The Cube is a classic proto-Black Mirror masterpiece by Jim Henson

I’m sure we all know it Black crystalso we know that Jim Henson can be amazing and tackle a slightly tough subject. But there is little in his work that stands out twisted mind like Muppetless The Cube. This 1969 film was made into an NBC anthology series called Try it on Televisionwhich contained, appropriately, a variety of experimental films, plays, and documentaries. Another article featured Marshall McLuhan explaining his theory that he often referred to as “medium and message.”

Even in the midst of all these difficulties, however, Jim Henson’s The Cube it appears. It’s a 53-minute bottle film – taking place almost entirely in one room. A man wakes up in a white cube, not knowing where he is or how he got there. No windows, no door. Only white paneled walls.

It doesn’t take long for someone to open a section of the wall and bring our nameless character’s footstool into the cube. But when he closes the “door” behind him, our protagonist cannot open it again. And thus begins a parade of people, many of them, alternately entering and exiting various invisible doors in the titular cube.

The interaction begins in a strange way – why is there a strawberry jam on the stool? Who is this woman who claims to be the protagonist’s wife even though he doesn’t recognize her? But they quickly grow, and I suspect that in reality, our protagonist’s personality is good, and raise questions about what the cube really is. Jim Henson himself produces uncredited cameo like the sound of a gorilla in a tutu.

As people come and go, give the man things, bother him, or even try to seduce him, the room changes around him inexplicably. Beds, chairs, full liquor cabinets, and other furniture look amazing. The full band enters and sings a song with the lyrics “you ain’t out ’till you die,” before it’s revealed to be a recording as the song repeatedly jumps to the word “die.”

The Cube He answers many questions but does not answer them. Is the man living in comparison? Are they on TV? Are the people around him actors? Is it really real? Is there a problem?

Even in post-The Twilight Zone world, The Cube it feels uniquely weird, akin to a modern dystopian anthology series Black Mirror more than anything else. Although it is not a true loss of transmission, it is often unknown. It’s only been aired twice, there’s a DVD list sold on Amazon, and it’s only occasionally shown in any official game show.

Your best bet right now is YouTube promotion, all included above. One is a high quality conversion of a black and white kinescope film with dynamic sound. Unfortunately, it also cuts out a lot of music due to copyright. Some upscaling has full color and still preserves the music, but it’s too low with muddy picture and sound. Regardless of where you choose, it’s a wild and fun ride that shows just how twisted Jim Henson’s imagination can be.