Cast
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Jason Williams
as Flesh Gordon
Suzanne Fields
as Dale Ardor
Joseph Hudgins
as Dr. Flexi Jerkoff
William Dennis Hunt
as Emperor Wang the Perverted
Candy Samples
as Chief Nellie
Mycle Brandy
as Prince Precious
Steve Grumette
as Priest
Nora Wieternik
as Queen Amora
Lance Larsen
as Emperor Wang's Guard
Judy Ziehm
as Zerig
Leonard Goodman
as
Donald Lee Harris
as
Howard Alexander
as Balding Airplane Passenger
John Rowe
as
Alan Sinclair
as
Crew
Director
- Michael Benveniste
- Howard Ziehm
Producer
- Bill Osco
- Howard Ziehm
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Flesh Gordon 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 Michael Benveniste 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 1974, 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 Flesh Gordon took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.7 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1360 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1974, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Flesh Gordon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Erkan & Stefan 2, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Flesh Gordon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man explore similar territory, Flesh Gordon 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: July 30, 1974
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $700,000
