Barbarella:
Barbarella is a 1968 science fiction film directed by Roger Vadim,
based on the comic series of the same name by Jean-Claude Forest.
The film stars Jane Fonda as Barbarella, a space-traveler and
representative of the United Earth government sent to find
scientist Durand Durand, who has created a weapon that
could destroy humanity.
As a director who expressed an interest in comics and science
fiction, Vadim was hired to direct Barbarella after producer
Dino De Laurentiis purchased the film rights to the comic
series. Vadim attempted to cast several actors in the title
role (including Virna Lisi, Brigitte Bardot, and Sophia Loren)
before choosing his then-wife, Fonda. A friend of Vadim's,
Terry Southern, wrote the initial screenplay, which changed
considerably during filming and led to seven other writers
credited in the final release, including Vadim and Forest.
The film began shooting immediately following the completion
of another De Laurentiis comic adaptation, Danger: Diabolik,
with both films sharing several cast and crew members.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Barbarella may seem
"quaint" to modern audiences but its "imagery has echoed
for years in pop culture." Lisa Eisner of The New York
Times called Barbarella "the most iconic sex goddess of
the '60s." The film's costumes later influenced Jean-Paul
Gaultier's designs in The Fifth Element, and Gaultier did
note Paco Rabanne's metallic dress that was worn by Fonda.
Barbarella was later called a cult film. Author
Jerry Lembcke noted the film's popularity; it was
available in small video stores, and was familiar
beyond the film-buff community. According to Lembcke,
any "doubt about its cult status was dispelled when
Entertainment Weekly ranked it number 40 on its list
of top 50 cult movies" in 2003. He cited the film's
popularity on the internet, with fansites ranging
from a Barbarella festival in Sweden to memorabilia
sales and reviews. Lembcke writes that the
websites focus on the character of Barbarella.
Barbarella has influenced popular music, with Duran Duran
taking its name from the film's antagonist. The group later
released a concert film, Arena (An Absurd Notion), with
Milo O'Shea reprising his role from Barbarella.
Music videos were also influenced by Barbarella, including
"Break Free" by Ariana Grande. [Wikipedia]
Starring:
Jane Fonda
John Phillip Law
Marcel Marceau !!!!
David Hemmings
Ugo Tognazzi