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{{Otheruses2|Gremlin}}
:''This article is about the film '''Gremlins'''. See ] for the fantastical beings; see ] for the Detroit-area band.''
{{Infobox Film
{{Infobox_Film |
name = Gremlins | | name = Gremlins
image = Gremlins1.jpg| | image = Gremlins1.jpg
| image_size = 215px
imdb_id = 0087363|
| caption = theatrical poster by ]<ref name=lat> {{cite news |first=Jocelyn|last=Stewart|title=John Alvin, 59; created movie posters for such films as 'Blazing Saddles' and 'E.T.'|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-alvin10feb10,1,5113268.story |work= ] |publisher=|date=2008-02-10 |accessdate=2008-02-10}}</ref>
writer = ] |
| director = ]
starring =]<br /> ] |
| executive producer = ]
director =] |
producer = ] | | producer = ]
| writer = ]
distributor = ] |
| starring = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />John Louie<br />]
released = ] ] |
| music = ]
runtime = 106 minutes |
| cinematography = ]
language = English |
| editing = ]
music = |
| distributor = ]
awards = |
| released = June 8, {{fy|1984}}<br />August 30, 1985 (re-release)
budget =$11,000,000 |
| runtime = 106 minutes
| country = {{FilmUS}}
| language = {{English}}
| budget = $11,000,000 ''(est.)''
| gross = $153,083,102 ''(US sub-total)''<br />$7,282,604 ''(Australia sub-total)''<br />$9,844,677 ''(Sweden sub-total)''
| preceded_by =
| followed_by = '']''
| amg_id = 1:20918
| imdb_id = 0087363
}} }}
'''''Gremlins''''' is an ] ] ] directed by ] and released in ] by ] It is about a young man who receives a strange creature (called a ]) named Gizmo as a pet, which then spawns other creatures who transform into small, destructive, evil monsters. This story was continued with a sequel, '']'', released in 1990. Unlike the lighter sequel, the original ''Gremlins'' opts for more ], which is balanced against a Christmas-time setting. Both films were the center of large ] campaigns.


] was the film's ], with the screenplay written by ]. The film stars ] and ], with ] providing the voice of Gizmo. The actors had to work alongside numerous puppets, as puppetry was the main form of ]s used to portray Gizmo and the gremlins.
'''''Gremlins''''' is an ] ]-] ] directed by ] and released in ]. It is about a young man who receives a strange creature named Gizmo as a ]. The creature then spawns other creatures who transform into small, destructive ]s. This story was continued with a sequel, '']'', which was released in 1990. Unlike the lighter sequel, the original ''Gremlins'' opts for more ], which is balanced against a ]time setting.


''Gremlins'' was a ] and received positive feedback from critics. However, the film has also been heavily criticized for some of its more violent sequences. Critics alleged these scenes made the film inappropriate for younger audiences who could be admitted into ] under its ]. In response to this and to similar complaints about other films, the ] (MPAA) reformed its rating system within two months of its release.
Experienced filmmaker ] was the film's ]. The screenplay was written by ]. ''Gremlins'' stars ] and ], with ] providing the voice of Gizmo. The actors had to work alongside numerous ]s, as puppetry was the main form of ]s used to portray Gizmo and the gremlins. These puppets became the real focal point of the film.


In this film, the ] logo makes its first on-screen appearance.
''Gremlins'' was a ] and received some positive feedback from critics. It was also at the centre of a large ] campaign. However, the film has also been heavily criticized for some of its more violent sequences. Critics alleged these scenes made the film inappropriate for younger audiences who could be admitted into ] under its PG rating. In response, the ] (MPAA) reformed its ].


==Plot== ==Plot==
Randall Peltzer is an inventor of modest abilities and questionable success. From the fictional community of Kingston Falls, he travels to ] in ] to sell his inventions and pick up a present for his son, Billy. A young Chinese boy there takes Randall to his grandfather's small shop, where Randall takes interest in a small cute furry creature called a mogwai (which in Cantonese & Mandarin ] as "ghost", "devil", or "demon"). Mr. Wing, the Chinese boy's grandfather and owner of the shop, refuses to sell the mogwai, even when Randall offers $200 for it. This is money that the Wing family desperately needs, however. Therefore, Wing's grandson secretly sells the mogwai to Randall. Though the creature seems innocent enough, the grandson warns Randall that he must not let the mogwai near bright light, especially sunlight, which can kill the mogwai; must not allow water to touch the mogwai; and, most importantly, must never, ever feed it after midnight.
<!-- Please help keep this section brief. Every detail about the plot does not need to appear here. -->
{{spoiler}}
The film starts by introducing the character Randall "Rand" Peltzer, an inventor of modest abilities and questionable success. He is from the fictional community of Kingston Falls, and travels to ] in ] to sell his inventions and pick up a present for his son Billy. A young Chinese boy takes Rand to his grandfather's small shop, where Rand takes interest in a small, cute, furry creature called a ] (which, in ] ], translates literally as "evil spirit"). Mr. Wing, the Chinese boy's grandfather and owner of the shop, refuses to sell the mogwai even when Rand offers $200 for it. This is money that the Wing family desperately needs. Consequently, Wing's grandson secretly sells the mogwai to Rand. Though the creature seems innocent enough, the grandson warns Rand that one must take certain precautions regarding the creature. Namely, one must not let the mogwai near bright light, especially sunlight, which can kill the mogwai, one must not get water on the mogwai, and, most importantly, one must never feed the creature after midnight.


