Introduction

The film Forbidden Planet has stood the test of time, particularly for its intricate connections to Shakespeare’s The Tempest. With its longevity and enduring popularity, it is worth exploring how well the movie has aged over approximately six decades and how it holds up in comparison to its literary predecessor.

Shakespearean Influence and Allegory

One of the most striking elements of Forbidden Planet is its extensive and deliberate homage to The Tempest. The two works share many thematic and narrative similarities, suggesting that the film cannot be mere coincidence alone. The allegorical nature of Forbidden Planet is closely tied to its thematic exploration of human psychology, particularly the relevance of Freudian concepts in a futuristic setting. It is this intricate tapestry of themes and characters that make the film a fascinating blend of science fiction and classical literature.

Character Correspondences

A closer examination of the characters in both Forbidden Planet and The Tempest reveals a wealth of correspondences. For instance, Dr. Morbius from Forbidden Planet can be seen as corresponding to Prospero in The Tempest. Both are characters in some form of exile or isolation, each ruling over their respective domains with a mixture of authority and isolation. Morbius lives in a state of absence, separated from other humans, similar to how Prospero is stranded on the island.

Dr. Morbius - Dr. Morbius is a scientist who lives in an advanced multi-story home, complete with a pet dog named Doc, much like Prospero with his magic books and relationship with the spirits. Morbius’s daughter, Altaira, is analogous to Prospero’s daughter, Miranda, deprived of human companionship.

Altaira - Altaira, Morbius's daughter, plays a significant role as she is the only fully human companion in the household. Similarly, Miranda from The Tempest is the only person who speaks a commonly-understood language in Prospero’s household and is the core of the pure human experience.

Commander John J. Adams

Commander John J. Adams in Forbidden Planet can be compared to Shakespeare’s Prince Ferdinand from The Tempest. Both are young, handsome, and strong leaders, sent to a distant realm with a mandate to explore the uncharted territories. When Miranda, the daughter of Prospero, first encounters Prince Ferdinand, she exclaims, “Oh brave new world that has such creatures in it!” This exclamation is mirrored in the other work when Commander Adams first interacts with altarians, highlighting the feeling of unfamiliar yet exciting discovery.

Colonialism and Technology

The film Forbidden Planet offers a thought-provoking take on colonialism through its portrayal of the Krell and their technology. In The Tempest, Shakespeare reflects on human nascent technological capabilities through Prospero and his witchcraft, while Forbidden Planet explores this theme through a more advanced and scientifically sophisticated lens. Just as Prospero uses magic books to rule over his domain, Dr. Morbius uses advanced Krell technology to maintain his rule, mirroring the societal implications of technological advancements.

The Id, a concept by Freud, is represented in the film through the mysterious monster that haunts Morbius’s household. This creature is essentially a manifestation of the repressed desires and emotions that Morbius tries to suppress. By paralleling this with Caliban from The Tempest, who is both a figure of rebellion and a symbol of indigenous people, Forbidden Planet explores the psychological and social dimensions of technology and human behavior.

The Ending and Legacy

The ending of both Forbidden Planet and The Tempest shares some similarities. The commander initially suspects Morbius, just as Prospero initially distrusts his servant Ferdinand. However, the daughter ultimately finds happiness, and Morbius and Prospero relinquish their control as their magical powers or advanced technology give way to a more peaceful and human-centered existence. This resolution speaks to a broader narrative of reconciliation and the human need to let go of power and control.

Moreover, Forbidden Planet has had a significant influence on the narrative and thematic elements of Star Trek. The idea of a strong and infallible leader like Commander Adams, who is also humanized and falls for an alien woman, is a recurring trope in Star Trek. The connection between Spock and Dr. McCoy in Star Trek parallels the dynamic between the intellectual and the medical officer in Forbidden Planet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Forbidden Planet remains a rich and thought-provoking film that provides a unique lens through which to explore Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Through intricate character correspondences and thematic parallels, the film stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical literature and its relevance in modern storytelling. By merging Freudian psychology and literary allegory, Forbidden Planet offers a timeless exploration of human nature and the complex relationships between science, technology, and the human soul.