Posted by jukkahoo
I had two points I wanted to make, but now I don't seem to remember what the other one was...?
Ah welllll... I'll just babble about the Motion Picture then.
Some of you may know (most of you, actually) that last year we made a little film called Kalliovuorten prinssi (Prince of the Rockies). A genuine Finnish Western with a horse and all. 'twas relatively cheap to make (as the production company of Flamemountain Films beared the brunt) and a lot of fun, even when it may have looked and sounded like we weren't enjoying ourselves to Petri and Hannele. It was fun.
We decided to make another one. Thie time we wanted to make a science fiction film, but with a difference. You see, a sf-film has a tendency of needing to look a bit different, maybe even a LOT different. But as that would have cost quite a lot of money, we (and I'm being very liberal with this "we" here, since most of this is really work of one very enthusiastic and dedicated film-maker, Petri Hiltunen - who of course, is the numero Uno childrens entertainment comic illsutrator in Finland according to Harri Römpötti) chose to make a 1950's -style motion picture. In glorious black and white, with silly monsters on a stick, stop-motion (well, this never actually happened) and miniature spaceships etc.
Warlord of Saturn - an Epic Movie of the World of the Future, the Ammazing Year of 1982!
A smallish plot explanation:
Dosentti Arimo Kaskelotti has invented a new transuranic heavy element, arimoniitti. He calls up on his old dear friends; adventurer and Gentleman from Huopalahti, Jouni Kaartinen and the ever-inginnious engineer extraordinaire, Lauri Mutteri. Together they start up with Arimo's spaceship and head towards Saturn, which according to dosentti Kaskelotti, is an Earth-like planet under a thick cloud of fumes that cover the planet thus creating an atmosphere of tropical splendor.
But Saturn is not uninhabited! There is life and plenty of exitement and danger! And love...!
"Do we really have bring with us to space that symbol of Man's bestiality?"
It's just something like Edgar Rice Burroughs could've written, if he'd have the necessary skill. And just what the Finnish film-makers should have done at some point. But noooo-o.
"Gigantic nuggets!"
Petri said in his opening statement at the premiere, that like Tolkien wanted to give his beloved England a national epic, he wanted to give Finland a classic sf-film from the 1950's. And verily this is it.
"They seem to speak our language."
It may be a bit rough (the budget was only €50, after all) and none of the cast were real actors, and many scens were filmed only once á la Ed Wood jr., but it feels, looks and sounds like a Real Deal. Talking about the sound, that is the only real problem. It is bad, but all things considered, it's really not that big a thing in contrast with the glory of rest of the film. Even if I, dosentti Kaskelotti say so!
"Leave my life-work in peace, you damned beast!"
The premiere was a hit. The GooGooMuck clubroom was packed (I counted 43 people at some point and few people arrived after that) and judging by the amount of laughter during the show and smiles after it, I'd say it was a rousing success. Petri spoke little about the making of film both before and after the feature presentation, and people has quite a few questions afterwards. I was very taken by the appreciation that was thrown to my own direction. Thruth to tell, I was very pleased. Still wouldn't hold my breath about this fan club idea that was pitched in restaurant Daily, after the repeat show later in the evening for all late-comers and Real enthusiasts.
"Ah, the air is breathable!"
I sincerely hope Warlod of Saturn will be available with English subtitles some day in the future. I actually think this has every possibility of being a small cult-hit in selected fandom circles. It's quick-paced, fun and decent movie for all lovers of warm-hearted and appreciative turkey/comedy.
Why not consider make the film available on the 'net. Downloadable you know.
Posted by: Ben | September 27, 2004 at 12:17
Now I remember! MARTTI SERVO is back in SubTV!
"Koko perheen iloinen asiaohjelma Marrti Servo & Yösydän" on vihdoinkin palannut sunnuntai-maanantai välissen yöhön. Kyllä on kaivattukin. Syy television katselemiseen on palannut. "Riders on the Stormmmmm-mmmm..."
And talking about Warlord, I'd be somewhat against this kind of net-availability. I think it's not a viable alternative for commercial use (yet anyway) and I have this feeling that Flamemountain needs all the €'s it can make by selling it (for pittance). What we really need is a microphone!
Posted by: jukkahoo | September 27, 2004 at 16:59
Hienoa!
Posted by: Kuuluisan auteurin veriveli | October 01, 2004 at 17:33