Rand names the creature "Gizmo" and brings him home to his son. Billy has recently completed high school and has taken up a job at the bank to make ends meet for his parents, whom he still lives with. He owns one dog, Barney, but Barney's mischievousness makes both him and Billy the target of harassment from Mrs. Deagle, an elderly woman with much financial influence. Being a bitter, malicious person, she threatens to kidnap and murder Barney. Randall names the creature "]" and brings him home to his son Billy. Billy has taken up a job at the bank to provide money for his parents, with whom he lives. He has a dog called Barney whose mischief makes him and Billy the targets of harassment by Ruby Deagle, an elderly woman wielding much financial influence. Billy's coworker and love interest Kate Beringer, a local bartender, sees directly the misery in the town caused by Mrs. Deagle's business practices.


Billy is fascinated with Gizmo, who is highly intelligent, can hum a tune, and proves to be a very gentle and well-behaved creature. Unfortunately, Billy's friend, Pete Fountaine, accidentally spills water on Gizmo. This causes Gizmo to go into convulsions and instantly multiply, spawning ] by a process that appears painful to him. These new mogwai are much more aggressive than Gizmo. They are led by the mogwai ], who has a white ]. Billy later brings one to Pete's science teacher Roy Hanson, who aggravates the mogwai by sticking a needle in it for a blood test. Ignoring Billy's cautions, Roy leaves food out, which the mogwai promptly steals and eats after midnight.
]


Eventually, the new mogwai trick Billy into feeding them after midnight by stopping his alarm clock. All the creatures, except Gizmo, who refused to accept the food, soon form cocoons around themselves. While Billy is at the bank, the cocoons hatch, and the mogwai emerge, having transformed into "gremlins". In this form, they possess fangs, claws, red eyes, and dark green reptilian skin, and are extremely reckless. Billy travels to the school to talk to Mr. Hanson, only to find him killed by the gremlin at the school. Billy is injured and races to warn his mother, who is now alone with the gremlins, and comes into conflict with them. She manages to kill three, using household tools as weapons. While she is being strangled by a surviving gremlin, Billy arrives and saves her by decapitating it with an ornamental sword. The only remaining gremlin in the house is Stripe, who escapes. Billy follows him to the local ], but the creature escapes once more by jumping into a swimming pool. Realizing what is about to occur, Billy flees, while Stripe multiplies into a multitude of gremlins.
Billy is fascinated with Gizmo, who is highly intelligent and can ] a tune. Billy's new companion also proves to be a very gentle and well-behaved creature. Unfortunately, however, one of Billy's friends accidentally spills water on Gizmo. This causes Gizmo to instantly multiply, spawning five new mogwai in a process that appears painful to him. The new mogwai are much more aggressive than Gizmo. They are led by the mogwai Stripe, who has a white ]-like hairstyle.


Billy then takes Gizmo to the police station, in an effort to warn the townsfolk. The policemen ignore them to investigate a series of bizarre accidents, which Billy insists are the work of the gremlins. Meanwhile, Stripe and his gremlin army attack the town, assaulting the population. Billy then rushes to Dorry's Tavern to rescue Kate, who has been bartending that night. The gremlins have taken over the tavern, are behaving in an exceedingly vulgar fashion, and force Kate to serve them. She eventually discovers they are frightened by light when she attempts to light one's cigarette. She then knocks down several through flash photography, and is later reunited with Billy. The two seek shelter in the bank while the gremlins wreak havoc upon Kingston Falls. Notably, the creatures kill Mrs. Deagle by ], and nearly kill Billy's neighbors, the Futtermans, by driving a snowplow through their house. When Billy, Kate, and Gizmo reemerge, they find that the gremlins are gone from the streets and are happily watching '']'' in a local theater. Billy manages to explode the theater, whereupon all the gremlins burn to death except Stripe, who had left briefly to obtain candy.
At about this time Billy's personal life takes a more positive turn. He asks his coworker at the bank, Kate, out for a date, and she agrees. Kate is also a local bartender, who sees first hand the misery in the town caused by Mrs. Deagle's inhumane financial leadership.


Billy pursues Stripe through a department store, but Stripe escapes and reaches a water fountain. By this time it is morning. Gizmo, having escaped with the help of Billy and Kate, opens a window blind and exposes Stripe to sunlight. Stripe lets out a screech and melts as everyone watches.
Eventually the mogwai fool Billy into feeding them after midnight. All the creatures soon form ]s, except Gizmo, who was wise enough to not accept the food Billy offered after midnight. While Billy is at the bank, the cocoons hatch, and the mogwai emerge having transformed into ]-like monsters with dark green reptilian skin. Billy's mother is now alone with the gremlins and comes into conflict with them. She manages to defeat them one-by-one, killing one in the ]. She stabs a second with a ], and traps a third in the ], which she turns on. The gremlin promptly explodes. While she is strangled by the next gremlin, at this point Billy arrives and saves her by decapitating the gremlin with an ornamental sword. The only remaining gremlin left in the house is Stripe, who then breaks out. Billy tracks him down to the local ], but the creature escapes once more by jumping into a swimming pool. This causes an incredible multiplication of gremlins.


At the end of the film, Mr. Wing returns to collect Gizmo to prevent any recurrence of trouble. After giving back the $200 that Randall paid, Mr. Wing observes that while Western society is not ready to properly care for a mogwai, Billy may one day be so. Randall, in a narration, ends the story warning the audience that there might be a gremlin in their house.
].]]
Billy then takes Gizmo to the bar to recover Kate, who has been bartending that night. The gremlins have taken over the bar and force Kate to serve them. However, she eventually discovers they are frightened by light when she attempts to light one's cigarette. She then knocks down several through ], and is reunited with Billy. The two seek shelter in the bank while the gremlins wreak havoc upon Kingston Falls. Notably, the creatures kill Mrs. Deagle. When Billy, Kate and Gizmo re-emerge, they find the gremlins are gone. Billy and Kate track them down to the local theatre, and Billy manages to explode it. The gremlins burn to death, with the exception of Stripe, who had left briefly to get snacks at the ] across the street.


