Morons from Outer Space 1985
Directed by
Mike Hodges
Made by
Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
Plot Summary
The cosmic adventure kicks off aboard a modest spaceship, where a group of four extraterrestrial beings - Bernard, Sandra, Desmond, and Julian - gather at a refueling station. As boredom settles in during their stay, Bernard decides to step outside for some intergalactic leisure, while the other three embark on an unplanned experiment with the ship’s controls. Little do they know, their casual meddling results in serious repercussions, severing Bernard’s connection to the spacecraft and inadvertently leaving him stranded as they crash-land on a vast blue planet known as Earth.
The remaining trio finds themselves unexpectedly celebrated upon their arrival in the United Kingdom. Rather than sharing any groundbreaking discoveries or technological advancements with Earth, they capitalize on their unique appearance, securing a manager, Jones, and amassing a fortune as eager fans flock to theaters to catch a glimpse of these otherworldly visitors.
In a stark contrast, Bernard’s journey takes a bleak turn as he arrives in America through a surprising twist of fate. Although he is the group’s intellectual powerhouse, he faces the harsh realities of poverty and homelessness, even finding himself briefly confined to a mental institution. It is only during the film’s climactic moments that Bernard reunites with his companions, who are still grappling with the significant differences in their experiences.
While Bernard fights through his struggles, the rest of the group joyfully relishes their fame, intentionally choosing to omit any mention of him. They’re apprehensive that acknowledging Bernard’s existence might tarnish their newfound celebrity status, thus highlighting the complexities of their journey and relationships amidst the backdrop of fame and fortune.
Timeline
Departure from the Ship
The cosmic adventure begins aboard a modest spaceship with four extraterrestrial beings: Bernard, Sandra, Desmond, and Julian. Feeling bored during their refueling stop, Bernard decides to step outside for some leisure, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events.
Accidental Mishap
While Bernard is outside, Sandra, Desmond, and Julian unintentionally experiment with the ship's controls. Their negligence results in a catastrophic failure, severing Bernard's connection to the spacecraft and triggering a crash landing.
Crash Landing on Earth
The ship crash-lands on Earth, specifically in a vast expanse of blue space. Bernard finds himself stranded as the other three manage to survive the landing, marking a pivotal moment in their cosmic adventure.
Arrival in the United Kingdom
The trio of Sandra, Desmond, and Julian arrives in the United Kingdom, where they are astonishingly celebrated as extraterrestrial visitors. Their unique appearances quickly captivate the public's fascination and gain them instant notoriety.
Securing a Manager
Recognizing their popularity, the group manages to secure a manager named Jones. Under his guidance, they capitalize on their fame, beginning to accumulate wealth as fans flock to see them in theaters.
Bernard's Arrival in America
Meanwhile, Bernard unexpectedly arrives in America, facing a starkly different reality compared to his companions. As the group's intellectual, he is thrust into a harsh environment filled with poverty and despair.
Struggles of Homelessness
Upon arriving in America, Bernard experiences the grim realities of life on the streets. Despite his intelligence, he grapples with homelessness, feeling isolated from his friends and the opportunities they are enjoying.
Detainment in a Mental Institution
Bernard's plight worsens as he finds himself briefly confined to a mental institution. This period highlights his struggles, demonstrating a stark contrast to the glamorous lives of his peers across the ocean.
The Reunion
In a climactic turn of events, Bernard finally reunites with Sandra, Desmond, and Julian. This long-awaited meeting unfolds as they each confront the stark differences in their experiences since their separation.
Fame at a Cost
As Bernard reconnects with his friends, he discovers that they have been unwilling to acknowledge his existence amidst their newfound fame. Their decision speaks to the complexities of their relationships and the darker side of their celebrity.
Reflection on Fame
The film closes with a poignant reflection on the nature of fame and friendship. While Bernard has endured hardship, his companions revel in their status, illustrating a conflicting dynamic that defines their cosmic journey.
Characters
Bernard (Jimmy Nail)
Bernard is portrayed as the intellectual leader of the group, yet he faces significant adversity after being left behind. His journey takes a harrowing turn as he navigates poverty and the challenges of homelessness. Despite his intelligence, he finds himself repeatedly marginalized and misunderstood, culminating in a poignant quest for reunion with his friends.
Sandra (Joanne Pearce)
Sandra is one of the trio who revels in their newfound fame. She embodies a carefree spirit, often prioritizing the perks of celebrity life over their original mission. Her character reflects the superficial aspects of fame and the group’s collective decision to ignore Bernard’s struggles.
Desmond (George Innes)
Desmond tends to follow the lead of his friends, often going along with their ideas about exploiting their alien status. His character serves as a reflection of the group's dynamic, caught up in the thrill of their experiences while remaining oblivious to the challenges faced by Bernard.
Julian (Griff Rhys Jones)
Julian is another member of the alien group who embraces their fame and the joy that comes with it. His character often represents the comic relief of the film, juxtaposing Bernard's serious plight with lighthearted interactions and the excitement of being in the spotlight.
Jones (James Sikking)
Jones acts as the manager who capitalizes on the aliens' fame in the UK. His role highlights the commercial aspects of celebrity culture and the willingness to exploit uniqueness for profit. He represents the opportunistic forces in the entertainment industry.
Setting
Time period
The film does not specify a particular time period but reflects a contemporary setting. The narrative focuses on themes of fame, fortune, and the contrast between celebrity culture and hardship, which resonate with current societal issues. The story's events modernize the classic trope of aliens exploring human life.
Location
Earth, United Kingdom, America
The movie takes place on Earth, primarily in the United Kingdom and America. The United Kingdom serves as the setting for the trio that embraces sudden fame, while America becomes the harsh reality for Bernard, representing both opportunity and struggle. These contrasting environments illustrate the varied experiences of the extraterrestrial characters.
Themes
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Fame
Fame is a central theme as the extraterrestrial beings navigate the unexpected celebrity that comes with their arrival on Earth. The trio enjoys the perks of being celebrated, showcasing both the allure and the shallowness of fame. In contrast, Bernard's plight underscores the darker side of celebrity, emphasizing the unforeseen consequences of their sudden notoriety.
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Isolation
Isolation is poignantly explored through Bernard's stark experiences in America, where he grapples with poverty and homelessness. While his companions bask in success and attention, Bernard's struggle highlights the emotional and physical distance he faces from his friends. This theme raises questions about belonging and the cost of fame.
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