Cast
View All
Crew
Director
- Byron Haskin
Producer
- Aubrey Schenck
Reviews
John Chard
Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)
The title does the film no favours at all because it kind of reeks of daft Z movie origins, in fact if I hadn't looked up some research on the film prior to viewing it, I would have expected a comedy! This is an interesting variant on the much loved Daniel Defoe story about Robinson Crusoe, only as the title suggests, this is set on Mars. Whilst orbiting Mars, Commander Kit Draper is forced to eject and is stranded on Mars with only his wits and Mona the monkey for company. Here he has to source all the basic ingredients to stay alive, but he finds that mans need for companionship can trouble the mind greatly, and not only that, he finds that he is not alone after all, and the visitors that turn up are not exactly of the friendly kind..
This is a very solid and intelligent sci-fi picture, dealing with isolation and the will to stay alive, Robinson Crusoe On Mars is very much a film that relies on story over style, that it succeeds is with much credit to Paul Mantee as the lonesome Draper, carrying the film for two thirds on his own (except for the wonderful Mona Monkey of course), he infuses emotion and credibility in abundance to lift the film way above average. 7.5/10
Sep 6, 2014
drystyx
Batman dies.
But he dies early in this film, so that isn't a spoiler.
This is one of those "think piece sci-fi" films from the sixties and seventies. It's sort of a sister piece to films like "Silent Running", "The Andromeda Strain", and a few others that go more into psychology than action.
Still, there is action, or at least the semblance of action due to smart writing and directing.
An astronaut finds himself alone on Mars after Batman dies. Okay, it isn't Batman, but it is Adam West.
We're wondering if he is imagining the strange things going on, or if they're real. And there are strange things happening.
And those "strange things" get wilder and wilder and more sinister, but is this a dying man's last dream? Or is it real? We're left with believing it is real.
Apr 3, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Robinson Crusoe on Mars 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 Byron Haskin 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 1964, 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 Robinson Crusoe on Mars took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1964, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Robinson Crusoe on Mars shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mission to Mars, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Robinson Crusoe on Mars subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Solar Crisis and Solaris explore similar territory, Robinson Crusoe on Mars 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: June 1, 1964
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Budget: $1,200,000
Where to Watch