==Cast==
Billy pursues Stripe through the store, but Stripe escapes and reaches a water fountain. By this time, however, it is morning, and Gizmo, having escaped notice of the human characters, opens a blind and exposes Stripe to sunlight. Stripe melts as everyone watches.
* ] as Billy Peltzer
* ] as Kate Beringer
* ] as Pete Fountaine
* ] as Randall Peltzer
* ] as Lynn Peltzer
* ] as Murray Futterman
* ] as Sheila Futterman
* ] as Mr. Wing (credited as "Grandfather"; the character does not have a proper name until the sequel)
* ] as Chinese Boy
* ] as the voice of disc jockey Rockin' Ricky Rialto
* ] (in his final film) as Sheriff Frank
* ] as Deputy Brent
* ] as Mr. Anderson
* ] as Ruby Deagle
* ] as Mrs. Harris, with her hungry child
* ] (in his final film) as Roland Corben, bank manager and Billy's boss
* ] as Gerald Hopkins
* ] as Mr. Jones
* ] as Roy Hanson, science teacher
* ] as the voice of Gizmo
* ] as the voice of Stripe* and most of the other mogwai and gremlins


] also claims to have done some of Stripe's lines. He is credited among the other voices of the gremlins, however during commentary both Howie Mandel and Steven Spielberg have said that Frank Welker performed most of Stripe's lines and sound effects.
At the end of the film, Mr. Wing returns to collect Gizmo to prevent any reoccurrence of trouble. Mr. Wing observes that while western society is not ready to properly care for a mogwai, Billy shows some potential.


Uncredited:
{{endspoiler}}
* ] at the inventor's stage
* ] as Father Bartlett
* ] in a motorized wheelchair at the inventor's convention
* ] as the gas station attendant who buys Randall's ashtray
* ] wearing a cowboy hat and making a phone call at the inventor's convention

Director ] is a great fan of classic films (especially horror films) and puts many references in his own movies. He also frequently casts the stars of classic horror films in small roles. Examples in this film include Dick Miller and Jackie Joseph (co-stars of the original '']''), Robby the Robot from '']'', William Schallert of '']'', Scott Brady of '']'', prolific Western star Harry Carey, veteran ] animator Chuck Jones and Kenneth Tobey, star of '']''. Towards the end of the film, ] makes an appearance as TV reporter Lew Landers, the same character he played in Dante's 1981 horror movie '']'' (1981).


==Production== ==Production==
===Background=== ===Background===
''Gremlins'' was produced during a time when combining horror with comedy became increasingly popular. The film '']'', released in the same year as ''Gremlins'', and later '']'' (1988) and other such films, were part of this growing trend. The new genre seemed to emphasize sudden shifts between humorous and horrific scenes, and/or drawing laughs with plot elements that have been traditionally used to scare. The comic strip '']'' indicated this was a broader cultural phenomenon. However, this drew from older precedent, such as the film '']'' (1948).<ref>Noël Carroll, "Horror and Humor," ''The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism'', Vol. 57, No. 2, ''Aesthetics and Popular Culture'' (Spring, 1999), page 145.</ref> ''Gremlins'' was produced during a time when combining horror with comedy became increasingly popular. The film '']'', released on the same weekend as ''Gremlins'', and later '']'' (1988), '']'' (1989), and other such films, were part of this growing trend. The new genre seemed to emphasize sudden shifts between humorous and horrific scenes, and/or drawing laughs with plot elements that have been traditionally used to scare. The comic strip '']'' indicated this was a broader cultural phenomenon. However, this drew from older precedent, such as the film '']'' (1948) and the 1960s TV series, '']'' and '']''.<ref>Noël Carroll, "Horror and Humor," ''The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism'', Vol. 57, No. 2, ''Aesthetics and Popular Culture'' (Spring, 1999), page 145.</ref>


The notion of "gremlins" was first conceived during ], when mechanical failures in airplanes were jokingly blamed on the small monsters. This mythology is referenced in the film, when the character Mr. Futterman, played by ], drunkenly warns Billy and Kate of foreign technology sabotaged by gremlins: "It's the same gremlins that brought down our planes in the big one... That's right. World War II." The notion of gremlins was first conceived during ], when mechanical failures in ] were jokingly blamed on the small monsters. Gremlins entered ] as children's author ] published a book called '']'' in 1943 based on the mischievous creatures.<ref>Roger E. Bilstein, ''Flight in America: From the Wrights to the Astronauts'' (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001), p. 318, ISBN 0-8018-6685-5.</ref> Dante had read ''The Gremlins'' and claimed this book was of some influence to his film. Dahl's story is referenced in the film when the character Mr. Futterman, played by ], drunkenly warns Billy and Kate of foreign technology sabotaged by gremlins: "It's the same gremlins that brought down our planes in the big one... That's right, World War II."<!-- To editors: Please do not change this to "WWII." Yes, he eventually says "WWII," but only after calling it "World War II" --><ref name="DVD">DVD commentary; Steven Spielberg presents ''Gremlins.'' Special edition. Warner Home Video, 2002.</ref>


