Heavy Metal with Brett Kelley - Episode 44

This episode, we’re discussing the animated cult classic Heavy Metal. A strange, influential, and often controversial film that helped push adult animation into mainstream conversation.Host Kt Baldassaro is joined by illustrator Brett Kelley for a deep dive into Heavy Metal (1981) : its origins, its visual style, and why the movie still has a devoted following more than four decades later.In this Heavy Metal (1981) review and discussion, we explore:• How the film grew out of the French sci-fi comic magazine Metal Hurlant• The artistic influence of legendary illustrator Jean Giraud• The movie’s unusual anthology format and multiple animation studios• Why the Harry Canyon segment feels like a visual predecessor to The Fifth Element• The cult reputation of the Tarna storyline• How modern anthology animation like Love, Death & Robots echoes its style and structureIf you’re curious about the history of adult animation, cult sci-fi films, or the legacy of Heavy Metal (1981), this episode breaks down why the movie still sparks debate among film fans, artists, and animation lovers.🎨 Follow Brett Kelley & see his artworkShop: https://ko-fi.com/bkartmerc/shopInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkartworks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BKArtMerc/🎧 Follow Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime)Instagram & TikTok: @MovieRuntimeYouTube: @MovieRuntimeLetterboxd: @MovieRuntime00:00 Theme Song00:51 Why You May or May Not Like Heavy Metal (ep Teaser)04:28 Welcome to the Episode!10:05 The Evolution of Animation and Storytelling15:38 The Role of Music in Heavy Metal19:18 Characterization and Themes in Heavy Metal25:00 Cultural Reflections and Critiques25:50 Soft Landing32:34 Grimaldi36:18 Harry Canyon45:15 DEN58:54 The Evolution of Heavy Metal Magazine01:06:58 Heavy Metal 2000: A Sequel's Journey01:12:56 The Shift in Heavy Metal's Audience01:13:37 Captain Sternn01:17:45 B-17: A Horror Segment01:23:43 So Beautiful and So Dangerous: Absurdity in Animation01:33:42 The Best Scene in the Movie01:42:11 The Character of Tarna and Her Agency01:55:48 Heavy Metal's Evolution and Future02:01:49 TAARNA02:02:02 The Ending and Its Significance02:07:09 Exploring Iconic 80s Fantasy Films02:13:40 The Possibility of a Remake02:21:11 Community and Heavy Metal Culture02:25:58 The Heavy Metal Collective and Local ImpactMovies Mentioned on this episode:Mean Streets (1973)The Lord of the Rings (1978)Wizards (1977)Alien (1979)Heavy Metal (1981)Dragonslayer (1981)Tron (1982)Conan the Barbarian (1982)Ghostbusters II (1989)The Abyss (1989)Pulp Fiction (1994)The Fifth Element (1997)Blueberry (2004)