Dark Star (1974): John Carpenter and Dan O'Bannon's Science Fiction Comedy

Why was Dark Star so important to science-fiction films to come?Dark Star began as a student film project by then-USC Students John Carpenter (Halloween) and Dan O'Bannon (Return of the Living Dead). But what started out as an amazing student film was, over the course of a few years, expanded into a full theatrical release.And while Dark Star didn't fare too well at the box office, it gained cult status on the 1980s home video circuit. It jump-started Carpenter and O'Bannon's careers and influenced, or even helped create, science fiction franchises to come, like Alien and Star Wars.But while the film's legacy is never in doubt, does it hold up today?Join me for this episode as I discuss parodying 2001, space boredom, and conversations with talking bombs.Directed by John Carpenter. Written by John Carpenter and Dan O'Bannon. Starring Dan O'Bannon, Brian Narelle, Cal Kuniholm, Dre Pahich. Connect with us on Bluesky:@not-ni-theaters.bsky.socialAnd to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com