-I must apologize for the photo. I was unable to access an appropriate "Poster-Shot". I hope this photo of Ray Harryhausen, at work on the film's "Medusa", will be satisfactory.-- In 1963, the film "JASON & THE ARGONAUTS", entranced the world with the tale of a hero on a quest to find the "Golden Fleece". The film was a marvel for its day, with special effects by that Master of "Stop-Motion", Ray Harryhausen. Eighteen years later, Harryhausen returned to work his magic on a similiar film; this time relating the legendary tale of Perseus, and his troubles with the last of the "Titans". (The Titans were purported to be the creators of the Olympian Gods.) Harryhausen now worked with a similiar plot, including a wager between Zeus and Aphrodite over the abilities and strength of the manipulated hero.
- Perseus faces all manner of villainry, including the Medusa, a murderous satyr, giant scorpions, and a giant sea creature called the Krakon; which has been released by Poseidon to destroy his homeland. He is aided by a Pegasus, a mechanical owl, a blind Homer, and his strength and wits. Of course, the hero finally triumphs over extreme diversity and carts off the beautiful princess, to live happily ever after.
- Although, this film had a much larger budget than "JASON & THE ARGONAUTS", and the FX technology is far more sophisticated; "CLASH OF THE TITANS", leaves one feeling a little empty. The film is certainly filled with fine performances, and the scripting is credible; but there is something missing. This Olympian fable seems to have lost its importance in a modern world. Perhaps the day of Epic Fantasy has finally come; and much as the Titans of yore, the time has come to put away childish things and childhood dreams.
Afterthought I: I was initially troubled by the inclusion of a mechanical "owl" in the script. The device seemed atavistic. I was also troubled by a similiar inclusion in "CALIGULA". However, (much to my surprise!); while viewing a special on an elaborate English museum, such mechanical devices were in existence during these fabled times! Furthermore, "CLASH OF THE TITANS" is afterall a FANTASY! (Afterthought II: The biblical story of "JOB" owes much to these myths. Just like "Perseus" & "Jason"; "JOB" is a pawn in a gambling duel between omnipotent "gods". The tale of "JOB" has long been one of my favorite Judeo-Christian myths. The complete hypocrisy of a "benevolent" god is shown within this tale, which is supposed to moralize about "faith".)
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