FADE OUT
Episode 11 - Ray Harryhausen's CLASH OF THE TITANS with Special Guest Scott X.
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“A Titan against a Titan!!!” I was fortunate enough to see this film on the big screen… A RESLY BIG SCREEN! A Drive-In theater. My ten year old brain nearly melted as the Kraken towered above my family and our wood paneled station wagon, ready to take the lovely Andromeda. This movie inspired my love of the Greek myths and other legends of fantasy and adventure. I’m a great admirer of Ray Harryhausen. Along with many a wild western, I sat with my dad, uncle and grandfather watching the amazing movies created by him. Mysterious Island is my personal favorite, but the Sinbad movies are up there as well.
Thanks for another great episode and another trip down memory lane.
Apparently my brain is still melted after 4 decades because I forget to mention…
Clash of the Titans IS a fitting final film for fantastic filmmakers Harryhausen. It may not be my favorite of his movies but it is arguably the best. It all comes together so wonderfully. It’s a shame that he felt filmmaking had passed him by, but it’s nice that he was able to decide on his own, that this would be his last film. The quality in craftsmanship was never absent from his work. You only ever saw the absolute best of what he was capable of. That is a great legacy to leave behind.
This was a fitting and fun tribute. Harryhausen’s successful foray into the post-Star Wars era of film is like a modern day John Henry tale. He didn’t stop progress, but he certainly proved his mettle.
Very much enjoyed the conversation. I’ve always loved Clash, because it is the first – and so far only – Harryhausen film I’ve seen on the big screen. Yep, I also caught it during its first theatrical run at the age of about 13. And speaking of, I recall disagreeing with other kids in school about it. To wit, the Star Wars effect had already set in at that point, and a number of them were not impressed with the effects (I specifically recall getting into an argument with a slightly younger girl – the kid sister of one of my friends – who insisted that Harryhausen’s effects were just drawn-in ‘cartoons’. Still raises my hackles when I recall it today…)
As to Harryhausen’s other work, I haven’t seen as many of his films as either of you – and it’s been ages since I’ve watched any of them – but I think my favorite has always been Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger.
Rob and Scott, this episode – and your enthusiasm for the film – came out at the perfect time for me, as I’m about to send my Shiftworld players (in the RPG oft-mentioned on Let’s Roll) into Mythic Greece. I feel more inspired than ever.
Great episode as always.
I love Harryhausen and his films. I will always watch Jason and the Argonauts. ALWAYS. Perfection.
I also saw Clash of the Titans in the theater and if it is on I will stop to watch. As you say, the Medusa scene is incredible. As a kid, I couldn’t believe all the blood that poured out of her like a jar of spaghetti. Made young Anj giddy.
Two more things.
I love in The Last Action Hero, the english teacher is showing them Olivier’s Hamlet and she has to choke out ‘you probably know him best as Zeus from Clash of the Titans’.
Also, Rob you are so so right that the remake made absolutely no impression on me. I don’t know of I could pick out the remake’s Kraken from a lineup. Nothing stuck.
Great discussion! I haven’t watched The Clash of the Titans in years, but this episode has me wanting to give it another viewing.
I think Harryhausen is the first subject in this series who ended his career on a high-note and on his own terms. One of the more depressing aspects of many filmmaking careers is how they peter out and diminish in quality, so much so that their last credit is often one that is an unfortunate reminder of their diminished capabilities. Despite the changing trends in filmmaking, Harryhausen was at the height of his powers when doing Clash of the Titans, and it serves a respectable ending to a remarkable and groundbreaking career.
Still, part of me wonders what he could have done had he embraced the new advancements or focused exclusively on stop-motion animation. Imagine, for instance, a Harryhausen crafted Nightmare Before Christmas. It would have been something to see him develop and grow in other areas.
Great episode gents. I think I first saw Clash on cable, and it immediately became a favorite. The Medusa scene is a masterpiece in and of itself. I think the toy line is pretty sweet looking. I’ve always kind of wanted that Charon ferryman figure, in particular.
When our son Andrew was about 10 years old, Clash came on TCM, and I was very enthusiastic about watching it with him. I forgot about the brief nudity at the beginning! So Andrew got his first view of female breasts from a wholesome Harryhausen picture! PG in the early 80s was a whole different animal.
Chris