MovieChat Forums > The Starlost (1973) Discussion > once you adjust your brain, it's not so ...

once you adjust your brain, it's not so bad, seriously

posted 11 years ago by millerdsplaydzign
4 replies | jump to latest

It's actually kind of good....but first you have to adjust to the cringe- and groan-producing direction and pacing, and the obviously blue-screened, matte-lined actors walking through miniature sets ( which brings back fond memories of similar instances in "Land of the Lost"), and the sometimes meandering, sometimes pointless writing, and the actors who often seemed to be mixing NyQuil with muscle relaxers before sleepwalking through some scenes - "subdued" is a the first diplomatic adjective that comes to mind.

Once you accept that, and the fact that videotape made the smartly-designed sets look cheaper and less substantial than they were meant to, it's possible to enjoy, and even look forward to, each new episode.

After waiting almost forty years to see this show again, I have to say that, while an adjustment period is necessary, I'm not disappointed at all by the content of the US dvd release.

[–] jeffyoung1 10 years ago

You are PROFOUNDLY CORRECT. I did the same. My brain did some mental adjustments to accept THE STARLOST for what it was...retro sci-fi from the early 70s, low-budget, inexpensive, economical, 70s psychedelic colors funky studio sets, wooden actor dialogue and acting...once my brain had dialed down its sensory input expectation...and disconnected itself from past memories of recent, hi-tech sci-fi...the whole Canadian sci-fi series became rather 'interesting' and intriguing to watch.

You kind of...have to watch this early 70s low-tech, cheesy sci-fi Candadian import as if you were a science fiction archeologist and anthropologist, being somewhere between historical objectivity and sci-fi fan subjectivity. As incongruous and incompatible as my advice sounds, the oil and water does mix in this case.

I started watching the YouTube espisodes and at first I thought I was going to really groan at how my childhood memory could have been so befuddled, but my brain converted to watching the show with enjoyment for what it was.

If you can understand some people who get a joy out of watching ancient black and white Hollywood classics like, 'The Three Stooges', 'Little Friends', 'Charlie Chaplin', 'Buster Keaton', and the like, then you'll understand how it's possible to enjoy cheesy, low-budget, low-tech science fiction from the past. Bon Appetit and enjoy.

P.S. I think Canadian culture influenced the dialogue and dynamics of the characters of THE STARLOST. Canadians, at least back in the early 70s, were thought to be more restrained in speech and emotions than Americans. Raising one's voice; losing one's temper; sex talk and overt public affection and sexual activity; getting overly excited, were all anaethema to modest, restrained Canadians. That kind of lack of emotionalism was more American.

[–] Blueghost 10 years ago

That's pretty much what I've been saying about this show for years.

[–] creatorof2002 8 years ago

The story is so staggering in its implications that I watch it for that, I forgive all the flaws. It is possibly the most staggering and awe inspiring idea for a sci fi show ever.

[–] kerryedavis 8 years ago

There were some staggering implications for sure, too bad they had episodes about bees instead.

I would have enjoyed a remake too, but back in the 80s or 90s. Just to get better effects and such. If they did it now, everything would have to be filthy, Devon and Garth would be in love with Rachel tagging along for fun and/or maybe to be a surrogate mother...