Synopsis
Empire of the Ants is a 1977 science fiction horror film directed by Bert I. Gordon and starring Joan Collins, John David Carson, and Robert Lansing. The film follows the story of a group of scientists who are investigating a remote island and accidentally unleash a horde of giant ants. The ants quickly overrun the island and begin to terrorize the human inhabitants.
Cast
- Joan Collins as Dr. Marian Laurent
- John David Carson as Dr. David Blake
- Robert Lansing as Major Burt
- Jacqueline Scott as Angie
- Heather Menzies as Toni
- John Alderman as Paul
- Jack Ging as Sheriff Art Kincaid
Production
The film was shot on location in the Bahamas and at the MGM studios in Los Angeles. The special effects for the giant ants were created by David Allen, who later went on to work on such films as "Aliens" and "Predator."
Release
Empire of the Ants was released in the United States on August 26, 1977. The film was a critical and commercial failure, grossing only $2.5 million against a production budget of $5 million.
Critical Reception
The film was panned by critics upon its release. Variety called it "a cheap, ineptly made monster movie that is boring and unintentionally funny." The New York Times wrote that the film was "a silly, shoddy thriller that is not even good enough to be bad."
Legacy
Despite its negative critical reception, Empire of the Ants has become a cult classic over the years. The film is often cited as one of the worst films ever made, but it has also gained a following among fans of science fiction and horror cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the plot of Empire of the Ants?
- A group of scientists are investigating a remote island and accidentally unleash a horde of giant ants. The ants quickly overrun the island and begin to terrorize the human inhabitants.
- Who stars in Empire of the Ants?
- Joan Collins, John David Carson, and Robert Lansing
- When was Empire of the Ants released?
- August 26, 1977
- What is the critical reception of Empire of the Ants?
- The film was panned by critics upon its release, but it has become a cult classic over the years.
- Is Empire of the Ants worth watching?
- If you are a fan of science fiction or horror cinema, then you may enjoy Empire of the Ants. However, if you are looking for a well-made or critically acclaimed film, then you may be disappointed.
Related Keywords
- Giant ants
- Science fiction
- Horror
- Cult classic
- Bad movies
Empire of the Ants
Bernard Werber’s "Empire of the Ants" delves into the complex and fascinating world of ants through the eyes of Jonathan Wells, an entomologist who is accidentally transported to an underground ant colony.
Jonathan encounters the matriarchal ant society, governed by the enigmatic Queen Ant, and is captivated by their advanced communication system, intricate social structure, and astonishing ability to cooperate. As he witnesses the ants’ incredible feats of engineering, navigation, and warfare, Jonathan realizes that the human world has much to learn from these tiny creatures.
Yet, tensions arise within the colony as a small group of rebel ants, led by the charismatic General Mandible, challenges the Queen’s authority. Caught in the crossfire, Jonathan must choose sides, navigate the complex political landscape, and ultimately unravel the secrets of the ant empire.
Empire of the Ants Streaming
The sci-fi horror film "Empire of the Ants" is available for streaming on several platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV+
- Google Play Movies
- Microsoft Store
- Vudu
- YouTube Movies
The film follows an entomologist and his team as they investigate a mysterious ant colony on a remote island. As their research progresses, they discover that the ants are not ordinary creatures but a highly intelligent species with a sinister plan.
Empire of the Ants
Empire of the Ants is a 1977 science fiction horror film about a group of scientists who travel to a remote island to investigate a mysterious signal from space. Upon arriving on the island, they discover a colony of giant ants that have enslaved the island’s human inhabitants. The scientists must fight for their survival as they try to find a way to escape the island and the ants’ deadly trap.
Empire of the Ants Creatures
- Ants: The main characters of the novel, ants are depicted as highly social creatures with a complex social hierarchy. They are divided into different castes, including workers, soldiers, and queens.
- Termites: The primary antagonists of the novel, termites are portrayed as destructive and aggressive creatures that threaten the ant colonies.
- Spiders: Large, aggressive spiders that pose a threat to both ants and termites.
- Wasps: Yellow jackets and paper wasps serve as secondary antagonists, attacking both ants and humans.
- Beetles: Various species of beetles appear throughout the novel, including the powerful horned beetle and the tunneling scarab beetle.
- Centipedes: Giant, venomous centipedes pose a threat to all creatures in the forest.
- Salamanders: A group of salamanders plays a pivotal role in the novel’s climax.
- Birds: Raptors and other birds prey on both ants and termites.
- Humans: The novel features a group of human scientists who witness the war between the ants and termites.
‘Empire of the Ants’ Special Effects
‘Empire of the Ants’ employed a variety of special effects techniques to create its realistic portrayal of giant ants. These techniques included:
- Miniature Effects: Giant ants were portrayed using miniature models, ranging in size from 18 inches to over 5 feet long. The models were constructed with great detail, featuring movable body parts and realistic textures.
- Animatronics: The film utilized animatronic ants, operated by puppeteers, to create more dynamic and expressive performances. The animatronics allowed for precise control of movement and interaction with actors.
- Forced Perspective: Optical illusions were used to make the ants appear larger than they actually were. This was achieved by manipulating the distance between the camera and the ants, as well as the use of background elements to create the illusion of scale.
- Spray Effects: Millions of gallons of water were used to simulate ant secretions and create a sense of overwhelming numbers. Special nozzles were designed to generate different spray patterns, ranging from fine mist to powerful jets.
- Post-Production Enhancements: Digital effects were employed to enhance the realism of the ants’ movements and interactions. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) was used to add details and textures, as well as to create complex animations.
Empire of the Ants Cast
- Joan Collins as Marilyn Fryser
- Robert Lansing as Dr. Harold Tarlinska
- John David Carson as Joe Hargis
- Jacqueline Scott as Margaret Ellen ‘Maggie’ Atkins
- Ed Harris as Sergeant Dan Costello
- Albert Salmi as Dr. Judson Ellenwood
- Brooke Adams as Laura Hawthorne
- Rebecca Balding as Anne Heyer
- Pamela Susan Shoop as Jean Michaels
- Tami Erin as Karen Turner
- Robin Clarke as Bob Stafford
- Edward Barker as Lieutenant Colonel Snyder
- Denise Nickerson as Cathy Hargis
Empire of the Ants Reviews
Empire of the Ants received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the film’s special effects and cast, but criticized the plot and scripting.
-
Positive:
- "Impressive special effects." (Variety)
- "A solid cast that elevates the material." (The Hollywood Reporter)
-
Negative:
- "A predictable and uninspired plot." (The New York Times)
- "Screenplay feels rushed and underdeveloped." (IndieWire)
Despite the mixed reviews, Empire of the Ants remains a cult classic among fans of giant monster movies.
Empire of the Ants
Empire of the Ants is a 1977 science fiction film directed by Bert I. Gordon and starring Joan Collins, John Saxon, and Robert Lansing. The film depicts an island community under siege by a horde of mutated ants, which have been genetically modified by a government experiment. The film follows the efforts of the inhabitants to fight back against the ants and prevent them from spreading to the mainland. Despite its B-movie status, Empire of the Ants has gained a cult following for its campy plot, cheesy effects, and iconic ant queen character.
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