MEAD
The MEAD of 2022 is not like anything else. Indeed, nothing else is like it at all. If there are any resemblances to Pixar movies or the current Marvel zeitgeist, they stem from Richard Corben’s visual influence and style as well as Jan Strnad’s words; both men created these characters and designs in the year 1972 for an underground “adults only” comic book called Fever Dreams. The feature film remains true to its comic book roots by maintaining an underground independent spirit while adopting a more all ages tone instead of nudity, which was present in its original form, the creators went with something that would be more accessible.
MEAD is not only the title given to this motion picture but also serves as a nickname for its mechanical protagonist (voiced by Patton Oswalt). At its core lies Mobile Extrasensory Autonomous Deceptor a ship with a soul capable of generating illusions indistinguishable from reality. Originally designed for military applications, when it fled along with pilot Friz (Samuel Hunt) from what had been planned for them, they turned into an intergalactic Captain Ahab’s white whale being pursued through galaxies by comically ruthless Admiral Gillette played by Star Trek veteran Robert Picardo. Together with real and holographic companions (Lillie Young & Kassandra Wright), all Friz wants with his vessel is merely surviving another day.
This may sound like an expensive idea demanding millions of dollars plus best animation team money can buy but such movie came about mainly thanks to one man’s relentless dedication and hard work: J Allen Williams who produced, edited animated & directed this film himself over six years period using labour intensive techniques followed by shooting actors on completely green-screen background then dropping them into almost entirely finished movie afterward; whereas Hollywood productions such as Sin City, The Spirit or Sky Captain and The World Of Tomorrow involve hundreds if not thousands contributors working simultaneously on sets with green background etc., MEAD was crafted mostly via computer located somewhere in Missouri all by one person.
These unique beginnings give rise to a low budget ($ less than car price) high concept movie. It is made so far away from Hollywood system that majority of faces appearing outside main cast are unknown names. Instead having crew comprised out of thousands, it has been animated conceived for screen by single filmmaker powered by love he caught for story at a head shop five decades ago rather than huge PR department ready spend fortune promotion, its distribution marketing handled independently even Kickstarter campaign organized finance accommodations actors during shoot where after Picardo would cook meals director’s house after wrap day completion became family affair.
Mead is not normal in any way shape or form probable not for everybody but those who can tap into it will be treated something magic I believe film most likely resonate with old school geeky audience guys that have sat through endless amounts star trek episodes boxes filled comics underground publications like 2000 AD & Heavy Metal.
Nevertheless, there is a chance to expose the movie to a much broader audience provided they overlook the radical beginnings or rather embrace them as this film’s greatest advantage.
When I began writing this review, I stated that MEAD doesn’t resemble anything else because nothing else resembles it. It is a space-faring survivors’ high concept visually ambitious all ages story which was made well outside of the studio system and bears its creators’ marks. In an age where most movies are corporate product designed by committee executive brand extension IP tie-ins created to sell theme park tickets and action figures MEAD feels refreshingly personal.
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