposed to do, but they are obviously NOT human (which is different from inhuman, which is the display of non-human characteristics) and never claim to be. Needless to say I was terrified; these are not the Jim Henson Muppets. They are neither made of mop, nor are they truly puppets (metaphorically speaking. They are, in fact, puppets).
Regardless as to whether or not the puppets were actually alive or not, the experience was, at the time, jarring and a bit scarring; some of these puppets were and still are the things of nightmares for me.
It was only recently (like, five or six years ago) that I rewatched the movie, having sternly vowed that the film was just too terrifying to be watched by anyone more than once. Seeing it in a $5 bin at Walmart made me think "Hmm... I could buy it, and then if I still don't like it, I can give/throw it away." So, I bought it.
It was upon my second watching of the film that I realized what artistry went into the film's development. What began as hugely detailed drawings from artist/author/designer/Monty Python contributor Brian Froud became a fantastic orgy for those inclined toward fantasy visuals and puppet enthusiasts. No human is seen for the entire film (as stated before), yet some puppets (life-sized--this is Henson, so there was no scrimping on puppets) were physically performed by two or sometimes three people!
I immediately realized how important the film was. I also realized that after having believed the characters realism as a child, I still believed in their realism. I think they're real. I don't care who knows it. Anyone who has seen the film knows full well that this is no ordinary movie; it's magic. Jim Henson is known as a great artist in his field, this movie displays that fact for all to see. Its magic is in its ability to make anyone cringe at the Skesis (horrifying vulture lizard people) and want to hug an Uru (wise, mystical four-armed sloth-like people) no matter what their age. The creation of a puppet is simply the writing out of a spell. The animation, the "believeabitlity" of a puppet (an animate inanimate) is the true magic.
I said far earlier in this post that these puppets were not actually puppets and that I had said that metaphorically... or is it rhetorically... Anyway, the puppets in this film are no mere hands in socks. They are creatures of beauty (even the ugly creatures) because in the world of the film, humans don't exist. They are the only living creatures on the screen to the viewer, therefore the viewer (i.e. ME) whether 5 or 18 can believe that they are living, breathing creatures.
I have heard rumors for years that a sequel is in development. I recently heard that it will be released next summer (2012). I shall be there, hoping that Hollywood doesn't use the puppets as a soulless source of cashflow. Also, the puppets will be fully animatronic; no human performers in costumes... What will be lost?
Oh, and here's a link to the trailer. Watch it if you like:
The Dark Crystal--1982 Trailer
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