LIFE AFTER FLASH

UK, 2017, 94 minutes, Colour.

Sam Jones.

Directed by Lisa Downs.

A rather exuberant documentary, focusing on the actor Sam Jones who, in 1980, appeared as Flash Gordon in the spectacular Dino De Laurentiis production. While it goes back into the past, to the making of the film, it also traces the life of Sam Jones after this, a celebrity but rather forgotten in terms of cinema, his own personal life, survival – and a healthy ego!

For those interested in the life of celebrities, there are ups and downs, their personalities, there is plenty to enjoy here – if you are on Sam Jones’ wavelength.

For those interested in the history of the film, Flash Gordon, there is a great deal to enjoy. There are many clips from the film, a reminder of its extravagance, the unusual casting, including Brian Blessed, Topol, Max von Sydow. And there is the producer, Dino De Laurentiis, his ambitions at the time, a very hands-on producer, and difficulties with his star.

A special bonus is a reminder of the music of Queen with Brian May being interviewed.

There are quite a lot of talking heads (unfortunately, not Max von Sydow), to keep the audience interested/fascinated. With contributions from Sam J. Jones himself (Flash Gordon), Melody Anderson (Dale Arden), Topol (Dr. Hans Zarkov), Peter Wyngarde (Klytus), Richard O'Brien (Fico), Deep Roy (Princess Aura's Pet), Brian May (Queen) and Howard Blake (composer), with appearances from John Altman (a Hawkman stand-in), Renato Casaro, Richard Donner, Lou Ferrigno, Rich Fulcher, Jon Heder, Mike Hodges (the director), Stan Lee, Christopher McDonald, Paul Oakenfold, Ray Park, Robert Rodriguez, Michael Rooker, Patrick St. Esprit (Jones's friend), Patrick Warburton, and Jones's wife, children and friends.

A commentator referred to the film as ‘essential film geek viewing’.