The Dark Crystal (1982) was one of the many fantasy films on high rotation for me and my siblings growing up. Its blend of enchanting, ethereal beauty and hideous, brutal darkness, and its adventure story steeped in deep mythology made it vastly appealing to our eager imaginations (though its depiction of cruelty, loss and atmosphere of doom sometimes meant that films like The Never-ending Story, Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz were sought out more often). In addition, the sheer magnitude and detail in its handcrafted artistry, combining the talents of puppeteer and filmmaker Jim Henson and artist Brian Froud, along with a vast team of creatives, has ensured the film’s iconic place in history as well as its indelible influence upon a generation of creative minds that grew up under its spell. (more…)
