In the realm of science fiction, it’s rare to come across a film that manages to breathe new life into a classic concept. But that’s exactly what The Electric State does – it takes the nostalgic charm of 80s nostalgia and combines it with cutting-edge sci-fi elements, resulting in a cinematic experience that’s as captivating as it is thought-provoking. This visually stunning neo-noir series, based on the critically acclaimed novel by Simon Stalenhag, has been generating buzz among fans and critics alike, leaving many to wonder: can a sci-fi twist on a classic film formula truly revolutionize the genre?
Visualizing the Unseen
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The Russo Brothers’ sci-fi adventure, “The Electric State,” has been receiving criticism from fans and pundits, with some of it possibly deserved and some unfairly served up in a complicated miasma of vitriolic opinion. However, its striking visual effects by Industrial Light & Magic make for a uniquely fascinating watch. There are obvious nods back to Steven Spielberg’s “A.I.: Artificial Intelligence” from 2001 and 2018’s “Ready Player One,” but a different film comparison feels more relatable. Reflecting on the subtle connections to L. Frank Baum’s 1897 children’s classic book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” and primary director Victor Fleming’s timeless 1939 technicolor feature starring Judy Garland, “The Wizard of Oz,” reveals an interesting tie to Netflix’s sci-fi epic.
At the time, “The Wizard of Oz” was the most expensive movie ever made by Hollywood’s hallmark studio MGM at the cost of $2.8 million, much like the astonishing third of a billion-dollar price tag for Netflix’s disappointing sci-fi saga. While “Oz” was eclipsed that year by the $3.8 million budget of “Gone With The Wind,” it was still a stunning sum for a risky family film set in a dark fantasy landscape, similar to “The Electric State” and its somber source material courtesy of Simon Stålenhag. With the twirling tornado vaulting poor Dorothy (and Toto too!) away from the comforting domesticity of her family’s dull Kansas farm into the colorful Land of Oz and all its strange and nightmarish oddities, so too does the chaotic aftermath of the robo-revolution in “The Electric State” push Millie Bobby Brown’s character Michelle out of her toxic foster nest to search for her lost genius brother.
Staying True to the Source Material
The visual effects in “The Electric State” pay homage to the original illustrations in Simon Stålenhag’s novel. The futuristic setting of “The Electric State” reimagines the classic fantasy world of Oz, with its own unique twist. The film’s use of visual effects to bring the robots and automatons to life is reminiscent of the illustrations in Stålenhag’s novel, which featured a mix of traditional and digital media. The attention to detail in the film’s visual effects is a testament to the team’s commitment to staying true to the source material.
A New Kind of Oz
The futuristic setting of “The Electric State” reimagines the classic fantasy world of Oz, with its own unique twist. The film’s use of visual effects to bring the robots and automatons to life is a key part of this reimagining. The world of “The Electric State” is a dark and gritty one, with a focus on the consequences of a robotic uprising. This is in contrast to the more lighthearted and family-friendly world of “The Wizard of Oz,” which featured a young girl’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Despite these differences, both films feature a strong sense of wonder and a commitment to exploring the unknown.
The Hero’s Journey
Morningpicker’s audience will likely be familiar with the concept of the “Hero’s Journey,” a term coined by Joseph Campbell to describe the universal pattern of the hero’s story. This pattern is evident in both “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Electric State,” as both films feature a young protagonist who embarks on a perilous journey to achieve their goals. In “The Wizard of Oz,” this protagonist is Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is transported to the magical land of Oz. In “The Electric State,” the protagonist is Michelle, a young girl who is searching for her lost brother in a post-apocalyptic world.
Both Dorothy and Michelle are examples of the hero archetype, with each facing their own unique challenges and obstacles on their respective journeys. Dorothy must navigate the strange and unfamiliar world of Oz, while Michelle must navigate the dangers of a world where robots and automatons have risen up against their human creators. Despite these differences, both characters share a common goal: to find their way home and to reconnect with their loved ones.
The supporting characters in both films also play an important role in the hero’s journey. In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy is joined on her journey by a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion, each of whom represents a different aspect of the hero’s personality. In “The Electric State,” Michelle is joined by a group of robots and automatons, each of whom has their own unique abilities and strengths. These supporting characters help to facilitate the hero’s journey, providing guidance, support, and encouragement along the way.