Before the 1984 film, gremlins had already made a mark on ]. Children's author ] had published a book called '']'' in 1943. Dante had read ''The Gremlins'' and claimed this book had been of some influence to ''Gremlins''.<ref name="DVD">DVD commentary; Steven Spielberg presents ''Gremlins.'' Special edition. Warner Home Video, 2002.</ref> '']'', a film about the fictional character ] and a gremlin, had been released by ], also in 1943. In 1983, Dante publicly distanced his film from the earlier work. As Dante explained, "Our gremlins are somewhat different- they're sort of green and they have big mouths and they smile a lot and they do incredibly, really nasty things to people and enjoy it all the while."<ref name="Featurette">''Gremlins: Behind the Scenes'', Warner Bros., 1983, in the DVD Steven Spielberg presents ''Gremlins.'' Special edition. Warner Home Video, 2002.</ref> '']'', a '']'' cartoon short featuring ] and a gremlin, was released by ], also in 1943. In 1983, Dante publicly distanced his work from earlier films. He explained, "Our gremlins are somewhat different&mdash;they're sort of green and they have big mouths and they smile a lot and they do incredibly, really nasty things to people and enjoy it all the while."<ref name="Featurette">''Gremlins: Behind the Scenes'', Warner Bros., 1983, in the DVD Steven Spielberg presents ''Gremlins.'' Special edition. Warner Home Video, 2002.</ref>


===Pre-production=== ===Initial stages===
The story of ''Gremlins'' was conceived by Chris Columbus. As Columbus explained, his inspiration came from his loft, when at night "what sounded like a platoon of ] would come out and to hear them skittering around in the blackness was really creepy."<ref name="Behind Scenes">''Behind the Scenes'', in the DVD Steven Spielberg presents ''Gremlins.'' Special edition. Warner Home Video, 2002.</ref> He then wrote the original screenplay as a "writing sample" to show potential employers that he had writing abilities. The story was not actually intended to be filmed until Spielberg took an interest in it.<ref name="DVD"/> As Spielberg explained, "It's one of the most original things I've come across in many years, which is why I bought it."<ref name="Featurette"/> The story of ''Gremlins'' was conceived by ]. As Columbus explained, his inspiration came from his loft, when at night "what sounded like a platoon of ] would come out and to hear them skittering around in the blackness was really creepy."<ref name="Behind Scenes">''Behind the Scenes'', in the DVD Steven Spielberg presents ''Gremlins.'' Special edition. Warner Home Video, 2002.</ref> He then wrote the original screenplay as a "writing sample" to show potential employers that he had writing abilities. The story was not actually intended to be filmed until Spielberg took an interest in it.<ref name="DVD"/> As Spielberg explained, "It's one of the most original things I've come across in many years, which is why I bought it."<ref name="Featurette"/>


Spielberg chose Dante as his director because of Dante's experience with horror-comedy; Dante had directed '']'' (1981), though in the time between ''The Howling'' and the offer to film ''Gremlins'', he had experienced a lull in his career.<ref name="DVD"/> The film's producer was ], who had also worked on ''The Howling''. Spielberg took the project to Warner Bros. and also produced it with his own company, ]. Spielberg chose Dante as his director because of Dante's experience with horror-comedy; Dante had directed '']'' (1981), though in the time between ''The Howling'' and the offer to film ''Gremlins'', he had experienced a lull in his career.<ref name="DVD"/> The film's producer was ], who had also worked on ''The Howling''. Spielberg took the project to Warner Bros. and also produced it with his own company, ].


The film's script went through a few drafts before a shooting script was finalized. The first version was much darker. Scenes were cut portraying Billy's mother dying in her struggle with the gremlins, and her head thrown down the stairs when Billy arrives. Dante later explained the scene made the film darker than what the filmmakers wanted. Also, instead of Stripe being a mogwai who becomes a gremlin, there was no Stripe mogwai and Gizmo was supposed to turn into Stripe the gremlin. Spielberg overruled this plot element because he felt Gizmo was cute and audiences would want him to be present at all stages of the film.<ref name="DVD"/> The film's script went through a few drafts before a shooting script was finalized. The first version was much darker. Scenes were cut portraying Billy's mother dying in her struggle with the gremlins, with her head thrown down the stairs when Billy arrives. Dante later explained the scene made the film darker than what the filmmakers wanted. There was a scene where the gremlins ate Billy's dog, and a scene where the gremlins attacked a ], eating the customers but not the burgers. Also, instead of Stripe being a mogwai who becomes a gremlin, there was no Stripe mogwai and Gizmo was supposed to turn into Stripe the gremlin. Spielberg overruled this plot element because he felt Gizmo was cute and audiences would want him to be present at all stages of the film.<ref name="DVD"/>


There is a famous ] referenced in the film, <ref>"". '']''. October 23, 1999.</ref> in which Kate reveals in a speech that her father died on a Christmas when he dressed as ] but broke his neck while climbing down the family's chimney. It was rumored that Columbus had written the scene as drama,<ref name="Grant"> Edmond Grant, "''Gremlins 2''," ''Films in Review'', October 1990, vol. 41, issue 10, page 485-487.</ref> though the filmmakers and performers took it as dark comedy. This scene was always a part of the ''Gremlins'' story. In the film the speech was delivered in the bank. One early version of the script included the speech in a scene where the leading characters found a ] restaurant after it had been attacked and the patrons eaten, but the hamburgers were untouched. Later, the filmed speech would be controversial, as studio executives insisted upon its removal. They felt it was too ambiguous as to whether it was supposed to be funny or sad. Dante stubbornly refused to take the scene out, saying it represented the film as a whole, which had a combination of horrific and comedic elements. Spielberg did not like the scene but, despite his creative control, he viewed ''Gremlins'' as Dante's project and left it in.<ref name="DVD"/> There is a famous ] referenced in the film,<ref>"". '']''. October 23, 1999.</ref> in which Kate reveals in a speech that her father died on a ] when he dressed as ] and broke his neck climbing down the family's ]. Later, the filmed speech would be controversial, as studio executives insisted upon its removal, because they felt it was too ambiguous as to whether it was supposed to be funny or sad. Dante stubbornly refused to take the scene out, saying it represented the film as a whole, which had a combination of horrific and comedic elements. Spielberg did not like the scene but, despite his creative control, he viewed ''Gremlins'' as Dante's project and left it in.<ref name="DVD"/> A parody of this scene is featured in '']''.


