Whether it’s writing comedic prose, applying makeup behind the scenes, or an actor who does perfect portrayals as a villain, every name in entertainment has a specific niche. When that niche is the art of being a puppeteer, two names that front the pack are Frank Oz and the legendary Jim Henson. The two puppet-masters joined forces in creation of the enigmatic 1982 cult classic “The Dark Crystal.”
The joint British-American tale was released in theaters on December 17, 1982 with limited appeal. Boasting revolutionary use of animatronics, costumes, and set design, “The Dark Crystal” was originally marketed as a family movie, but despite Henson’s popularity in creation of ‘The Muppets’ and his work on the show “Sesame Street,” the film’s dark and eerie tones steal it from the hands of children’s movies.
“The Dark Crystal” takes place on a distant planet thousands of years ago. A powerful crystal cracked and two races were created; the self-serving, tyrannical reptilian Skeksis, who use the powers of the crystal for their own gain, and the slow moving, seemingly stoned natural wizards called Mystics.
The hero of the story is a docile elf-like creature named Jen, identified as a Gelfling. Jen was taken in and raised by the Mystics after his entire family was obliterated by the Skeksis and their campaign of Gelfling genocide (told you it’s not a kid’s movie.) Upon the death of the wise old Mystic, it is revealed that an ancient prophecy dictates that Jen will be the one to restore order to the universe.
The feeble Jen sets out on a quest to locate the broken shard from the crystal. Along the way he encounters a variety of creatures; a sorceress named Aughra, a female Gelfling named Kira, and the Skeksis ousted Chamberlain – a devious sort with a trademark whimper and a hidden agenda. Also aware of the prophecy that a Gelfling will put an end to their reign, the Skeksis dispatch their monstrous minions to eliminate him.
The ominous and dark nature of the story, combined with the eerie and sinister puppets, far scarier than today’s CGI effects, gives the viewer an indescribable feeling of uneasiness throughout. The score is absolutely fantastic and adds a balance of perfection as the story unfolds. Frank Oz (the force behind the iconic Jedi Master Yoda) borrowed several concepts and images from the Star Wars franchise and fans of the movies will easily identify them.
Anyone who watches “The Dark Crystal” will be mesmerized by the Skeksis – evil beings that represent the doldrums of human nature, in a way akin to the seven deadly sins of the bible. While the peaceful Mystics are kind-hearted and well intentioned beings, the Skeksis exist for no other reason than to satisfy their own primal urges, with the relationship between the two races being literary brilliance.
With its concept, visual appeal, and in-depth story, “The Dark Crystal” is a truly excellent film. Henson and Oz would work together again on the 1986 movie “Labyrinth” which is noticeably lighter in tone and not nearly as good.
Henson mastered the ability to not only create but bring life to fictitious characters conjured in his mind. From Kermit the Frog, to Big Bird, to the Skeksis, Henson’s unforgettable creations will leave you in awe, and “The Dark Crystal” shows that he was immensely talented beyond the imagination of anyone…or anything.
– by Matt Christopher
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