What are the aliens, the trio, and the monsters that influenced “Short Circuit”?

Futurist designer Syd Mead

Number 5, the main character in ``Short Circuit,'' is a metal robot. Two movable caterpillars with a low center of gravity, a slender body and two manipulators. It has two main cameras and a sunshade flap on its long neck, and a laser gun on its shoulder. This design, which has a rich expression and body action while eliminating decorations, was created by Syd Mead.

Syd Mead started his career as an industrial designer, designing concept cars for companies such as Ford and Volvo, and creating illustrations for motor shows, but his cutting-edge work was admired for his work in `` Blade Runner '' (1982). asked to design the flying car ``Spinner''. As soon as the movie was released, the beauty of the finish became a hot topic and it became sought after within the movie industry. Since then, he has left behind works that are still considered ``cool designs'', such as the early designs for the machines that appeared in ` `Aliens '' (1986) and the light cycle for `` Tron '' (1982).

"Short Circuit" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

Number 5, which he was in charge of designing, is a combat robot but also has a familiar feel, and is an excellent design that fits the work. The ``face'' is particularly well sculpted, with two cameras and a flap that allow for ``eye expressions'' such as angry or smiling. This face design was incorporated into the main character of Pixar's `` WALL-E '' (2008), and is proof that Syd Mead's design is the ultimate. This design is what sets Short Circuit apart from the many other ET knockoffs.

It is undeniable that the technology of the near future depicted in ``Short Circuit'' released in 1986 has now been surpassed. However, even among them, No. 5 has an excellent design that will not be surpassed. In addition, there is a universal comfort that allows you to communicate with pure beings. A radical and primitive laugh that never fades. And the mysteries of life and the mystery of the self that will never be explained.

The greatest appeal of ``Short Circuit'' is that it brings together these materials, which tend to be heavy and serious, in a relaxed manner.

Text: Samurai Isao

Designer by profession, film writer by profession. He is working hard to promote Indian films in Japan.

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(c) Photofest / Getty Images