===Casting=== ===Casting===
The speech was given by the character Kate, played by Phoebe Cates. She received the role despite concerns that she was known for playing more risque parts, such as Linda Barrett in '']'' (1982). Spielberg urged the casting of the relatively unknown Zach Galligan for Billy, because Spielberg saw chemistry between Galligan and Cates during auditions. Galligan later compared himself to Billy, saying he was a "] kid- and so being... in this picture for me was really kind of a dream, I mean what I get to do, what my character gets to do, blow up movie theatres... got to work with great people." The character of Kate is played by Phoebe Cates. She received the role despite concerns that she was known for playing more risque parts, such as Linda Barrett in '']'' (1982). Spielberg urged the casting of the relatively unknown Zach Galligan for Billy, because Spielberg saw chemistry between Galligan and Cates during auditions. Galligan later compared himself to Billy, saying he was a "]y kid- and so being... in this picture for me was really kind of a dream, I mean what I get to do, what my character gets to do, blow up movie theatres... got to work with great people."<ref name="DVD"/>


In contrast to Galligan, many of the supporting actors and actresses were better known. Many where ]s. ] was more experienced. He portrays a science teacher who studies a mogwai and is killed by it after it forms a cocoon. Dick Miller was more experienced than Galligan as well. As a result, Galligan had the opportunity to query both on the set about their careers. Rand was played by ], who was always the filmmakers' preferred choice for the role even though it was widely contested by other actors. Axton's experience included acting in '']'' (1979) and he was also a ] singer. Since an introductory scene to ''Gremlins'' was cut, Axton's voice earned him the role of the ], to establish some context. Mr. Wing was played by ], another experienced actor. Although he was around 80 in reality and his character is very elderly, Luke's youthful appearance required ] to cover. In contrast to Galligan, many of the supporting actors and actresses were better known; many were longtime ]s. Veteran actor ] portrayed the high school science teacher whose study of a mogwai leads to his death after it forms a cocoon. ] was yet another experienced actor on the set, playing a ] veteran who first refers to the creatures as gremlins. With so many experienced actors on the set, Galligan had the opportunity to query them about their careers. Rand was played by ], who was always the filmmakers' preferred choice for the role even though it was widely contested by other actors. Axton's experience included acting as the father in '']'' (1979), and he was also a ] ]. Because an introductory scene to ''Gremlins'' was cut, Axton's voice earned him the added role of the ] to establish some context. Mr. Wing was played by ], a renowned film actor. Although he was around 80 in reality and his character is very elderly, Luke's youthful appearance required ] to cover.<ref name="DVD"/>


], whom up to this time had primarily been in commercials would play Pete Fountaine; establishing his early credentials as a child actor.
], an actress known for her role in '']'', played Mrs. Deagle. Dante considered the casting fortunate, as she was well-known and he considered her to be talented. Ironically, two other well-known actors, ''Fast Times''' ] and character actor ], received roles that were significantly reduced after the film was edited. They played Billy's superiors at the bank.<ref name="DVD"/>

], an actress best known for her role in '']'', played Mrs. Deagle. Dante considered the casting fortunate, as she was well-known and he considered her to be talented. Ironically, two other well-known actors, ''Fast Times''' ] and character actor ], received roles that were significantly reduced after the film was edited. They played Billy's superiors at the bank.<ref name="DVD"/>


===Special effects=== ===Special effects===
The performances were shot on the ] of ] in ]. This required fake snow. Dante also felt it was an atmosphere that would make the special effects more convincing. As the special effects relied mainly on puppetry, the actors worked alongside some of the puppets. Nevertheless, after the actors finished their work for good, a great deal of work was spent finishing the effects. Numerous small ] puppets, some of which were mechanical, were used to portray Gizmo and the gremlins. They were designed by ]. There was more than one Gizmo puppet, and occasionally Galligan, when carrying one, would set him down off camera, and when Gizmo appeared again sitting on a surface it was actually a different puppet wired to the surface. These puppets had many limitations. The Gizmo puppets were particularly frustrating because they were smaller and thus broke down more. Consequently, to satisfy the crew, a scene was included in which the gremlins hang Gizmo on a wall and throw darts at him. A few ]s were also used. The performances were shot on the ] of ] in ]. This required fake snow; Dante also felt it was an atmosphere that would make the special effects more convincing. As the special effects relied mainly on puppetry, the actors worked alongside some of the puppets. Nevertheless, after the actors finished their work for good, a great deal of work was spent finishing the effects. Numerous small rubber puppets, some of which were mechanical, were used to portray Gizmo and the gremlins. They were designed by ]. There was more than one Gizmo puppet, and occasionally Galligan, when carrying one, would set him down off camera, and when Gizmo appeared again sitting on a surface it was actually a different puppet wired to the surface. These puppets had many limitations. The Gizmo puppets were particularly frustrating because they were smaller and thus broke down more. Consequently, to satisfy the crew, a scene was included in which the gremlins hang Gizmo on a wall and throw darts at him.<ref name="DVD"/>


Other effects required large mogwai faces and ears to be produced for ]s, as the puppets were less capable of conveying ]. Consequently, large ] simulating food were needed for the close-ups in the scene in which the mogwai feast after midnight. An enlarged Gizmo puppet was also needed for the scene in which he multiplies. The new mogwai, who popped out of Gizmo's body as small, furry balls which then started to grow, were ]s and expanded as such. Walas had also created the exploding gremlin in the microwave by means of a balloon that was allowed to burst. A few ]s were also used. Other effects required large mogwai faces and ears to be produced for ]s, as the puppets were less capable of conveying emotion. Consequently, large ] simulating food were needed for the close-ups in the scene in which the mogwai feast after midnight. An enlarged Gizmo puppet was also needed for the scene in which he multiplies. The new mogwai, who popped out of Gizmo's body as small, furry balls which then started to grow, were balloons and expanded as such. Walas had also created the exploding gremlin in the microwave by means of a balloon that was allowed to burst.<ref name="DVD"/>


