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| Images courtesy of Buffalo 8 |
Matt Busch's long gestating passion project has debuted
online, showcasing years of intense hard work, an unrivalled passion for
independent, genre filmmaking, and some of the most impressive cinematic
creativity of the century. Funded via Kickstarter, Aladdin 3477
1: The Jinn of Wisdom is the first part of an epic science fiction trilogy
that reimagines the classic fantasy story in a cyberpunk, dystopian India.
Featuring a plethora of handmade animatronics and sets, a lovingly homage
laden script, and countless examples of talent and promise, this is an exciting
way to begin the cinematic journey of 2025.
In the 35th century, a repugnant, but resourceful thief begins a journey that springs from an unhealthy obsession with Princess Kamala. The sojourn, fraught with nefarious characters and dangerous situations, brings Aladdin into the orbit of an enigmatic Jinn, whose ability to grant wishes could fulfill the rogue's destiny or damn him in the process. Busch's script essentially takes elements of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the source material and drops them into a blender. While the result is more bumpy than smooth, the absolute love that went into creating this is undeniable.
The strongest element is in the way the world is designed. The viewer is
immediately entranced by neon bubblegum signs that conjures immediate memories
of Blade Runner, while Aladdin and his crew of misfits and rogues
immediately hearken back to A New Hope. Erik Steele's Aladdin begins as
almost a villain, self-centered and borderline creepy, however, as the
narrative unfolds, his motives become more clear and it becomes apparent that
he will eventually become the fabled diamond in the rough. However it is
the Viciously silent Oomi and Aladdin's robotic sidekick Fidgi who steal the
show.
While the budget can be seen around the edges, this is a
special film. Everything feels huge, and it is very clear that Busch and
his team are reaching for the stars. So many details; from the way people
dress to the mismatched technology to various labyrinthine political machinations,
remind the audience that imagination is the wellspring of artistic creation and
this film has it in abundance.
Now available for digital rental, Aladdin 3477 is a miracle of independent filmmaking and a resplendent example of what dedication and belief in oneself can accomplish. While not without flaws, the concept, design, and presentation are full of wonder, presenting a mishmash of concepts blending with a traditional fable and then dappled throughout a science fiction future of an India that feels like another world. If an exciting visual treat, filled with curious animatronics and copious mysteries is of interest, 3477 will not disappoint.
--Kyle Jonathan