Cast
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Robin Williams
as Professor Philip Brainard
Marcia Gay Harden
as Dr. Sara Jean Reynolds
Christopher McDonald
as Wilson Croft
Raymond J. Barry
as Chester Hoenicker
Clancy Brown
as Smith
Nancy Olson
as Secretary at Ford Motor Company
Ted Levine
as Wesson
Wil Wheaton
as Bennett Hoenicker
Edie McClurg
as Martha George
Jodi Benson
as Weebo (voice)
Leslie Stefanson
as Sylvia
Malcolm Brownson
as Father
Benjamin Brock
as Window Boy
Dakin Matthews
as Minister
Zack Zeigler
as Teenage Boy
Crew
Director
- Les Mayfield
Producer
- Ricardo Mestres
- John Hughes
Reviews
CinemaSerf
It's kind of fitting as I decided to decline Disney's kind invitation to pay 33% more for my Disney+ that this is the last of their films that I watched. It sums up the mediocrity of this once innovative source of vibrant and creative animation - and presents us with a derivative version of a film that Jerry Lewis might have made in the 1960s if he'd owned "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" - and no, "Flubber" isn't even a dolphin! It all relies on the rather annoying performance of Robin Williams in the role of the madcap scientist "Prof. Brainard" who is determined to save his college from closure by coming up with a miracle invention. His woes don't just stop there, though. His fiancée "Sara" (Marcia Gay Harden) might just be seeing another man! Anyway, what he does manage to create is the eponymous, extremely independently elastic, green gunge that can be everything from load bearing to ultra-stretchy. Needless to say, this attracts the attention of rivals and so he must now focus on a two pronged offensive to protect his sludge and keep his gal. There's only so much the talented Williams can do here before the whole thing just sinks into it's own green goo. The script is borderline puerile and even a flying car can't really rescue this from a rather disappointing predictability. At least it's short and sweet, but really hasn't an original bone in it's flexi-body!
Jan 2, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Flubber 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 Les Mayfield 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 1997, 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 Flubber took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $80.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 59 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Flubber shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Welcome to Collinwood, which focuses more on action than character development, Flubber offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Wedding Banquet and The Longest Yard explore similar territory, Flubber stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 26, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Budget: $80,000,000
- Revenue: $178,000,000
Where to Watch
