The 1987 French animated science fiction film Gandahar, directed by René Laloux, is receiving a new lease on life with a 4K restoration from Janus Films. The uncut version of the film, known for its distinctive visual style and complex themes, is set to debut in New York City on August 28 before a national rollout.
Gandahar follows in the wake of Laloux's 1973 cult classic, Fantastic Planet. Like its predecessor, Gandahar plunges viewers into a surreal and imaginative world. The narrative centers on a seemingly utopian society threatened by soulless robots known as the Men of Metal. The story explores themes of genetic experimentation, the consequences of advanced weaponry, and their impact across generations, even spanning a thousand years into the future. As was common in animation of the era, a portion of the characters, specifically the female characters, are depicted with optional clothing.
An edited and dubbed version titled Light Years was previously released in North America by Miramax Films in 1988. This earlier cut featured dialogue adapted by science fiction author Isaac Asimov. However, the new Janus Films release presents the complete and original French version, arguing that its original dialogue and pacing are integral to the film's unique atmosphere.
The film opens with serene, albeit peculiar, scenes of Gandahar's inhabitants. The world is depicted with fantastical creatures and a strange, symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna. This tranquility is shattered by an attack from the Men of Metal, who turn the villagers to stone. In response, the Council of Women dispatches an emissary, Sylvain, to investigate the mysterious attackers.
Sylvain, portrayed as the hero, embarks on his mission riding a mechanical jellyfish and utilizing a unique weapon. Despite fulfilling heroic archetypes, the human characters in Gandahar are noted for their lack of engagement, with the film's true appeal lying in its eccentric inhabitants and concepts. Among these are the Deformed, outcasts resulting from genetic experiments, who possess varied and unusual physical characteristics, including multiple heads and mouths on their knees. These characters, cursed with the ability to see the future, speak in a tensed language reflecting their perception of past and future events.
Another significant character is Metamorphis, a colossal brain residing in the Eccentric Ocean, whose role as antagonist or protagonist is left open to interpretation. The film's narrative, much like its visual design, deliberately deviates from conventional storytelling, embracing an off-kilter yet beautiful aesthetic. While its pacing can be deliberate and its hero somewhat unremarkable, Gandahar's unconventional approach and unique vision distinguish it from contemporary animated features, positioning the restored version as a significant watch for fans of the genre.