Cast
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Mel Smith
as Bernard
Griff Rhys Jones
as Graham Sweetley
Joanne Pearce
as Sandra Brock
Jimmy Nail
as Desmond Brock
Paul Bown
as Julian Tope
James B. Sikking
as Col. Raymond Laribee, CIA
Dinsdale Landen
as Commander Grenville Matteson
André Maranne
as Prof. Trousseau
George Innes
as Stanley Benson
Tristram Jellinek
as Simpson
Miriam Margolyes
as Doctor Wallace
John Joyce
as Chief Inspector Miller
Mark Lewis Jones
as Godfrey
Leonard Fenton
as Commissionaire
Joanna Dickens
as Lady Farmer
Crew
Director
- Mike Hodges
Writer
- Mel Smith
- Griff Rhys Jones
Producer
- Barry Hanson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Morons from Outer Space 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 Mike Hodges 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 1985, 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 Morons from Outer Space took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 129 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Morons from Outer Space shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Diebuster: The Movie, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Morons from Outer Space offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Alien and Gattaca explore similar territory, Morons from Outer Space 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: March 29, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
