Now this is a very strange film. If you like the sci-fi and Eurosleaze sexploitation genres then you’re in for a treat as this incredibly sleazy and camp film, The Beast in Space, mixes the two-genres like you’ve never seen done before. A quick look at the names associated with this film will give you a very good idea of what to expect. Alfonso Brescia helms the director’s chair for this; a man responsible for several other Italian Star Wars (George Lucas, 1977) rip-offs and cash-in such as the hilariously bad War of the Robots (1978). It also stars art-porn ‘actress’ Sirpa Lane, probably best known for her roles in Papaya: Love Goddess Of The Cannibals (Joe D’Amato, 1978) and The Beast (Walerian Borowcyzk,1975) which this film is a unofficial sequel to. Sleaze, stupidity and more sleazy. Sounds like a great film already.
The plot, as one would expect, is very simple indeed. It is so simple in fact that the whole shebang is more or less done in a very tongue-in-cheek style (either that or it was just unintentionally hilarious) especially the final robotic showdown. Then again, if you’re watching this film looking for an interesting, sophisticated plot then you’re, well, as stupid as this film, but possibly not half as much fun. This film makes up for the lightness of the plot with a plethora of sex. There’s sex everywhere - hence the whole ‘sexploitation’ thing. So if you’re watching this film for that then you won’t be disappointed. It’s a sci-fi fan’s dream come true! But what is particularly interesting about this film is the importance and significance given to the idea of forbidden and/or dangerous sex. Sondra (Lane) the female protagonist of this piece explains how she ‘suffers’ from a reoccurring nightmare involving her having sex with a half-man, half-beast creature. Yet as the film progresses and, sure enough, reality becomes more and more similar to her nightmares/dreams the idea of forbidden sex is complicated. Whilst it is clearly ‘wrong’ and prohibited to have it off with the Beast, she is clearly attracted to this idea. Rape fantasy complex? Mmm, maybe. On the topic of ‘the act’ the Shameless version includes scenes which have been removed from the softer versions, most notably (!) the Beast’s large...how shall I say it...wangdoodle. So big in fact it scares Lane’s character off at first.
His large sausage brings up another point (!), the role of masculinity. The Beast In Space, for the most part, sticks to very traditional representations of gender. The women are seen as being weaker than the males and an object of pure sexual lust. Whilst the male characters are each, in the words of The Village People, “macho macho man”, fighting each other over the slightest problems, fighting each other with Light-Sabres (now where have I seen that before?!) that are clearly phallic and fighting some more. It’s all very manly stuff. And The Beast is the epitome of ‘manliness’, with his hairy body, his strength, his power (especially over women) and his large trouser-snake. Perhaps you could read into this as something to do with reaffirming the masculinity of male viewers during an era when masculinity was in crisis, but that would be missing the point of this film completely.
Forget in-depth readings, this film is all about spaceships, light-sabres, silly looking costumes, crazy sets, a rather pathetic giant robot when compared to other giant robots and tits. Oh and of course, Uranus Milk. Yes, Uranus Milk. Uranus Milk seems to be what everyone’s drinking in the future. I think I’ll pass on that, thank you.
Overall this film is a very enjoyable, highly entertaining sci-fi sexploitation film for the whole family to enjoy...almost. What it lacks for in originality it certainly makes up for in zaniness, nudity and sleazy cheapness. So if you’re a fan of cheesy and goofy so-bad-its-good cinema and are looking for something slightly more adult but totally juvenile then this is not a bad place to start at all. Amid all it’s badness, I feel special mention has got to be made for the lighting of this film – very stylish and colourful. If however you’re looking for a politically –minded (boring) subtle film teeming with originality then you will be beyond disappointed.
For all the big-kids out there this is the film for you.
The DVD?
As for the DVD itself (Shameless Screen Entertainment), it certainly does this film justice. Extras include all 24 trailers of the Shameless releases and a very funny side-by-side comparison of the difference between the softer versions of the Shameless Redux version. Plus, as per usual with Shameless DVDs, we’re treated to the choice of a reversible cover with two great pieces of artwork on.
P.S. Uranus milk.
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