Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
H.R. Giger is one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. The Swiss surrealist is the man responsible for pushing the visual language of science fiction forward with his work on the Alien films (and his never-used work on Alejandro Jorodowsky’s version of Dune). His art not only changed cinema, but his visual language filtered its way through art, music, and even tattoo artistry.
So who is the man responsible for some of the most terrifying specters on screen? Dark Star: H.R. Giger’s World introduces us to the soft-spoken gentleman behind all these nightmares. We learn that he’s a man as much at home gleefully showing off the human skull he once used as a childhood toy (seriously) as he is gingerly petting a pet cat. We meet his beautiful wife (who finds his work erotic), his loyal assistant (who credits Giger for championing his heavy metal band), and the people who help him communicate his visions to the world.
Speaking of those visions… Much of the film is devoted to showcasing some of Giger’s most mind-bending art. We get a tour of his private sculpture garden, populated by beautifully terrifying female figures and a wall of screaming fetuses. The camera often lingers on paintings that morph death and sex together in a way that is both scary and seductive. We also get interviews with his friends and family, all of whom readily admit that while they admire Giger’s genius, he’s not for everyone.
The film is a perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season in a more cerebral fashion. It elevates monstrosities into poetic art and revels in stripping down humanity to the literal bones. My one complaint? As intimate as it is, it is also a bit slow and somber. Giger had an exciting life full of robust contributions to art and cinema and this film can drag a little at times. Still, it’s a lovely ode to a ground-breaking visionary.
