An archfiend within film comes in many forms, primarily a force which cannot be reckoned with, and which the superhero within the film has the hardest time fighting against. A strong example of an archfiend is the Devil or a demon in horror films, which is granted severe power by the director, causing its destruction to be the main plot point which turns the whole movie on its head and makes way for the ending. Altaira’s sexuality, which is embodied by the animals (specifically the Tiger) she has befriended prior to the films actions, is the Archfiend in Forbidden Planet.
Although Commander Adams, Dr. Morbius, and the men who landed on the planet are shown to be the main heroes (or villains) that move the story forward, it is actually Altaira’s good looks, exposed body, and flirty glances that truly affect the plot of the movie. Altaira is the perfect capsule for such an archfiend as sexuality- she is not dumb, but she doesn’t understand that her looks and femininity can be used to manipulate the men in her life. Thus, she is exempt from being labeled a villain, or really having anything to do with what is considered the monstrous element to her persona.
Altaira’s sexuality manipulates the crew and Dr. Morbis in two very negative ways. Firstly, her mutual (although differing) attraction to Commander Adams and Lieutenant Farman pushes a rift between the starship crew, as Commander Adams makes his distrust in Farmans’ intentions known. Not only does this cause tension throughout the film which makes the audience uneasy, but it also takes away Commander Adams chance to express the bond he and Farman have before Farman is killed, and any chance of redemption is thus destroyed. Had Altaira herself wedged such distance between two previously good friends, there might have been a better chance of reconciliation because there was a physical person to blame for any tension. But the lack of ability to label what made Commander Adams and Lt. Ferman disagree just added more mystery to the provoker, thus making Altaira’s sexuality an even more random and chaotic character.
Not only does the archfiend in Forbidden Planet cause harm among relationships in the film, but it is also the cause of the physical danger, and even death of characters throughout. It’s no coincidence that Dr. Morbius is Altaira’s father- his strong love, devotion, and protection of his daughter is realized by his id, which jumps to the conclusion that the men in Altaira’s life who have the potential to hurt her must be stopped at any cost. Thus the crew’s excitement over Altaira, and the draw her sexuality provides is the heroes greatest enemy, and even ends up leading to the deaths of prominent characters (Lt. Ferman, Doc, Mr. Morbius).
The mutual bond between Altaira and the animals that live on the planet (specifically the Tiger) are no mistake, either. The tiger in forbidden Planet acts the same as Alicia’s zebra-print shirt in Notorious– they both symbolize the wildness but also vulnerability of a character. Before Altaira confesses her love for Commander Adams, she is able to cohabitate with these animals and even befriend them, since they both have these certain elements in common. But once Altaira gives herself, and her sexuality to another human, this bond between human and animal is broken, which is why the Tiger attacks Altaira and Commander Adams.
What solidifies my argument is the fact that it is Commander Adams who conquers not only the physical representation of Altairas sexuality (by shooting the Tiger), but Commander Adams also conquers the metaphysical side to Altaira’s sexuality, by causing her to fall in love with him and devote herself to a monogamous relationship (as is implied towards the end of the film). Since Commander Adams is Forbidden Planet’s hero, it is only fit that the hero should be the one who gets rid of the archfiend and ends up saving the day.
Media Design and Criticism 