It's Friday night y'all. Time for #wenchwatches
I've had an exhausting week and I want to make bad decisions, so....
Tonight: #howardTheDuck1986
This film is cringe. It's crass, it makes awful jokes, and the premise seems completely out of nowhere in 1986.
This is the era in which you'd assume that this was a kids film -- and many parents did -- when it's definitely aimed squarely at adults and older teens.
Even more confusing, it's directed by....George Lucas!?
Oh boy, we're in for it aren't we.
Let's watch!
I hate to admit it, but I actually *love* the intro of this film. The slow roll reveal establishing the duck planet by examining the memorabilia in Howard's apartment. It's surprisingly effective filmmaking. First you're confused, then you go "huh", and then you just....accept it. The result is that when the camera finally pans up to reveal Howard, it seems completely expected.
Coming from my recollection of a recorded-from-broadcast VHS, this DVD transfer is a treat. This is especially the case given the Howard makeup. It's a *remarkably* expressive appliance, conveying a lot of emotion despite the limitations of, you know, having a beak. Much of it is through body language and expression around the eyes.
For as stupid as this film is, the filmwork is really enjoyable. The lighting has a technicolor feel; over-saturated backsplashes of hues with effective use of shadow and frame composition.
I was trying to put a pin on just where I saw this style before and...Willard Huyck directed Temple of Doom just two years prior to this one. The same cinematography is here.
Oddly, this film is reminding me of...FLCL, or NieA_7. Both of those projects were less serious, "let's just have fun" works. The same feeling is here. Lucas spent his own money on this bizarre project, Marvel comics egging him on. It's an intentionally absurd film, combing film-noir elements with 80s style. The problem comes in when you realize the movie is doing this absurdity straight-faced. When you also factor in that so many audiences missed how this wasn't a kids film... You can see why this was such a confusing flop.
Compared to my VHS recollections, this DVD copy is a Special Edition, adding in scenes that were cut from broadcast. Mostly it's small moments which didn't overly contribute to the film.
Of course, when they get to the intimate scene between Beverly and Howard, they linger far, far longer. I actually find myself appreciating the TV cut here, as the sexuality doesn't overly linger, and keeps the film fun.
And when I was watching this as kid, I didn't find Lea Thompson in her underwear sexy. She's certainly attractive although not in the ways that interest me. Instead, I'm recalling something else about all those times I watched this film.
Jealousy. I wanted to be her.
And cries of "there were no signs!" rose up into the air...
@socketwench - Outside of the hair that could pick up over-the-horizon-soviet-radar Lea Thompson in HTD was Baby Trans Goals for me.
@socketwench - it also doesn't help that I was completely stricken by 80s lacepunk. I love 80s lace punk. I WANT 80s LACE PUNK TO COME BACK.