Yellow Submarine, 1968. My Journey into Science Fiction Part 9.

Hello, and welcome to My Journey into Science Fiction Part 9. I know The Yellow Submarine, 1968 is more fantasy than science fiction, but it is also pretty mind-bending, so it works for me. The movie was directed by animation producer George Dunning, and produced by United Artists and King Features Syndicate. The Beatles provided the music for the film, but voice actors were used to bring life to the Fab Four’s on-screen dialogue. I did find that last sentence to be a little disappointing, but the songs will stand the test of time. It’s time to get psychedelic. 

Once upon a time in Liverpool, less than twenty minutes from where I live. The Beatles were formed, and life would never be the same again. I have heard most of the singles and albums, but I have never studied or followed them closely as a band. However, I am finally beginning to understand how much of an impact they made on popular culture. There is a plot to the film, I hope, I think, I know. As the story begins, we are transported to a technicolour dream world. Pepperland is a cheerful, music-loving paradise under the sea, and home to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. However, the Blue Meanies attack Pepperland. Music-proof glass globes imprison the band, and the countryside is drained of colour. In England, Ringo Starr walks the streets of a dark and gloomy Liverpool. I love the animation in this scene, and the streets of Liverpool look beautiful. It’s interesting how The Beatles were playing around with their status as pop stars. The band shows the decadence of fame, by having more money and power than sense. However, I guess they look almost god-like apart from their accents, as we are introduced to the remaining band members in significant style. 

There is always something about the history of The Beatles that leaves an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. As the story continues, we are introduced to the sea of time, and I think this sequence has helped me understand why I feel this way. The Beatles travel through time, which results in each growing older and younger throughout their journey. One of the main reasons I feel a little uneasy is because their story always feels like a tragedy to me. John Lennon never got to sixty-four. However, The Yellow Submarine has made me appreciate their music more, and this film is a celebration of a band who brought a lot of joy and colour to the World.  The Beatles meet a little character called Jeremy Hilary Boob PhD, and I’m not sure what this guy is meant to represent in the story, but he did make me laugh. I think this film is a testament to the wonderfulness of animation. George Dunning brought animation to the adult world, and life would never be the same again. The Yellow Submarine’s fingerprints can be seen on many of my favourite artists’ work. Julian House is a perfect example, and I think his work owes to this film’s aesthetic. I could see how this film would be of interest to those people who are looking to expand their perception of reality with mind-altering drugs, but I wouldn’t know anything about that.

The Beatles arrive at Pepperland, and music saves the day. Well, music and love is all you need, In Pepperland or Liverpool. There is a wonderful scene in the movie when the Beatles meet Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely-Hearts Club Band. It is the actual Beatles, John, Paul, Ringo and George, all together now. I think you would need a heart made of stone, to be not touched by a special moment like this. The music is glorious, timeless and forever sewn into the social fabric of life. Eleanor Rigby is one of my favourite songs, ever.  Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Yellow Submarine, and When I’m Sixty-Four are songs we would sing in school during assembly. The Beatles remind me of my music teacher, Miss Keo. Probably, the best teacher I ever had, as she was always telling me to be creative in life. The Yellow Submarine has reminded me that I should be looking at the Beatles, as a celebration of life. I liked John Lennon, and his death was a terrible waste, but at least his legacy lives on.

My Journey into Science Fiction Part 10 should be an interesting and enjoyable experience. I haven’t mentioned George Harrison until now. I would say his impact on the world of cinema is as fundamental as his involvement with The Beatles. George founded HandMade Films with business partner Denis O’Brien in 1978. The HandMade Films logo was created by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam. The company helped finance some of the greatest British films ever released, including Life of Brian and The Long Good Friday. However, it is 12 Monkeys, 1995, directed by Terry Gilliam that I will review next, as I think you can also see some of Gilliam’s animations are inspired by The Yellow Submarine, so it feels like the right choice.

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