Richard Elfman, brother of Danny, scratched together money to finance a film featuring his band of street performers, known then as The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo. What was captured on screen was an absurdist, frenetic performance unlike anything. Like a twisted Alice in Wonderland, the king (Hervé Villechaize) takes a shine to her but Queen Doris (Susan Tyrrell) won’t just stand by. The cast of characters is too numerous to list. Brother Danny plays the Devil and sings Minnie the Moocher.
Originally shot in black and white to give it a German expressionist vibe, it was digitally colorized in 2008. The lack of sharpness is noticeable but the colorization isn’t if you didn’t already know. The sets appear to be made from trash bags, cardboard, and markers but still show a high level of craftsmanship. Despite the very small budget, around a hundred grand, Elfman lost his shirt. And his house.
Forbidden Zone has scenes most will interpret as racist, misogynist, or homophobic, and will be offensive to those who are so inclined. Elfman disputed this, but did change a blackface scene into clown-face. It did see success on midnight showing.
I’ve only just scratched the surface. There’s a dancing frog-man, a topless princess, a chicken-boy named Squeezit, and so much more insanity. Love it or hate it, one thing is certain. You can’t take your eyes from the screen. I’m rating it AMRU 3.5, but I feel there is just no way I won’t see it a second time.
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