Avatar (2009) & Fantastic Planet (1973): Big Blue Aliens | EP17

Nov 23, 2023
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

One of the most enduring ideas in science fiction is the exploration of alien worlds and strange civilizations. Within the space opera tradition, these stories often use distant planets as a way to reflect on human society, power and environmental responsibility.

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore two visually striking films that imagine humanity encountering radically different alien worlds: the surreal animated cult classic Fantastic Planet (1973) and James Cameron’s blockbuster epic Avatar (2009).

Although separated by decades and radically different in scale, both films explore themes of oppression, colonialism and humanity’s relationship with alien ecosystems.

LISTEN BELOW:

This time, we're tackling space operas with BIG BLUE aliens, imperialism, and a dash of exotic flora and fauna on the podcast.

First up, is the 1973 psychedelic animation "Fantastic Planet" (or in French "La Planète Sauvage") from René Laloux. Then we fast forward to 2009 to discuss James Cameron's blockbuster hit "Avatar" and its groundbreaking technology.

Discussion Points from the Episode

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore:

how Fantastic Planet uses surreal animation to explore themes of power and oppression
the environmental and anti-colonial themes within Avatar
the evolution of planetary science fiction from cult animation to blockbuster spectacle
why alien ecosystems remain one of the most powerful ideas in the space opera genre

Fantastic Planet (1973)

Director: René Laloux

Writers: René Laloux & Roland Topor

Based on the novel by: Stefan Wul

Music: Alain Goraguer

Release Year: 1973

Fantastic Planet (originally titled La Planète sauvage) is a French-Czechoslovak animated science-fiction film known for its surreal visual style and philosophical themes.

The story takes place on the distant planet Ygam, where giant blue alien beings known as the Draags dominate the world. Humans — called “Oms” in the film — exist as tiny creatures who are either kept as pets or hunted as pests by their alien rulers.

The film follows an Om named Terr, who escapes captivity and eventually joins a group of wild humans determined to challenge the dominance of the Draags.

Avatar (2009)

Director: James Cameron

Writer: James Cameron

Producer: James Cameron & Jon Landau

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver

Release Year: 2009

Avatar is an epic science-fiction adventure set in the year 2154 on the lush alien moon Pandora, located in the Alpha Centauri star system.

Human corporations have begun mining Pandora for a valuable mineral known as unobtanium, bringing them into conflict with the moon’s indigenous inhabitants — the Na’vi, a tall blue-skinned species who live in harmony with the planet’s ecosystem.

The story follows Jake Sully, a former marine who operates a genetically engineered Na’vi body known as an “avatar” in order to interact with the planet’s environment and its inhabitants.

As Jake becomes integrated into Na’vi culture, he begins to question the destructive ambitions of the human mining operation.