The Cube is Jim Henson’s little-known proto-Black Mirror masterpiece
The Cube, a 53-minute teleplay produced for NBC's Experiment in Television series in 1969, showcases Jim Henson's ability to tackle mature and unconventional subject matter. This experimental film tells the story of a man trapped in a white cube with no windows or doors, where people enter and exit through invisible openings, bringing with them various objects and experiences that blur the lines of reality. The teleplay's use of a single room setting and exploration of themes such as the nature of reality, sanity, and the impact of external influences on an individual's perception, make it a precursor to modern anthology series like Black Mirror.
The Cube's uniqueness and experimental nature are reflective of the broader context of television and film production in the 1960s, where creators were pushing boundaries and exploring new formats. This period saw the rise of anthology series like The Twilight Zone, which also experimented with themes of reality and the human condition. The Cube's comparison to Black Mirror, a series known for its dark and thought-provoking exploration of technology and society, highlights the timelessness of Henson's work and its continued relevance in modern media. The fact that The Cube was produced as part of NBC's Experiment in Television series, which featured various experimental films, plays, and documentaries, underscores the network's willingness to take risks and showcase innovative content.
The implications of The Cube's themes and messages are still relevant today, particularly in the context of modern technology and social media. As people interact with virtual environments and curated online personas, questions about the nature of reality and the impact of external influences on individual perception become increasingly important. The availability of The Cube on YouTube, albeit in varying quality, allows new audiences to experience Henson's work and appreciate its continued relevance in the modern media landscape. As streaming services continue to evolve and offer new platforms for experimental content, The Cube serves as a reminder of the power of innovative storytelling and the importance of preserving and showcasing lesser-known works.
Key Takeaways
The Cube, a 1969 Jim Henson teleplay, explores themes of reality and sanity in a mysterious, Muppetless story.
The teleplay was part of NBC's Experiment in Television series, which featured experimental films, plays, and documentaries.
The Cube's comparison to Black Mirror highlights its continued relevance in modern media and its exploration of timeless themes.
The Cube is available on YouTube in varying quality, allowing new audiences to experience Henson's work.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by The Verge. Here is a short excerpt for context:
That sure is a man in a cube, alright. | Image: NBC / Jim Henson Company I'm sure we're all familiar with Dark Crystal, so we know that Jim Henson can be weird and tackle slightly more mature subject matter. But there is little in his oeuvre that is quite as mind-bending as the Muppetless The Cube. This 1969 teleplay was produced for an NBC anthology series called Experiment in Television, which featured, appropriately enough, various experimental films, plays, and documentaries. One episode even featured Marshall McLuhan explaining his oft-cited theory that "the medium is the message." Even among all these oddities, however, Jim Henson's The Cube stands out. It's a 53-minute bottle film - taking place almost e … Read the full story at The Verge.Read the original at The Verge
