Forbidden Planet Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A spaceship full of dudes simps for a girl raised by a super-genius and his robot butler, while fighting his repressed rage monster.

🍿 Forbidden Planet: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival on Altair IV

In the 23rd century, the United Planet cruiser C-57D, commanded by Commander Adams, arrives on Altair IV to investigate the silence of a previous expedition, the Bellerophon, which had landed 20 years prior. They are contacted by Dr. Morbius, a philologist and member of the original expedition, who warns them against landing, citing an unknown danger.

Meeting Morbius and Altaira

Despite the warning, Adams and his crew land and are greeted by Robby the Robot, who escorts them to Morbius’s residence. There, they meet Morbius’s daughter, Altaira, who has never seen anyone other than her father and Robby. Morbius explains that the rest of the Bellerophon crew, including his wife, died from a mysterious force on the planet, and that the ship was destroyed as the last survivors tried to escape. He also discusses his research into the Krell, an extinct, highly advanced alien civilization that once inhabited the planet.

The Invisible Monster

As the crew begins to set up communication with Earth, they experience sabotage and attacks, including the theft of vital equipment and the murder of Chief Quinn. An invisible entity appears to be the culprit. Morbius reveals the existence of a vast, underground Krell complex filled with powerful technology, including a machine that can materialize thoughts. Doc Ostrow tries to use the machine to boost his intelligence, but is fatally injured.

The Krell Technology

Morbius explains that he discovered the Krell’s vast technology, which includes machines that can amplify intelligence and project solid matter from thought. He believes the Krell civilization collapsed on the verge of their greatest discovery. However, the ship’s doctor, Doc, realizes that the ‘monster’ is a manifestation of the subconscious Id, amplified and unleashed by the Krell technology. This ‘monster from the Id’ destroyed the Krell and is now being unconsciously projected by Morbius himself.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Commander Adams (Leslie Nielsen): The level-headed and courageous captain of the starship C-57D, tasked with investigating the fate of the Bellerophon expedition.
• Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon): A brilliant but arrogant scientist who unlocks the secrets of the Krell technology, inadvertently unleashing a destructive force.
• Altaira Morbius (Anne Francis): The innocent and naive daughter of Dr. Morbius, who has never known human contact outside of her father.
• Robby the Robot (Robby the Robot): A sophisticated and versatile robot built by Dr. Morbius, programmed with Asimov’s Laws of Robotics.
• Lt. ‘Doc’ Ostrow (Warren Stevens): The ship’s doctor who helps Commander Adams investigate the mysteries of Altair IV and the Krell civilization.
• Cook (Earl Holliman): The ship’s cook provides comic relief and interacts with Robby to synthesize forbidden beverages.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Commander Adams: “Prepare your minds for a new scale of physical scientific values.” – Commander Adams says this to his crew as they approach Altair IV and the mysteries it holds.
• Robby the Robot: “I seldom use it myself, sir. It promotes rust.” – Robby responds to Commander Adams’ remark about the planet’s high oxygen content, displaying his unique robotic personality.
• Dr. Morbius: “My mind is seething with new concepts.” – Dr. Morbius says this while showing Commander Adams and Doc Ostrow around the Krell underground installation.
• Dr. Ostrow: “Monsters from the Id, Commander.” – Doc Ostrow explains that the Krell forgot about the subconscious monsters they would release.
• Commander Adams: “We are, after all, not gods.” – Commander Adams narrates as the ship leaves Altair IV, summarizing the film’s theme about humanity’s limitations.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.9M
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Forbidden Planet Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘Forbidden Planet’ on a rainy afternoon, and it completely blew my mind! The sheer scale of the Krell technology, Robby the Robot’s charm, and the tension surrounding the invisible monster had me hooked. I felt like I was genuinely exploring an alien world filled with mystery. The scene where they first enter the Krell facility is breathtaking, and the ending is so poignant. It is a sci-fi classic that truly holds up!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic science fiction films”
  • “Those interested in the history of special effects”
  • “Viewers who appreciate movies with psychological themes”
  • “People who enjoy retrofuturism”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild science fiction violence”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Brief moments of peril”
  • “Some viewers may find the depiction of women outdated”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A visually stunning and intellectually stimulating sci-fi classic that transcends the genre with its thoughtful exploration of human nature and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
• Variety: “Forbidden Planet is a landmark achievement in science fiction cinema, boasting groundbreaking special effects and a compelling narrative that blends elements of Shakespeare and Freudian psychology.
• Sight & Sound: “Visually arresting and conceptually ambitious, Forbidden Planet delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, delivering a chilling cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked power and subconscious desires.

