Liquid Sky (1982)
-
94% of critics liked it
(17 reviews) -
67% of users liked it
(4,447 ratings)
A glitzy updating of Andy Warhol's Trash with aliens, this campy, stylish, but ultimately depressing film is one of the most keenly observed portraits of New York's early '80s downtown new wave scene. Anne Carlisle, who co-wrote the script, is terrific in a dual role as the wan lesbian… More A glitzy updating of Andy Warhol's Trash with aliens, this campy, stylish, but ultimately depressing film is one of the most keenly observed portraits of New York's early '80s downtown new wave scene. Anne Carlisle, who co-wrote the script, is terrific in a dual role as the wan lesbian Margaret and her arrogant gay nemesis, Jimmy. Tiny space aliens see Margaret shooting up and choose her to feed their heroin-like addiction to a substance produced in the human brain during sexual climax. Her partners end up vaporized, but since most of them treat her like dirt, Margaret doesn't mind. Meanwhile, a German scientist (Otto von Wernherr) has been tracking the plate-sized alien craft and observes it from the apartment of a horny Jewish woman (Susan Doukas); all the while, he is oblivious to her comic frustration and increasingly blatant sexual advances. Despite the sci-fi elements, considerable humor, cool music, and a gorgeous production design, this is really a film about desperation and ugliness. Other than Von Wernherr and Doukas -- who are outside the punk scene -- the characters all loathe themselves and treat each other horribly. Most of their sex involves rape, and when they die, each seems to be better off. Perhaps the bitter aftertaste of this film explains why it never really caught on as a midnight movie, but it is a dark gem and well worth seeing. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
- Directed By
- Slava Tsukerman
- Genres
- Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1983 Wide
- Studio
- Zfilms Inc
Critic Reviews
-
, Variety
Liquid Sky is an odd, yet generally pleasing mixture of punk rock, science fiction, and black humor.
-
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Anne Carlisle, who stars as both the model and her creepy male counterpart, projects a disturbing and original aura of opaque, ingrained despair.
-
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
A bizarre, often hilarious melee of weird drugs, weird sex and off-the-wall camp SF.
-
Janet Maslin, New York Times
[This] film, with a heroine who is sometimes a hero and who is apt to show up in a red corset with matching red-and-blond skunk hairdo, can hardly be for everyone. But the right audiences are bound to appreciate the originality displayed here.
-
, Empire Magazine
Knowingly kitsch, Liquid Sky uses the most basic effects and featuring music and fashion that were cutting edge at the time, it now looks fashionably retro.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Anne Carlisle
as Jimmy, Margaret
-
Paula E. Sheppard
as Adrian
-
Susan Doukas
as Sylvia
-
Otto von Wernherr
as Johann
-
Bob Brady
as Owen
-
Elaine C. Grove
as Katherine
-
Stanley Knap
as Paul
-
Jack Adalist
as Vincent
-
Lloyd Ziff
as Lester
-
Harry Lum
as Deliveryman
-
Roy MacArthur
as Jack
-
Sara Carlisle
as Nellie
- David Ilku
-
Zora Kerova
as Designer
- Lucille
- Angelo