Howie Mandel provided the voice for Gizmo and the prolific voice actor ] provided the voice for Stripe. It was Welker who suggested Mandel perform in ''Gremlins''. The puppets' lines were mostly invented by the voice actors, based on cues from the physical actions of the puppets, which were filmed before the voice work. Mandel also chose the type of voice for Gizmo, which was ]-like, based on what had been done. Mandel explained, Gizmo was "cute and naive, so, you know, I got in touch with that... I couldn't envision going any other way or do something different with it. I didn't try a few different voices."<ref name="DVD"/> ] provided the voice for Gizmo, and the prolific voice actor ] provided the voice for Stripe. It was Welker who suggested Mandel perform in ''Gremlins''. The puppets' lines were mostly invented by the voice actors, based on cues from the physical actions of the puppets, which were filmed before the voice work. Mandel also chose the type of voice for Gizmo, which was baby-like, based on what had been done. Mandel explained, Gizmo was "cute and naive, so, you know, I got in touch with that... I couldn't envision going any other way or do something different with it. I didn't try a few different voices."<ref name="DVD"/>


===Music=== ===Music===
The film's score was written by ]. For his effort, he won a ]. The main score was written with the objective of conveying "the mischievous humor and mounting suspense of Gremlins."<ref name="Behind Scenes"/> As the filmmakers recalled, the so-called "Gremlin Rag" came across not as "]" but as "]," and some cited it as an influence to their later work on the film.<ref name="DVD"/> Within the story, Gizmo was capable of singing or humming. Goldsmith wrote Gizmo's song as well, but Mandel never sang it. A girl Goldsmith knew was hired to sing Gizmo's song, although she had never worked in films before.<ref name="DVD"/> The film's score was written by ]. For his effort, he won a ]. The main score was written with the objective of conveying "the mischievous humor and mounting suspense of Gremlins."<ref name="Behind Scenes"/> As the filmmakers recalled, the so-called "Gremlin Rag" came across not as "horror music" but as "]," and some cited it as an influence to their later work on the film. Within the story, Gizmo was capable of singing or humming. Goldsmith wrote Gizmo's song as well, but Mandel never sang it. A girl Goldsmith knew was hired to sing Gizmo's song, although she had never worked in films before.<ref name="DVD"/>


Songs heard in the film include "Gremlins... Mega-Madness" by ]. This song is played while the gremlins party in the bar, and one ] to it. ]'s song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" plays over the ]. Songs heard in the film include "Gremlins... Mega-Madness" by ]. This song is played while the gremlins party in the bar, and one ] to it. The ] song "Out Out," produced in collaboration with ], is also heard in the bar scene. ]'s song "]" plays over the ].


==Reception== ==Reception==
===Critical reaction=== ===Critical reaction===
The reactions of ]s to ''Gremlins'' varied. ] was approving, calling the film not only "fun" but a "sly series of send-ups," effectively ]ing many elemental film story-lines. In his opinion, ''Gremlins'' does this partly through depictions of mysterious worlds (the shop in Chinatown) and tyrannical elderly women (Mrs. Deagle). Ebert also believed the rule in which a mogwai cannot eat after midnight was inspired by ]s, and that the final scenes parody the classic horror films. He connected Kate's speech about her father with "the great tradition of 1950s sick jokes."<ref>Roger Ebert, "Gremlins," January 1, 1984. ''].''</ref> Conversely, ], on the television show '']'', disapproved. He called the film "icky" and "gross."<ref name="Grant"/> Later, he wrote in his book that despite being set in a "picture-] town" and blending the feel of '']'' with that of '']'', the film is "negated by too-vivid violence and mayhem." He thus gave the film two out of four stars.<ref>Leonard Maltin, ed., ''Leonard Maltin's 2002 Movie & Video Guide.'' A Signet Book, 2001, page 557.</ref> Maltin actually made an appearance in ''Gremlins 2'' and repeated his criticisms of the original on film, as an ]. The reactions of ]s to ''Gremlins'' varied. ] was approving, calling the film not only "fun" but a "sly series of send-ups," effectively ]ing many elemental film story-lines. In his opinion, ''Gremlins'' does this partly through depictions of mysterious worlds (the shop in Chinatown) and tyrannical elderly women (Mrs. Deagle). Ebert also believed the rule in which a mogwai cannot eat after midnight was inspired by ]s, and that the final scenes parody the classic horror films. He connected Kate's speech about her father with "the great tradition of 1950s sick jokes."<ref>Roger Ebert, "Gremlins," January 1, 1984. ''].''</ref> Conversely, ] disapproved in remarks on the television show '']''. He called the film "icky" and "gross."<ref name="Grant"> Edmond Grant, "''Gremlins 2''," ''Films in Review'', October 1990, vol. 41, issue 10, page 485–487.</ref> Later, he wrote in his book that despite being set in a "picture-] town" and blending the feel of '']'' (from which a clip appears in ''Gremlins'') with that of '']'', the film is "negated by too-vivid violence and mayhem." He thus gave the film two out of four stars.<ref>Leonard Maltin, ed., ''Leonard Maltin's 2002 Movie & Video Guide.'' A Signet Book, 2001, page 557.</ref> Maltin actually made an appearance in ''Gremlins 2'' and repeated his criticisms of the original on film, as an ], being throttled by the creatures as a result; he gave the second film a more positive rating, three out of four stars.


