Dark Star: HR Giger's World is a fascinating documentary exploring the life and work of Swiss artist HR Giger, famous for his creation of the iconic Xenomorph monster from the Alien franchise. Directed by Belinda Sallin, the movie delves into Giger's dark and surreal world, showcasing his unique art style and giving viewers an intimate look at the man behind the creations.
The documentary is a mixture of interviews with Giger, his friends, family, and colleagues, as well as footage of his art and the places that inspired him. Through these interviews, viewers gain insight into Giger's childhood, his early artistic influences, and his struggles to find recognition as an artist.
One of the highlights of the movie is the footage of Giger's home and studio in Switzerland. Giger was famous for designing his living spaces and workspaces in the same style as his art - dark, eerie, and otherworldly. The camera takes viewers on a tour of his home, showcasing the strange and fascinating objects that he collected throughout his life.
The documentary also touches upon Giger's personal life, including his relationship with his wife and muse, Carmen Maria. Carmen is interviewed extensively throughout the movie, giving viewers a closer understanding of the man behind the art. In addition, the movie explores Giger's fascination with death and sexuality, which is evident in many of his works.
The movie pays homage to Giger's many contributions to the science-fiction genre, particularly his work on the Alien franchise. The directors interview some of the key players in the making of the movies, including Ridley Scott, who directed the original film. Scott speaks about how Giger's artwork helped inspire the creation of the iconic Xenomorph, and how important he was to the success of the franchise.
However, the movie is not simply a celebration of Giger's life and work - it also explores some of the darker aspects of his personality. Throughout the interviews, it is clear that Giger was a difficult person to work with, and that he was often consumed by his own art. The documentary touches on Giger's depression and alcoholism, which were present throughout his life.
One of the most striking aspects of the movie is the way it showcases Giger's influence on popular culture. Through interviews with musicians, filmmakers, and artists, viewers see how Giger's art has inspired a whole generation of creatives. His distinctive style can be seen in numerous films, music videos, and album covers, and his influence continues to be felt today.
Overall, Dark Star: HR Giger's World is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that paints a vivid portrait of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. While it doesn't shy away from some of the more uncomfortable aspects of Giger's life, it ultimately celebrates his talent and his legacy. Whether you're a fan of science-fiction or art in general, this movie is well worth watching.
Dark Star: HR Giger's World is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 62.