Watching The Dark Crystal (1982)

I have never watched The Dark Crystal. I have tried to watch the movie on two occasions previously, but didn’t get very far into the film before giving up.

The first time I attempted to watch the movie I believe I managed around ten minutes before I got bored. It was one of those times when I simply wasn’t in the mood to watch something quite like The Dark Crystal, so I probably shouldn’t have attempted it.

A few years passed and I decided to give it another go. So many people seemed to like it (and suggested I would like it too), so I figured it deserved another chance to grab my attention.

On my second attempt I progressed a little further with the film – I think I managed about 20 minutes – but unfortunately, my feelings didn’t change. I found it very slow going and I still couldn’t get into it.

After two failed viewings I figured that me and The Dark Crystal were just not meant to be. As much as I love the works of the late Jim Henson (Labyrinth, The Muppets etc), this is one of his pieces that just hasn’t connected.

So why am I attempting this film for a third time? Because I believe it is time to finish what I started, and decide once and for all if The Dark Crystal is as good as people tell me.

So, will it be third time lucky?

Let’s find out.

*Clicks play*

Early observations:

There is some seriously frightening stuff in this movie. Not only is the tone very dark, the Skeksis are gruesome!

Jeez, what are these weird beetle things?!

And what the heck is this dog thing with all the teeth?

OK, so nightmare fuel and creepy content aside, the level of detail in this movie is incredible. I can see why so many people admire it. I LOVE Labyrinth (the spiritual companion to The Dark Crystal) and always thought that film was packed full of detail, but I think this one goes even little further.

Additional observations:

The Chamberlain scares me. I don’t know if he’s trustworthy or not. He claims to want peace, by terrifying the living crap out of everyone!

*A short while later*

The Chamberlain has just tried to kill Jen. I now know he’s not trustworthy.

*Checks time*

I’m already into the final twenty minutes of the movie and I can safely say:

a.) I’ve watched more of this film this time around than I ever have before.

b.) I can appreciate this movie on a technical level – it really is a stunning display of creativity.

Yes, I’m appreciating The Dark Crystal “on a technical level”… but I’m still not really into it. I can totally see the appeal, but it just doesn’t do anything for me.

*Clicks stop*

Conclusion:

The Dark Crystal deserves the praise it receives. The skill and creativity on display in this film is outstanding and watching it takes me back to the fantasy films I watched growing up (Return of the Jedi, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Masters of the Universe, Krull etc).

BUT…

I simply don’t think this is a film for me. Perhaps if I had watched this movie as a child I would have a deeper connection with it, but viewing it now as *cough* a 37-year-old *cough*, I’m not all that interested with it.

It might be the tone – it’s all very serious and perhaps I could do with a little humour to lighten the load. Then again, it may simply be me and I just don’t gel with it.

Hmm…

Either way, The Dark Crystal is a good movie and I understand why it has the fanbase it has, but it’s not one I will return to in a hurry. Sorry to all those Dark Crystal fans out there.

At least I finally watched it!

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