1980 brought us a few memorable movies, such as "Superman II" and "Caddyshack", but 1980 should be remembered for the sprawling epic, "Flash Gordon". The vision was astounding, the soundtrack by Queen phenomenal. Sure, Hollywood was still riding the crest of the wave started by "Star Wars", but so what? I think this film would have run into some difficulty getting made if George Lucas had not already opened the door.
I used to watch reruns of the Flash Gordon 1936 serials, and I think that this rendition of one of America's original heros was a great tribute. Maybe this film didn't have a heavy social message to convey to the audience, but in 1980 we didn't need another moral message. We wanted/needed a movie that didn't make us think. We wanted escapism. Something to take us away for an hour and a half, or so. And "Flash Gordon" succeeded admirably. Besides, it's a DeLaurentis production. What's not to like?
I used to watch reruns of the Flash Gordon 1936 serials, and I think that this rendition of one of America's original heros was a great tribute. Maybe this film didn't have a heavy social message to convey to the audience, but in 1980 we didn't need another moral message. We wanted/needed a movie that didn't make us think. We wanted escapism. Something to take us away for an hour and a half, or so. And "Flash Gordon" succeeded admirably. Besides, it's a DeLaurentis production. What's not to like?