One scholar acknowledged some critics thought the death scenes and Kate's speech cannot be funny, and that even depictions of ], in that the gremlins indulge in gluttony, cannot be funny. However, this scholar suggested that in its depiction of these things, ''Gremlins'' emerges as a ] of "some characteristics of ]." The film may suggest that Westerners take too much satisfaction out of violence. ''Gremlins'' can also be a statement against ], in that some characters, like Billy's father, are over-dependent on it. In contrast, Mr. Wing is shown having a strong distaste for television.<ref>Charlotte Miller, "Using ''Gremlins'' to Teach Theme," ''The English Journal'', Vol. 74, No. 4. (Apr., 1985), p. 69.</ref> One scholar suggested the film is meant to express a number of observations on society by having the gremlin characters shift in what they are meant to represent. At different times, they are ]s or ]s, the wealthy establishment, or fans of ] films.<ref>Jonathan Rosenbaum, review of '']'' by ], '']'', vol. 42, no. 1. (Autumn, 1988), page 37.</ref> The film the gremlins had been watching in the theatre before Billy exploded it was Disney's '']''. While some critics criticized the film's depictions of violence and greed&ndash;such as death scenes, Kate's speech, and the gremlins' gluttony&ndash;as lacking comic value, one scholar interpreted these instead as a ] of "some characteristics of ]." The film may suggest that Westerners take too much satisfaction out of violence. ''Gremlins'' can also be interpreted as a statement against ], in that some characters, like Billy's father, are over-dependent on it. In contrast, Mr. Wing is shown having a strong distaste for television.<ref>Charlotte Miller, "Using ''Gremlins'' to Teach Theme," ''The English Journal'', Vol. 74, No. 4. (Apr., 1985), p. 69.</ref> ] also interpreted ''Gremlins'' as an anti-technology film in his book ''Rebels Against the Future''.<ref>Sale Kirkpatrick, ''Rebels Against the Future, Quartet Books, p.240</ref> One scholar suggested the film is meant to express a number of observations of society by having the gremlin characters shift in what they are meant to represent. At different times, they are depicted as ]s, the wealthy establishment, or fans of ] films.<ref name="Rosenbaum">Jonathan Rosenbaum, review of '']'' by ], '']'', vol. 42, no. 1. (Autumn, 1988), page 37.</ref> The film the gremlins had been watching in the theatre before Billy blew it up was Disney's '']''.


Another scholar drew a connection between the microwave scene and urban legends about pets dying in microwave ovens. He described the portrayal of this urban legend in the film as successful, but that meant it seemed terrible.<ref name="Doyle">Charles Clay Doyle, "The Avenging Voice from the Depths," ''Western Folklore'', Vol. 47, No. 1 (Jan., 1988), page 21.</ref> This is indeed a scene that is thought of as being one of the film's most violent. Even Ebert expressed some fear in his review that children might be encouraged by the film to try similar things with their pets, and he urged parents not to let their children see the film. Another scholar drew a connection between the microwave scene and urban legends about pets dying in microwave ovens. He described the portrayal of this urban legend in the film as successful, but that meant it seemed terrible.<ref name="Doyle">Charles Clay Doyle, "The Avenging Voice from the Depths," ''Western Folklore'', Vol. 47, No. 1 (Jan., 1988), page 21.</ref> This is indeed a scene that is thought of as being one of the film's most violent; even Ebert expressed some fear in his review that the film might encourage children to try similar things with their pets, and he urged parents not to let their children see the film. Notably, TV edits of the second film actually edit out most of the microwave scene, due to similar problems.


It should be noted ''Gremlins'' has been criticized for more than its depictions of violence. One ] critic wrote in 2000 that "The plot is thin and the pacing is askew." However, that critic also complimented the dark humour contrasted against the ideal Christmas setting.<ref>Almar Haflidason, "," ''Film Reviews'', BBC, URL accessed 29 April 2006.</ref> In 2002, another critic wrote that in hindsight ''Gremlins'' has "corny special effects" and that the film will likely appeal to children more so than to adults. He also said the acting was dull.<ref>Blake French, "", ''Filmcritic.com'', 2002. URL accessed 3 May 2006.</ref> ''Gremlins'' has been criticized for more than its depictions of violence. One ] critic wrote in 2000 that "The plot is thin and the pacing is askew." However, that critic also complimented the dark humour contrasted against the ideal Christmas setting.<ref>Almar Haflidason, "," ''Film Reviews'', BBC, URL accessed 29 April 2006.</ref> In 2002, another critic wrote that in hindsight ''Gremlins'' has "corny special effects" and that the film will likely appeal to children more so than to adults. He also said the acting was dull.<ref>Blake French, "", ''Filmcritic.com'', 2002. URL accessed 3 May 2006.</ref>


===Awards===
''Gremlins'' won numerous awards, including the 1985 ]s for Best Director, Best Horror Film, Best Music, and Best Special Effects, and Holliday won the award for Best Supporting Actress. The film also won the 1985 ] and the 1985 ] for Best Family Motion Picture (Adventure). ], who played Billy's young friend, was also nominated for the Young Artist Award for Best Young Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama.
Gremlins won numerous awards, including the 1985 ]s for Best Director, Best Horror Film, Best Music, and Best Special Effects, and Holliday won the award for Best Supporting Actress. The film also won the 1985 ] and the 1985 ] for Best Family Motion Picture (Adventure). ], who played Billy's young friend, was also nominated for the Young Artist Award for Best Young Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama.


