The Last Unicorn is something of a lost classic. I saw it on its original release in 1982, and it had a huge effect on me as a child. It led to a years-long love of fantasy novels, particularly Tolkein and Terry Brooks.
Several years ago, a friend brought it up in conversation, and we decided to try and find it on video. It turned out it had been out of print for quite some time. It’s since been re-released, and it’s seen several versions on DVD, none of which you should consider buying.
You read that right. Do not buy any commercially released versions of this film.
Why? Becuase Peter Beagle, who wrote the screenplay, has never received a dime of compensation. Granada Media, the owner of the film rights, reneged on their contractual obligations, and Beagle makes no money off any of the merchandise or media released for the movie he wrote.
This isn’t the first time, either. He also wrote the screenplay for the Ralph Bashki adaptation of the Lord of the Rings, and aside from an initial $5000 fee, he was screwed out of any royalties for that as well.
The Last Unicorn has widely been considered to be a classic since its 1968 release. The sequel, a novella titled Two Hearts, justly took the Hugo Award last year. For a man of his contribution and talent to be destitute is a crime.
Things seemed to have taken a turn for the better, however. Conlan Press, an advocate of Mr. Beagle’s work, has secured the rights to a remastered widescreen (finally) DVD of the movie, and half of all proceeds are going directly to him. This is the only outlet through which it should be ordered, as he will not receive revenue from versions purchased elsewhere.
The original novel is also available through his site, as is the collection containing Two Hearts. The novels are well worth reading, as they contain even deeper levels of metaphor and development than the movie.
Not to say that the movie is a slapdash condensation, though. Rankin/Bass put a great deal of effort into making it something special. The animation is excellent, and the voice cast is first-rate, all turning in excellent performances. (This may be the only appearance of Angela Lansbury where I’ve actually found the woman likeable.)
As per the title, the story follows a unicorn named Amalthea, who is the last of her kind. A giant Red Bull, perhaps the personification of modern technological civilization, drives her race to extinction. A rather incompetent wizard named Schmendrick happens upon Amalthea, the last survivor, and lacking the power to defend her, he turns her into a human so the Bull will pass her by.
The story is well-executed and poignant without getting sappy, which is saying something considering that it often lapses into musical reveries. The music is integral and is very well done.
The idea of immortality is mulled over, since Amalthea (in human form) finds herself falling in love with a human, but since love is transitory, it conflicts with the idea of immortality, and she is forced to make a choice. Her disorientation with her frail human form and her struggles with her feelings are real and quite believable.
I won’t give it away, but if the ending doesn’t break your heart, go back to watching Trading Spouses or whatever drivel the media conglamerates churn out these days. The concepts of illusion versus reality are approached, and there are parodies of Greek drama and typical fantasy cliches.
Like Miyazaki’s works, this is adult cinema painted on a children’s canvas. It trades in wonder and mystery, but underneath, it’s a complicated and involving story.