movie review: The Neverending Story

I saw the movie Labryinth for the first time on Tuesday. As a (not-so-) b-movie night selection, the experience consisted of delicious snacks and frequently impersonating Jermaine from Flight of the Conchord's own impression of "1986 David Bowie". Afterward, we reminisced about other movies from our childhood, and one of my favorites that was brought up was The Neverending Story, so I asked my friend if I could borrow her copy.

While I never exactly felt a connection with Bastian, the movie struck a chord with me when I was younger. When I watched it last night, I found myself remembering a great many moments from the film. In a new context of adulthood, the film made a lot more sense... in a storybook kind of way.

First of all, when we were watching Labryinth as well as watching this movie, I kept thinking that in the 1980s movie-making must have been an entirely different art form. I know I'm not the first to lament over the exhaustive use of special effects nowadays, but I'm starting to notice for the first time how much more involved and elaborate sets and costumes were in the days before computers. I can only imagine the time and energy it took to create the kind of fantastic scenes in both of these movies, and in many more. That kind of dedication just isn't there today. The process is so demanding of an instant product that the heart and soul is gone. What it would have been like to work in an industry where time isn't so suppressing.

On another note, the scene where Artax sinks into the swamp has got to be the saddest in any movie. The foolish/brave/effeminate portrayal of Atreyu is pretty great as well (not the mention the coolest name for a hero.) I remember wanting my own luck dragon like Falkor, and also being creeped out by what looked like bubble wrap on his back. Probably not that comfortable to ride on. When I was younger, the confrontation with Gmork was a little more terrifying. Now that I'm older I have to laugh at their "fight" which is basically just him jumping on Atreyu's conveniently-shaped-for-stabbing rock and dying.

Another thing I never really caught onto was the moral of the story: that dreams and wishes are necessary for keeping our imagination alive. It makes a lot more sense to me now, but I found myself more intrigued by the art direction and musical score. I've been whistling the theme song all day. Also, I never really heard what Bastian was saying when he was supposed to rename the Empress and shouts of the the attic window. According to Wikipedia he says "Moonchild".