Cast
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Geoffrey Bowes
as Screamin Meemie (voice)
Jeri Craden
as Dusty (voice)
Cree Summer
as Freakella (voice)
Keith Hampshire
as Horn Head (voice)
Alyson Court
as Sandy (voice)
Don Francks
as Wolf Breath (voice)
Dan Hennessey
as Slobulus / Bruise Brother (voice)
John Stocker
as Aargh / Skull Face (voice)
Christopher Ward
as Skip (voice)
Crew
Director
- Laura Shepherd
Writer
- Heather MacGillvray
- John de Klein
Producer
- Michael Hirsh
- Patrick Loubert
- Clive A. Smith
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Madballs: Escape from Orb! 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 Laura Shepherd 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 1986, 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 Madballs: Escape from Orb! took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 23 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 57 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1233 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Madballs: Escape from Orb! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Aladdin, which focuses more on action than character development, Madballs: Escape from Orb! offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like American Graffiti and Who Framed Roger Rabbit explore similar territory, Madballs: Escape from Orb! stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 1, 1986
- Runtime: 23m
