The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
2005 · Directed by Garth Jennings
Original language: English
- adventure
- comedy
- science fiction
The story
Mere seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien construction crew, Arthur Dent is swept off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher penning a new edition of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
What it’s like
Bright, saturated space-opera design with a deliberately cheap-looking charm: papier-mâché aliens, glossy plastic spaceships, pastel-candy planets and sets that look like they were built in a school workshop. The Earth opening is bleached and suburban, all overcast grey and dull British shrubbery, before the film tips into lurid turquoise, magenta and gold. Camera moves are brisk and busy, with frequent quick cuts and wide establishing shots of absurd vistas, while the sound is a warm, jaunty orchestral score that gives way to sudden silly sound effects and deadpan narration. Vibe: goofy, bright, self-aware, a little chaotic. It suits a lazy Saturday, a comfort rewatch, or a light background watch with friends. Pacing is episodic and quick, with a steady stream of gags. Tone is affectionately ironic rather than tense; the emotional arc follows a bewildered, mild-mannered man learning to treat the universe with a shrug and a bit more courage. Intensity is low: mild peril and slapstick, some cartoonish danger and explosions, no gore, no sexual content, nothing frightening for children. Made for people who want absurdist sci-fi comedy that is silly, warm and easy to enjoy.
More films like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxyand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
