Cast
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Jared Martin
as Varian
Ike Eisenmann
as Scott Jordan
Carl Franklin
as Dr. Fred Walters
Katie Saylor
as Liana
Roddy McDowall
as Dr. Jonathan Willoway
Ian McShane
as Sir James Camden
Gary Collins
as Dar-L
Jason Evers
as Atar
Mary Ann Mobley
as Rhea
Mike Road
as The Source (voice)
Lynn Borden
as Enid Jordan
Scott Brady
as Carl Johanson
Byron Chung
as George
Leif Erickson
as Ben Wallace
Susan Howard
as Eve Costigan
Crew
Director
- Andrew V. McLaglen
- Barry Crane
Writer
- Merwin Gerard
- Katharyn Michaelian Powers
Producer
- Leonard Katzman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, The Fantastic Journey 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 Andrew V. McLaglen 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 1977, 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 The Fantastic Journey took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 164 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1413 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1977, 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 The Fantastic Journey shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shrek the Third, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Fantastic Journey subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dune and Total Recall explore similar territory, The Fantastic Journey 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: February 3, 1977
- Runtime: 1h 55m
