Forbidden World (1982)

Director:

Allan Holzman

Writers:

Tim Curnen (screenplay)
Jim Wynorski (story) ...

Release Date:

May 1982 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

A Science Fiction Horror Adventure That'll Blow You Away!

Plot:

In the distant future, a federation marshal arrives at a research lab on a remote planet where a genetic experiment has gotten lose and begins feeding on the dwindling scientific group.

Plot Keywords:

Planet | Scientist | Lesbian Subtext | Female Nudity | Space

Awards:

3 nominations

Cast

Jesse Vint	...	Mike Colby
Dawn Dunlap	...	Tracy Baxter
June Chadwick	...	Dr. Barbara Glaser
Linden Chiles	...	Dr. Gordon Hauser
Fox Harris	...	Dr. Cal Timbergen
Raymond Oliver	...	Brian Beale
Scott Paulin	...	Earl Richards
Michael Bowen	...	Jimmy Swift
Don Olivera	...	SAM-104

Also Known As:

Mutant (Australia)

Runtime:

77 min | Belgium:85 min (video version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Germany:18 | Australia:R | France:-12 | UK:18 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park - 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd., Agua Dulce, California, USA

Company:

New World Pictures

Trivia:

The modular forms decorating the hallways of the research lab are hinged lid Styrofoam sandwich boxes.

Quotes:

SAM-104: They switch you off when life is good then switch you on when they're up to their noses in life's bitter droppings!
Mike Colby: You said it, tin man.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Chopping Mall (1986)

"Welcome to the Garden of Eden. We play God here."

Expect little from it and you'll be please with what you get. I was. 'Forbidden World' is a quickly produced Roger Corman low-budget b-grade fable that's all in for exciting and junky exploitation. Nice. So I see it tagged as an 'Alien' clone… yeah kinda. Ah definitely. This time it's not an outer-space visitor, but a mutant of genetic work which goes through transformation cycles and then making ends meat of a terrific b-cast. Out of all of the films of this ilk that decided to ride the wave of 'Alien (1979)' success, from what I've seen this would be my favourite of the bunch. Still need to get my hands on the other Corman produced Sci-fi / horror cult fave 'Galaxy of Terror (1981)'.

The story centres on intergalactic trouble-shooter Mike Colbey being sent to a barren world were a group of scientists in remote station are researching genetic research without restrictions. However one of their experiments has got out of control.

It's rather straightforward, even though the script does throw around many scientific exchanges but counterpointing that is many trashy dialogues. But it seems to know what it is and goes about it in the right manner. After such a disjointed beginning (like from some other movie), it hits its strides and keeps a quick tempo, as it moves through in no time. Where this draws the most interest from is its crude and gooey make-up effects. It's daring, outrageous and literally had guts. There are a few unforgettable sequences and it's a sight to behold in the way they finally depose of the mutant. Ridiculous, but clever. However talk about leaving a icky mess! They don't make them like this anymore. Although it did get hard to see with moments of hectic editing techniques (though some odd inclusions added something different), dim lighting composition and fuzzily intrusive photography. This stark visual quality helped cemented the forebodingly moody and suffocating atmosphere within the tautly limited set-designs. Susan Justin's electronic score is elastically thumping with a real seductive pull to it. Some might call it irritably cheesy, but I loved the main theme. Allan Holzman's direction is bitingly simple and it works. Adding graphic violence (like the melting tissue in to sloppy gruel) and constant sleaze (with actresses June Chadwick and Dawn Dunlap showering together) in a pulsating package of genuine competence. The mutant (who turns peeping tom at one stage or another) with its massive head and glaring teeth looks great and terrifying. The cast do the job of what's asked from them. Jesse Vint is fine as Mike Colbey, although he spends more time flirting and sleeping about with the women. Fox Harris hams it up as one of the scientists and the sumptuous June Chadwick gives a sharp performance as scientist too. The gorgeous Dawn Dunlap spends a lot of the time screaming her head off, running around corridors and baring flesh. I guess the character is just keeping to tradition. Linden Chiles, Michael Bowen and Scott Paulin cap off a modest support cast.

Cheap and tacky, but highly enjoyable kitsch.