Cast
View AllJoey Davidson
as Peter (voice)
Martin Lavut
as Dad / Plutox / Santa Joe (voice)
Richard M. Davidson
as Lexicon (voice)
Duncan Regehr
as Amalthor (voice)
Patricia Moffatt
as Mom (voice)
Jane Mallett
as Grandma (voice)
Marvin Goldhar
as Snerk (voice)
Greg Rogers
as Marvin (voice)
Chris Wiggins
as Mayor (voice)
Nick Nichols
as Townie (voice)
Marian Waldman
as Townie (voice)
Crew
Director
- Clive A. Smith
Producer
- Patrick Loubert
- Michael Hirsh
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, A Cosmic Christmas explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Clive A. Smith brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1977, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Cosmic Christmas took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 26 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 86 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1977, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Cosmic Christmas shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike This Island Earth, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Cosmic Christmas offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and A Christmas Story explore similar territory, A Cosmic Christmas stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 4, 1977
- Runtime: 26m
Where to Watch
