Heavy Metal

Heavy Metal

Year: 1981

Runtime: 86 min

Language: English

Directors: John Bruno, Barrie Nelson, Gerald Potterton, Harold Whitaker, Jack Stokes, Jimmy T. Murakami, John Halas, Julian Harris, Paul Sabella, Pino Van Lamsweerde

AdventureSci-FiFantasyAnimation

A young woman named Julia desperately seeks freedom from an ancient evil and finds unexpected strength and hope through a powerful heavy metal band. As she fights to escape her pursuers, she forges an alliance with the musicians, and together they challenge the dark forces threatening her world. Their combined power promises to shake the foundations of her reality and offer a chance for liberation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Heavy Metal (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Heavy Metal (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2031, Present Day, World War II

The events take place in a future version of New York City in 2031, showcasing a world filled with crime and edginess. Various segments also span present-day scenarios, highlighting the contemporary implications of evil. Additionally, the narrative reflects on the dangers faced during World War II, emphasizing the persistent nature of malevolence across different eras.

Location

Deep Space, Earth, New York City, Barren Desert, Strange Planet

The movie traverses vast realms from the emptiness of deep space, where the glowing orb begins its journey, to Earth, including a dystopian New York City. The barren desert serves as a backdrop for critical encounters with the orb, while a strange planet becomes a playground for teenage Den's fantastical transformations. These varied locations contribute to the overarching theme of the universality of evil and the struggle against it.

👽 Sci-Fi 🌍 Earth 🌌 Space

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Main Characters – Heavy Metal (1981)

Meet the key characters of Heavy Metal (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Grimaldi (Al Waxman)

Grimaldi is a complex character who embodies both the curious explorer and a tragic figure. Upon discovering the orb, he becomes consumed by its power, leading to disastrous consequences. His transformation emphasizes the film's commentary on the dangers of seeking dark knowledge.

🌌 Explorer 💔 Tragic

Harry Canyon (John Candy)

Harry Canyon is a gritty cab driver in a dystopian 2031 New York City, navigating threats with quick wit and resourcefulness. His character represents the everyman caught in extraordinary circumstances, torn between danger and desire as he fights to protect an enigmatic woman.

🚖 Cab Driver ⚔️ Protector

Captain Lincoln Sternn (Richard Romanus)

Captain Sternn is a cunning and self-serving character faced with a trial that highlights his questionable morals. His arrogance leads to chaos in the courtroom, showcasing how his actions have dire consequences across the galaxy.

⚖️ Criminal 🐍 Manipulator

Den

Den starts as a typical teenager who undergoes a dramatic transformation into a powerful warrior on an alien planet. His journey raises questions about identity and strength, reflecting the loss of innocence as he faces off against dark forces.

👦 Teenager 💪 Warrior

Taarna

Taarna is the embodiment of strength and bravery, tasked with protecting her people from the evil of the Loc-Nar. Her character arc represents sacrifice and the warrior spirit, showcasing the lengths one must go to in the battle against malevolence.

🗡️ Warrior 🌸 Protector

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Major Themes – Heavy Metal (1981)

Explore the central themes of Heavy Metal (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Good vs Evil

The movie explores the eternal struggle between good and evil as embodied by the glowing orb, the Loc-Nar. Each vignette presents characters wrestling with temptation and malevolence, showcasing a spectrum of choices that lead either to salvation or ruin. The recurring defeat of evil through sacrifice illustrates the relentless fight for virtue.

🌌 Adventure

Heavy Metal is an anthology of wild and imaginative adventures that encompass different realities. It takes viewers on a journey through fantastical landscapes, delivering high-stakes scenarios filled with unexpected twists and thrilling encounters. This theme of adventure weaves together the characters' experiences, drawing them into the orb's malign influence.

👁️ Power and Corruption

The film delves into the corrupting influence of power, particularly evident with the Loc-Nar's ability to manipulate and destroy. Through each story, characters face the consequences of their desires and actions. Ultimately, the quest for power often leads to downfall, as seen in multiple narratives where ambitions overshadow morality.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Unlock the Full Story of Heavy Metal

Don't stop at just watching — explore Heavy Metal in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Heavy Metal is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Heavy Metal Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Heavy Metal, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Heavy Metal Summary

Heavy Metal Timeline

Track the full timeline of Heavy Metal with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Heavy Metal Timeline

More About Heavy Metal

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Heavy Metal: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Heavy Metal

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