Taarna The Tarakian from Heavy Metal - Music: Elmer Bernstein

[gopherpoo]

hey whats the wind instrument when shes getting dressed that takes over the melody?

[PeekaPeep]

@gopherpoo It's actually a unique early electronic instrument known as an ondes Martenot that you were hearing there. It's primarily similar to a theremin, which I thought it was at first because they kinda sound the same. Seemed to be pretty popular with Bernstein at the time since he used it again for the 'Ghostbusters' score a few years later.

[mtrekster]

Beautiful music and a very capable lady too

[frdo66]

The music from this sequence is just so perfect. Its beautiful. The animation with Tarnaa putting on her warrior clothing is so elegant. I remember seeing this film in the theater back in 1981. I believe the animators used techniques that were never used before. The film is a true cult classic. Todays animation is nice but its mostly CGI and im sick and tired of all that 3D stuff. you dont need 3D to experiance a well made animated film.

[KingCharltonHeston]

Taarna is HOT and the music is beautiful. 

[TheAltair4]

@KingCharltonHeston Agreed! I had a major crush on her as a kid and teen.

[Johnlindsey289]

@TheAltair4

She's up there with Jasmine, Lady Amalthea, Cheetara, Adora from She-Ra, Scarlett from GI Joe, Esmerelda from Hunchback, Poison Ivy, Ellinore from Wizards, Hello Nurse/Minerva Mink from Animaniacs, A-Ko/B-Ko, some Sailor Moon chicks, Crysta from Ferngully, Bimbette the pink skunkette babe from Tiny Toons Summer Vacation, Shampoo from Ranma 1/2, Pocahontas, Ariel, Teela from He-Man and other animated hotties.

[PeekaPeep]

Everything about this scene (and the story in general) is just pure GENIUS!!! I only wish they made this part of Heavy Metal into a full-length affair. The Taarna character has long since attained iconic cult status and has been made many a template for the likes of She-Ra, Aeon Flux, and Leeloo from the '90s live-action film 'The Fifth Element'. My God, even Bernstein's score just nails it perfectly in every detail...

[Johnlindsey289]

@PeekaPeep

Let's not forget Neytiri from Avatar who is also similar to Taarna when it comes to Sci-fi/fantasy female warriors, in fact besides Fifth Element, Avatar was also inspired by HM the movie and the comic magazine as you can tell how it's like a big screen issue of HM Magazine brought to life and Cameron admits he is a fan of this movie and the comic magazine itself, i mean Avatar has the feel of Richard Corben, Azarath and Moebius in one and even the world/creatures are like HM.

[southrncalifgirl1]

And the music is absolutely gorgeous and perfectly apropos. BRILLIANT.

[southrncalifgirl1]

This is one of the most beautiful and inspiring movie scenes EVER. Taarna is my hero of all time. Can't thank you ENOUGH for this.

[cosmicdingo]

Dang, can't even show a cartoon cooch.

[Matos9000]

Awesome !!! thanks4 this!

[jorgel216]

@Matos9000 your welcome !!!

[oroizwvm]

i know what she need... a man

[ami18yetornot]

it's been 6 months since the last comment, and I am here to say BUMP!

[TroySundt]

This is very reminiscent of Bernstein's score for Ghostbusters.

[MsSpukiKat1975]

Ahem....you mean "don't you think she's a fine EXAMPLE of an animated WOMAN?" or "A beautiful animated LADY" or "don't you think this gorgeous Warrior Goddess is beautifully done?" Y'see, though you may mean otherwise, Women aren't "Piece of ass". We're people AND your equal. I have nothing against sexy &/or nude women, but remember.....when you admire our beauty.....don't call us "piece of ass". Let's see: Brad Pitt's a "Piece Of Ass", Zac Effron is "Great Dick", etc....now how's that feel?

[MsSpukiKat1975]

I'm not some "femnazi" but if you're gonna oogle at an attractive person, male or female, refering them as "Piece of Ass" or "T&A" is dumb. "She/He's got a cute ass" is one thing, but labeling someone a lone bodypart is dumb. I have nothing against you in any way & I'm probably being too personal. I agree with you that she's gorgeous AND well-drawn & animated. Well, I'm sorry if I may have offended you. I like this "Taarna" tale, best part of the flick! Peace, my friend.

[Johnlindsey289]

I agree too, but do you think Taarna is a fine piece of animated ass as well?

[TheAltair4]

This is one of Elmer Bernstein's best and most unforgettable scores. It's a shame that it never fully received the recognition and respect that it truly deserved.

[TremSleeg]

I had forgotten how powerful this combination of music and imagery were.

It's been twenty-eight years, and I've lost a lot of my sense of whimsey. Thanks for reminding me.

[Johnlindsey289]

Yes it's a kickass score to a kickass movie, do you think Taarna is one fine piece of animated ass? she's so realistic and so gorgeous. Do you think this movie influenced The Fifth Element?

[TheAltair4]

His score for Ghostbusters is quite kickass as well. And you're absolutely right. Taarna is definately one smoking hot piece of animated ass alright.

[Johnlindsey289]

But do you think The Fifth Element was influenced by this movie? same sexy Sci-fi fantasy epic with futuristic cab drivers, babes, sleaze and colorful humor.

[TheAltair4]

There's no question that The Fifth Element was heavily influenced by this film. Every time i see that movie i can't help but think about Heavy Metal, the Harry Canyon and Taarna segments in particular.

[Johnlindsey289]

Would you also compare this movie to Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend? the infamous NC-17 rated animated erotic horror fantasy from Japan that started the whole naughty tentacle hentai genre. I mean both this and Urotsukidoji are raunchy and gory toons.

[TheAltair4]

Yes i would. Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend also reminded me a lot of Akira and John Carpenter's The Thing.

[Johnlindsey289]

I was wondering do you think Taarna is up there with Teegra, Jasmine from Aladdin, Minerva Mink, Jessica Rabbit, Adora from She-Ra, and others for animated beauties?

[TheAltair4]

She's definately up there with Teegra, Jasmine, Adora and Jessica Rabbit. But she's very realistic and unexagerrated looking to me, and i think that's were the real attraction ultimately lies.

[Johnlindsey289]

I mean do you think she has fine fits, a hot ass, great bod and nice pubes? or do you like it shaven or waxed?

[TheAltair4]

Yes to all of those things. I prefer hair down there myself, but waxed doesn't bother me.