Ralph Bakshi's "Wizards," released in 1977, stands as an audacious masterpiece in the realm of animated films, blending the allure of fantasy with the haunting echoes of post-apocalyptic realities. Drenched in rich colors, ethereal landscapes, and provocative narratives, it's a journey that beckons viewers into a world both eerily familiar and breathtakingly novel.
Born in Palestine (1938) to a Jewish family, Bakshi's family immigrated to the United States when he was a young child. They settled in Brooklyn, New York. Bakshi started his career at the Terrytoons studio, working on series like "Mighty Mouse."
In the 1970s, Bakshi broke new ground with adult-oriented animated films. Notable works include:
- "Fritz the Cat" (1972) - The first animated film to receive an X rating in the U.S.
- "The Lord of the Rings" (1978) - An animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic, covering roughly the first half of the trilogy.
- In the 1980s, Bakshi shifted to television, creating series like "The New Adventures of Mighty Mouse" and "Cool World." (1992).
Bakshi's work is known for its raw, gritty style and its willingness to tackle mature themes and social issues, often using satire. He's credited with pushing the boundaries of animation, demonstrating its potential beyond just children's content. His influence can be seen in many later animators and filmmakers who were inspired by his unique approach to the medium.
Wizards
In this visually arresting world, the Earth has been reshaped two million years after a devastating nuclear war. This post-apocalyptic landscape is split into dual realms: one gleams with the enchantment of elves, fairies, and wizards, radiating hope and magic. In stark contrast, the other is a bleak wasteland, inhabited by mutated beings and under the shadow of the malevolent sorcerer, Blackwolf.
At the heart of this tale lies the deeply personal conflict between two brothers. Avatar, the benevolent wizard, symbolizes the hope and magic of the utopian realm. His counterpart, Blackwolf, embodies the darkness and despair of the dystopian wasteland. Determined to conquer and spread his dominion, Blackwolf stumbles upon a powerful tool from a bygone era: an ancient projector playing Nazi propaganda films. Recognizing its potential, he employs these chilling images from humanity's tumultuous past as a weapon to demoralize and terrify his adversaries.
Bakshi's narrative is not just a simple tale of good versus evil. With the inclusion of real-world historical footage, he presents a profound commentary on the seductive and manipulative power of media. The film underscores how imagery and propaganda, even from a distant past, can be wielded to control and instigate fear, making "Wizards" not just a fantasy tale but a reflection on humanity's recurring challenges and the undying influence of history on the present.
For me, the standout subplot in this tale is Blackwolf's discovery of an ancient projector, still functional and containing reels of Nazi propaganda films. Blackwolf cleverly uses this tool to manipulate and terrorize, turning the harrowing images of our past into a formidable weapon. This subplot not only serves as a compelling narrative device but also a profound allegory on the power and peril of media and its ability to shape perceptions and realities. Bakshi's decision to weave Nazi propaganda into the fabric of his fantasy tale was undeniably audacious, serving as a stark reminder of the darkest corners of human history, juxtaposed against a fantastical backdrop.
Working within the constraints of a limited budget, Bakshi and his team employed "rotoscoping," a technique where animators meticulously trace over live-action footage. This process imbued the characters with an almost surreal fluidity, setting the film apart from its contemporaries.
Though "Wizards" is categorized as a fantasy film, Bakshi's signature touch of addressing mature themes is evident throughout. This movie, though different from his urban and more adult-themed animations, still manages to delve deep, challenging viewers to think and reflect.
Ralph Bakshi's "Wizards" is a testament to the limitless boundaries of animation as an art form. By interweaving real-world history with fantasy, Bakshi crafts a narrative that is both entertaining and enlightening. The film's exploration of media's influence, especially through the projector subplot, offers a timeless commentary on societal manipulation. "Wizards" remains not just an animated feature but a compelling narrative that challenges, enthralls, and ultimately, endures.