Explorers (1985) directed by Joe Dante is nestled warmly in THE FUTURIST!'s cinematic heart. Oh, to be sure, it is a greatly flawed film, especially in its third act ... but, the direction by Mr. Dante of the young boys and their friendship, their eagerness to create and make their fantastical dreams come true is wonderful to watch. There are little references in the film to other classic films; Citizen Kane, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and This Island Earth are a few instances of in-jokes. Mr. Dante even references his earlier film Gremlins and pays honor to the beloved Looney Tunes animated shorts with the name of the school the boys attend; Charles M. Jones Junior High. In the video below you will recognize that two of the young explorers are Ethan Hawke and the late River Phoenix who might resemble THE YOUNG FUTURIST! in his tie, sweater vest and corduroy sport coat.
Director Joe Dante worked closely with master film composer Jerry Goldsmith on his films. Explorers has one of THE FUTURIST!'s favorite soundtracks. The music has that tense pounding anticipation of a great deal of Goldsmith's work, but then lifts into a beautiful melodic flight that, in its sound, brings to mind the exultation of successful creation and wonder. It blends well in this montage of the boys working together on the building of their homemade spacecraft which will soon propel them into alien encounters and science fiction adventure.
Listen:
THE CONSTRUCTION
from the soundtrack of Explorers
composed by Jerry Goldsmith
1 comment:
It's pretty epic!
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