The themes of family and identity are also present in both films. In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s journey is motivated by her desire to return home to her family and to find her place in the world. In “The Electric State,” Michelle’s journey is motivated by her desire to find her lost brother and to reconnect with her past. Both films feature a strong sense of nostalgia and a commitment to exploring the complexities of family relationships.
- Dorothy’s entourage in “The Wizard of Oz” includes the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow, each of whom represents a different aspect of the hero’s personality.
- Michelle’s trek in “The Electric State” gathers the Kid Cosmo robot, Keats, and the quirky size-swapping ‘bot called Herman, each of whom has their own unique abilities and strengths.
- The themes of family and identity are present in both films, with a strong sense of nostalgia and a commitment to exploring the complexities of family relationships.
The comparison between “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Electric State” is not limited to the films themselves, but also extends to the cultural context in which they were created. The original “Wizard of Oz” book was written by L. Frank Baum in 1897, a time of great social and economic change in the United States. The book was a reflection of the anxieties and fears of the time, with its themes of poverty, inequality, and the struggle for power. Similarly, “The Electric State” is a reflection of the anxieties and fears of our own time, with its themes of technological disruption, social unrest, and the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
From Kansas to a New Land
At the heart of both “The Electric State” and “The Wizard of Oz” lies a shared narrative structure that transcends their vastly different settings and themes. Both stories begin in mundane, often oppressive environments and catapult their protagonists into extraordinary realms. In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy is swept away from her quiet Kansas farm by a tornado, landing her in the vibrant and perilous Land of Oz. Similarly, in “The Electric State,” Michelle is thrust into a post-apocalyptic America where robots and automatons have revolted, transforming the familiar into the fantastical.
This transition serves as a catalyst for both protagonists’ odysseys. Dorothy’s voyage from Kansas to Oz is a physical and emotional departure from her known world, much like Michelle’s escape from her foster home into the chaotic aftermath of the robo-revolution. Both narratives adhere to the classic “Hero’s Journey” structure, where the protagonist leaves their ordinary world, faces challenges, and ultimately returns transformed.
This shared narrative arc is not merely coincidental. Both stories draw from the mythological structure of the Hero’s Journey, as outlined by mythologist Joseph Campbell. In both narratives, the protagonists are ordinary individuals who are forced into extraordinary circumstances, compelling them to grow and adapt. This structure provides a familiar yet captivating framework for audiences, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters and their development.
Michelle’s Odyssey
Mirroring Dorothy’s Path
Michelle’s character in “The Electric State” strongly mirrors Dorothy’s path in “The Wizard of Oz.” Both characters are young women who find themselves in environments that are not conducive to their well-being, prompting them to seek a better life. Dorothy is driven by her desire to return home, while Michelle is motivated by the need to find her missing brother.
Both protagonists are resilient and resourceful, navigating through treacherous terrains and forming alliances with unlikely companions. Dorothy’s interactions with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion highlight her compassion and leadership, while Michelle’s bond with Cosmo, Keats, and Herman showcases her ability to connect with diverse characters, both human and artificial.
The emotional core of both narratives revolves around the protagonists’ quests. Dorothy’s quest to return home is driven by her longing for familiarity and security, while Michelle’s quest to find her brother is fueled by love and a sense of responsibility. These emotional drives resonate deeply with audiences, making the characters relatable and their journeys compelling.
The Misfit Menagerie
Unconventional Families
Both “The Electric State” and “The Wizard of Oz” explore the theme of family through the formation of unconventional families and alliances. Dorothy’s entourage in Oz includes the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion, each bringing unique perspectives and skills to her quest. Similarly, Michelle’s companions in “The Electric State” consist of the Kid Cosmo robot, Keats, and the quirky size-swapping ‘bot called Herman.
These diverse groups serve as surrogate families, providing support, protection, and a sense of belonging for the protagonists. The relationships forged between the characters in both stories are built on mutual respect and shared goals, highlighting the importance of community and togetherness.
