Meet the Hollowheads

Meet the Hollowheads, released in 1989, presents a unique blend of black humor and surrealistic vision. Directed by Thomas R. Burman, an Oscar-nominated Special Effects Makeup Artist, this film is renowned for its creative visual narrative and quirky alternate reality far from our usual. Approaching the genre of comedy with influences of science fiction and dark humor, the movie is a captivating journey that will leave you in awe of the 80s' unique cinematic experiments.

Starring John Glover, Nancy Mette, and Richard Portnow, Meet the Hollowheads introduces the audience to a day in the life of the Hollowheads – a simple, suburban family living in a dystopian future. The catch is that their world, contrasting sharply with our own, runs completely on tubes carrying a myriad of substances. Everything from food, water, and electricity to entertainment and communication prophesies a world 'out of the box.' Irrespective of the bizarreness of their lives, you'd find the Hollowheads as relatable and charming as an average American family.

Leading the Hollowhead household is Henry Hollowhead (John Glover), a modest worker in a company responsible for maintaining the tube network. Nancy Mette plays Miriam Hollowhead, Henry's loyal wife, who manages their three children with a grace that ignores the absurdity of their surroundings. The couple's family dynamic and their attempts to navigate through the everyday incongruity of life is a central theme of the film.

One particular day, Henry's boss, Mr. Crabneck (Richard Portnow), decides to drop in for dinner unannounced. This kicks off an extraordinary series of events that unveils facets of their tube-driven reality, which are both bizarre and fascinating. The movie thrives on these eccentricities, which unravel through engaging visuals, intriguing character interactions, and a storyline that keeps the audience on their toes.

Meet the Hollowheads doesn't only focus on acknowledging the strangeness of its reality but also takes a deeper dive into societal satires and critiques of our collective future. From the family's interactions with their overbearing, upwardly mobile boss to the children's encounter with the law enforcement apparatus, the movie offers a comical yet insightful commentary on contemporary social organization and the possible consequences of unsupervised technological advancement.

Notably, the film does an excellent job building its world through incredibly detailed production design and meticulous attention to set pieces. This is spearheaded by Burman himself with his expertise in makeup and special effects. The film is packed with odd trinkets, strange devices, and peculiar food, as a testament to the alien world it successfully constructs and the idea it represents. Additionally, an original score composed by Jerry Goldsmith's son, Joel Goldsmith, perfectly complements the bizarre tone of the movie, making it an immersive viewing experience.

The combination of skilled performances, amusingly bizarre world-building, and subtle societal critique lend the film its unique narrative strength. John Glover’s charming portrayal of a hardworking man in a world of tubes and Richard Portnow’s elaborate characterization of an elitist boss dominates the screen. Simultaneously, Nancy Mette's balanced performance as a loving housewife and mother brings a grounded touch to the chaotic and comical world unfolding around her.

Meet the Hollowheads is not just an unconventional film, but an experience that leaves an unforgettable impression on its audience. It's a carnival of the strange, a peek into an alternate reality, and possibly a reflection of our own after a technological apocalypse. If you're a fan of the peculiar and the uncommon, then this carnival ride of a film is certainly worth a watch.

In summary, this 1989 film, Meet the Hollowheads, cleverly meshes elements of science fiction, family dynamics, and social satire, providing a rewarding plunge into an alternative dystopian future. From startling visuals, eccentric situations, to engaging performances and distinct humor, it embodies an obscure gem from the world of 80s cinema. Embark on this ride if you're ready to overlook the conventional and embrace the otherworldly charm of the Hollowheads' tubular lives.