Audience Reactions

Robby the Robot is iconic and hilarious, stealing every scene he’s in.: Viewers consistently praise Robby the Robot’s personality and design, considering him a standout character.

The groundbreaking electronic soundtrack creates a truly eerie and unique atmosphere.: Many appreciate the innovative and unsettling electronic score, which greatly enhances the film’s sense of mystery and dread.

Overall Consensus: A groundbreaking and influential science fiction film, ‘Forbidden Planet’ continues to be celebrated for its visual effects, innovative sound design, and thought-provoking exploration of human nature.

Awards

1. Academy Awards (Best Visual Effects)- 1957

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s groundbreaking electronic music score, created by Bebe and Louis Barron, was initially credited as “electronic tonalities” because the musician’s union didn’t recognize electronic music as a legitimate form of scoring at the time.”
• “Robby the Robot, designed by Robert Kinoshita, cost approximately $125,000 to build, an astronomical sum for a prop at the time. He later appeared in numerous other films and TV shows, including ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Lost in Space’.”
• “Forbidden Planet is considered one of the first science fiction films to depict humans traveling in interstellar space using faster-than-light technology.”
• “The film’s storyline is loosely based on William Shakespeare’s play ‘The Tempest,’ with Dr. Morbius mirroring Prospero, Altaira as Miranda, and Robby the Robot taking on aspects of Ariel.”
• “Extensive matte paintings were used to create the vast landscapes and Krell architecture, showcasing innovative visual effects for the era.”

🖥️ How to Watch Forbidden Planet?

Forbidden Planet is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Forbidden Planet, you might like these similar films:

• The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951): Explores themes of humanity’s potential for self-destruction and the need for restraint, similar to Forbidden Planet’s cautionary tale.
• 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): Features groundbreaking visual effects and a philosophical exploration of humanity’s place in the universe, echoing Forbidden Planet’s ambition and scope.
• Alien (1979): Creates a sense of dread and unseen menace, drawing parallels with how Forbidden Planet builds suspense with the invisible Id monster.
• Event Horizon (1997): Also deals with a rescue mission encountering a malevolent, psychological force on a lost spaceship, reminiscent of the Id monster.
• Solaris (1972): Delves into the psychological effects of encountering an alien intelligence that reflects back humanity’s inner thoughts and fears, as explored in the nature of the Id monster.

🛒 Forbidden Planet Related Products

• Forbidden Planet (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in stunning high definition with exclusive bonus features and essays, offering a deeper dive into its themes and production.
• Robby the Robot 1/6 Scale Figure: A highly detailed and poseable figure of Robby the Robot, complete with accessories and light-up features, capturing his iconic design.
• Forbidden Planet Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster, showcasing the film’s iconic imagery and vintage aesthetic.
• Forbidden Planet T-Shirt: Officially licensed Forbidden Planet T-Shirt. High-quality fabric. Multiple sizes available.

🎧 Soundtrack

Forbidden Planet features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Bebe and Louis Barron
• “গার্ডেন With Altaira” – performed by Bebe and Louis Barron
• “Robby Helps” – performed by Bebe and Louis Barron

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Forbidden Planet- Deleted Scenes/Outtakes/Alternate Footage [HD]

Ever wondered what got cut from ‘Forbidden Planet’? This video has deleted scenes and alternate footage – it’s like finding hidden treasures from a classic!

Why you need to watch Forbidden Planet (1956)

Not sure if ‘Forbidden Planet’ is worth your time? This video breaks down why it’s still a sci-fi classic and I think they make a solid case, especially if you’re into retro films.

Forbidden Planet and the Magic in Science Fiction – Summer of Shakespeare

Did you know ‘Forbidden Planet’ has ties to Shakespeare? This video dives into how ‘The Tempest’ influenced the movie – a really cool perspective on a sci-fi favorite!

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