Heavy Metal (film)
An anthology of evil, animated and unleashed.
Heavy Metal is a 1981 Canadian adult animated science fantasy anthology film directed by Gerald Potterton and produced by Ivan Reitman and Leonard Mogel. The film adapts stories from Heavy Metal magazine, featuring a framing narrative about a green crystalline orb called the Loc-Nar, which embodies 'the sum of all evils.' It is known for its graphic violence, sexuality, and nudity, and has gained a cult following since its release.
- Release date
- August 7, 1981
- Director
- Gerald Potterton
- Producers
- Ivan Reitman, Leonard Mogel
- Country
- Canada
- Genre
- Adult animated science fantasy anthology
- Based on
- Heavy Metal magazine
- Soundtrack artists
- Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Sammy Hagar, Don Felder, Cheap Trick, DEVO, Journey, Nazareth
Lore & Background
The film is structured as an anthology, with segments including 'Taarna,' 'So Beautiful and So Dangerous,' 'Harry Canyon,' 'Den,' 'Captain Sternn,' and 'B-17.' Each segment is tied together by the Loc-Nar, a green crystalline sphere that influences events across time and space. The production was expedited by having several animation houses work simultaneously on different segments, including MGM Titles, Halas & Batchelor Animation, Atkinson Film-Arts, Votetone, Boxcar Animation Studios, and Duck Soup Productions.
Reader's Guide
Heavy Metal holds significance as a landmark in adult animation, pushing boundaries with its explicit content and anthology format. It was a moderate commercial success upon release but developed a strong cult following over time. The soundtrack, packaged by music manager Irving Azoff, featured major rock acts and contributed to its enduring appeal. A sequel, Heavy Metal 2000, was released in 2000. The film's influence is seen in later animated works that blend science fiction, fantasy, and mature themes.
Did You Know?
- The film was not Gerald Potterton's directorial debut; he had previously directed films such as 'The Rainbow Boys' (1973).
- The segment 'Den' was based on a character created by Richard Corben.
- A segment called 'Neverwhere Land' was cut due to time constraints but included as a bonus feature on DVD.
- The soundtrack includes songs by Blue Öyster Cult, Journey, and Cheap Trick.
- The film 'The Apple' (1980) was directed by Menahem Golan, not Gerald Potterton.
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