A psychedelic battle between ancient magic and the dark power of propaganda
In short: In Ralph Bakshi's 1977 animated odyssey, a nuclear apocalypse has transformed humanity into mutants. As magic-wielding elves and fairies fight to reclaim the world, a sinister villain uses repurposed Nazi propaganda footage to wage psychological warfare, turning ancient technology into a weapon of terror.
Released in 1977, Wizards marked a significant departure for director Ralph Bakshi, who was previously known for gritty 'urban films' like Fritz the Cat (1972) and Coonskin (1975). The film serves as a heavy allegory for the rise of fascism and the creation of the state of Israel, exploring the moral ambiguity of technology and the destructive potential of propaganda. This theme is literalized through the antagonist Blackwolf, who uses a projector to broadcast World War II Nazi footage to terrorize his enemies.
The narrative centers on the conflict between two wizards: the kindhearted Avatar and his mutated brother, Blackwolf. While Avatar represents the forces of magic, Blackwolf seeks to rule through technology and salvaged ancient machinery. The film's production was famously difficult; when 20th Century-Fox refused a budget increase, Bakshi had to fund the film out of his own pocket. To complete the massive battle sequences, he utilized rotoscoping, layering animation over footage from live-action films like Zulu, El Cid, and Alexander Nevsky.
The film is also notable for its connection to cinematic history. It features an early voice role for Mark Hamill, who was granted time off from Star Wars to record for the project. Additionally, the production's visual style predates the famous works of anime master Hayao Miyazaki, specifically his 1979 film The Castle of Cagliostro. Despite its limited release, the film grossed US$9 million against a $2 million budget, finding a dedicated worldwide audience.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Wizards (film)
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