The dynamics within these groups also reflect the broader societal themes of inclusion and acceptance. In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s acceptance of her companions, despite their flaws and differences, mirrors the story’s broader message of tolerance and unity. Similarly, in “The Electric State,” Michelle’s willingness to trust and rely on her robotic companions underscores the theme of embracing diversity and the integration of artificial intelligence into human societies.
Monster Mash
The Twisted Side of Oz
“The Electric State” and “The Wizard of Oz” both feature a menagerie of unusual and often frightening characters that challenge the protagonists. In “The Wizard of Oz,” the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys, along with other twisted figures, embody the darker aspects of the story. These characters serve as antagonists that Dorothy must overcome to achieve her goal.
In “The Electric State,” the mutant machines discovered along Michelle’s path serve a similar function. These machines, though not inherently evil, represent the darker side of technological advancement and the potential dangers of unchecked progress. Both stories use these characters to explore themes of fear, danger, and the need for vigilance in the face of the unknown.
The mutant machines in “The Electric State” also bear a striking resemblance to the twisted figures produced by Todd McFarlane’s “Twisted Land of Oz” series. McFarlane’s interpretations of Oz characters, while more grotesque and disturbing, share a similar aesthetic with the mutant machines, reflecting a shared fascination with the darker, more surreal aspects of fantasy.
The Dark Side of Oz
Both “The Electric State” and “The Wizard of Oz” delve into darker themes through the lens of family. In “The Wizard of Oz,” the concept of family is both a source of comfort and a point of tension. Dorothy’s longing for home and family is a central motif, but the story also explores the darker aspects of family dynamics, such as the absence of her parents and the pressures of her aunt and uncle’s farm.
In “The Electric State,” the theme of family is equally complex. Michelle’s quest to find her brother is driven by her desire to reunite with family, but the story also explores the darker sides of familial relationships, including her strained relationship with her foster family and the ethical implications of her brother’s creation.
Both stories use family as a tool to explore deeper themes. In “The Wizard of Oz,” the family dynamics reflect the broader societal issues of the time, such as the economic hardships faced by farmers and the impact of technological advancements. In “The Electric State,” the family theme is used to explore contemporary issues such as the integration of artificial intelligence and the ethical considerations of advanced robotics.
The Future of Fantasy
“The Electric State” reimagines the classic fantasy genre in a way that is both familiar and innovative. By setting the story in a post-apocalyptic America where robots and automatons have revolted, the film offers a fresh take on the hero’s quest narrative. This setting allows for a unique exploration of themes such as technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and societal transformation.
The film’s striking visual effects and detailed world-building contribute to its reimagining of the fantasy genre. The alternative 1990s America depicted in “The Electric State” is a richly imagined world that blends elements of science fiction and fantasy. This blend of genres allows for a more nuanced exploration of the story’s themes, providing a fresh perspective on the hero’s quest narrative.
“The Electric State” also reflects contemporary cultural moments and concerns. The film’s exploration of artificial intelligence and robotics resonates with current discussions about the impact of technology on society. By framing these issues within a fantastical narrative, the film offers a thought-provoking commentary on the potential future of humanity and the role of technology in our lives.
In this sense, “The Electric State” can be seen as a modern retelling of “The Wizard of Oz,” adapting the classic narrative to address contemporary issues and concerns. By doing so, the film not only pays homage to its predecessor but also expands the scope of the fantasy genre, offering a fresh perspective on timeless themes.
Conclusion
In our exploration of “The Electric State,” we delved into the fascinating intersection of science fiction and classic cinema, examining the ways in which this innovative take on a timeless tale redefines our understanding of storytelling. Our analysis revealed how the film’s unique blend of nostalgia and futuristic elements pays homage to the original while pushing the boundaries of the genre. We also highlighted the ways in which the film’s themes of artificial intelligence, free will, and human connection speak to pressing questions about our place in the world and our responsibility to the future.
As we consider the significance of “The Electric State,” we must acknowledge its implications for the future of cinema and science fiction. This film represents a seismic shift in the way we tell stories, one that blurs the lines between past and present, human and machine. Its influence will be felt in the years to come, as filmmakers and writers continue to experiment with new forms and themes. The Electric State challenges us to rethink our assumptions about what is possible, and to consider the consequences of our actions in a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with our lives.