Invention For Destruction (aka Vynález zkázy) (1958) ****1/2 [KZ Triple Feature Pt. 2]

Introduction

Through the use of numerous innovative techniques such as animation, stop-motion, puppetry, miniature models, matte paintings and live action, Karel Zeman created wondrous fantasy/adventure films that embrace a very special cinematic language that is all but lost these days—one in which unreality is not seen as a weakness but rather a cause for celebration. The audience can clearly sense the human interaction (and sometimes even the strings) behind his special effects but that only serves to stimulate the imagination and call attention to the heart, soul, and creativity of these films, as well as the many hours that went into bringing them to life. Many viewers will find the effects dated and laughable but I prefer these methods to the heavy use of CGI any day. There’s something magical about these practical approaches that is important to appreciate and preserve. Zeman’s films are truly delightful works of art, and as an adult viewer, they do an extraordinary job of transporting one back to childhood. Zeman doesn’t receive the same recognition that craftsmen such as Willis O’Brien, Ray Harryhausen, and Georges Méliès do, but he certainly deserves to.

Despite being a different type of film, in a different setting and time period, Invention For Destruction (aka Vynález zkázy (Deadly Invention)) (1958) nonetheless contains a more complex and engaging narrative than Zeman's previous feature film, Journey To The Beginning Of Time (1955) (my review here). I only mention this because JTTBOT was more of an educational film while IFD is pure action/adventure spectacle. It is quite simply a marvel of invention and is said to be the most successful Czech film ever made.

Primarily based on Jules Verne's 1896 novel Facing the Flag, IFD places live action against gorgeous three dimensional sets decorated with two dimensional art to evoke the original illustrations for Verne's works—making for a strikingly bold presentation (in beautiful black & white). The expressive and mysterious score by Zdenek Liska oftentimes represents, syncs with, and serves to reinforce the action of objects on screen and camera movements, creating a perfect marriage of images and sound.

The “brilliant professor exploited by those seeking to use his invention for nefarious ends” trope is a tad played out at this point but for a film over 60 years old and featuring this much ingenuity, it never sullies the experience. There are subtle touches of humor sprinkled throughout to break up the speed at which the action and the story moves along. There's an impossible amount of craft on display to process in simply one, two or even three viewings. Invention For Destruction is a true joy—a storybook come to life that I can tell will continue to reward and inspire upon revisitations.