B Movie Forbidden Planet: See Leslie Nelson Being Upstaged by Inaminate Objects.

Identifying Forbidden Planet as a b-movie seems inequitable. The basic elements of a b-movie are here; we’re tendered a robot, an astro-vixen, interplanetary travel, and a mad scientist, but this flick is a little more prestigious than your average schlock reel from the ‘50s. For starters, it was actually made with a budget. $1.9 million to be exact, and the munificent funding translated well to celluloid, as Forbidden Planet’s production values are truly incomparable. Secondly, the script is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” 

How many other b-movies bear Elizabethan roots? Its influence can be found in the most eminent of geek shrines, both stars Trek and Wars. Why it’s never championed as much as other sci-fi classics are is beyond me, but it has graced my VCR, which is all that really matters.

As appetizing as the poster is, it’s faintly misleading. The robot isn’t the antagonist. The film doesn’t even have a clear antagonist until about the halfway mark, and a sense of conflict doesn’t present itself for some time. I wasn’t sure how to feel about this. On one hand, the exposition feels aimless and the pace lags in spots because the characters aren’t in jeopardy. On the other hand, you’re intrigued by the titular planet and you’re placed in the shoes of the starship crew members as they become conversant with their surroundings. 

You want to learn more about Dr. Morbius, the Krell, and the invisible brute who stamped out Morbius’ entire team of scientists nearly two decades ago, so the leisurely pace isn’t such an encumbrance. If anything, it heightens the intensity of the eventful third act.