===''Gremlins'' and audiences=== ===''Gremlins'' and audiences===
] ]
''Gremlins'' was a commercial success. It was filmed on a budget of $11,000,000, making it more expensive than Spielberg had originally intended but still relatively cheap for 1984.<ref name="DVD"/> The ] introduced the film to audiences by briefly explaining that Billy receives a strange creature as a Christmas present, by going over the three rules, and then coming out with the fact that the creatures transform into terrible monsters. The trailer showed little of either the mogwai or the gremlins.<ref>''Theatrical Trailers'', in the DVD Steven Spielberg presents ''Gremlins.'' Special edition. Warner Home Video, 2002.</ref> ''Gremlins'' was a commercial success. It was filmed on a budget of $11,000,000, making it more expensive than Spielberg had originally intended but still relatively cheap for 1984.<ref name="DVD"/> The ] introduced the film to audiences by briefly explaining that Billy receives a strange creature as a Christmas present, by going over the three rules, and then coming out with the fact that the creatures transform into terrible monsters. This trailer showed little of either the mogwai or the gremlins.<ref>''Theatrical Trailers'', in the DVD Steven Spielberg presents ''Gremlins.'' Special edition. Warner Home Video, 2002.</ref> Conversely, other advertisements concentrated on Gizmo, overlooked the gremlins and made the film look similar to Spielberg's earlier family film '']'' (1982).<ref name="PG-13">Anthony Breznican, "", ], Tuesday, August 24, 2004.</ref>


Afterwards, ''Gremlins'' was released into US theatres on June 8, 1984. It grossed $12.5 million in its first weekend. In August it opened in ] and ] and in October it premiered in ]. Screenings began in ] and much of the rest of ] in December. By the end of its American screenings, on November 29, it had grossed $148,168,459. This made it the fourth highest-grossing film of the year, after '']'', ''Ghostbusters'' and '']''.<ref name="box office">"," '']''. URL accessed 30 April 2006.</ref> <ref>"" ], URL accessed 11 May 2006.</ref> As ''Gremlins'' had an international audience, different versions of the film were made to overcome cultural barriers. Mandel learned to speak his few intelligible lines, such as "Bright light!", into various languages such as ]. Regional music and humor were also incorporated into foreign language versions. Dante credited this work for ''Gremlins''' worldwide success.<ref name="DVD"/> Afterwards, ''Gremlins'' was released into US theatres on June 8, 1984, the same day as Ivan Reitman's ]. Gremlins ranked second, with $12.5 million in its first weekend, 1.1 million less than Ghostbusters. By the end of its American screenings on November 29, it had grossed $148,168,459 domestically. This made it the fourth highest-grossing film of the year, after '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref name="box office">"," '']''. URL accessed 30 April 2006.</ref> In August it opened in ] and Spain, and in October it premiered in ]. Screenings began in Mexico, Australia and much of the rest of Europe in December.<ref>"" the ], URL accessed 11 May 2006.</ref> As ''Gremlins'' had an international audience, different versions of the film were made to overcome cultural barriers. Mandel learned to speak his few intelligible lines, such as "Bright light!", in various languages such as German. Regional music and humor were also incorporated into foreign language versions. Dante credited this work for ''Gremlins''' worldwide success.<ref name="DVD"/> Many critics questioned the summer release date when the film takes place during the Christmas holiday season and thought it should have had a Christmas release instead.


Still, there had also been complaints among audiences about the violence. This was true particularly among people who had brought their children to see the film. Many had walked out of the theatre before the film had ended. Dante admitted to reporters later, "So the idea of taking a 4-year-old to see ''Gremlins'', thinking it's going to be a cuddly, funny animal movie and then seeing that it turns into a horror picture, I think people were upset... They felt like they had been sold something family friendly and it wasn't entirely family friendly."<ref name="PG-13">Anthony Breznican, "", ], Tuesday, August 24, 2004.</ref> Still, there had also been complaints among audiences about the violence. This was particularly true among people who had brought their children to see the film, many of whom walked out of the theatre before the film had ended. Dante admitted to reporters later, "So the idea of taking a 4-year-old to see ''Gremlins'', thinking it's going to be a cuddly, funny animal movie and then seeing that it turns into a horror picture, I think people were upset... They felt like they had been sold something family friendly and it wasn't entirely family friendly."<ref name="PG-13"/>


The film became available to audiences again when brought back to theatres in 1985. This brought its gross up to $153,083,102.<ref name="box office"/> It was also released on ], and made $79,500,000 in ].<ref>"" The Internet Movie Database, URL accessed 7 May 2006.</ref> The ] was released in 1997 and 1999. On August 20, 2002, a "]" DVD was released featuring cast and filmmakers' commentary and deleted scenes. The film became available to audiences again when brought back to theatres on August 30, 1985. This brought its gross up to $153,083,102.<ref name="box office"/> It was also released on ] that year, and made $79,500,000 in ].<ref>"" The Internet Movie Database, URL accessed 7 May 2006.</ref> The film was released on ] in 1997 and again in 1999. On August 20, 2002, a "]" DVD was released featuring cast and filmmakers' commentary and deleted scenes.

===Charges of racism===
Despite its critical acclaim and popular success, ''Gremlins'' has been criticized as culturally insensitive. Some observers have commented that the film presents gremlins as ],<ref name="Rosenbaum"/> and in an unflattering manner. At the time of its release, some members of the African American community protested that the film was racist. These critics suggested that the creatures exhibit some of the worst stereotypical behavior attributed to ]: wild, drunken, violent, murderous, seductive and lascivious. In ''Ceramic Uncles & Celluloid Mammies'', Patricia Turner writes that the gremlins "reflect negative African-American stereotypes" in their dress and behavior. They are shown "devouring fried chicken with their hands," listening to black music, breakdancing, and wearing sunglasses after dark and newsboy caps, a style common among African American males in the 1980s.<ref>Patricia A. Turner, ''Ceramic Uncles & Celluloid Mammies: Black Images and Their Influence on Culture''. (New York: Anchor Books, 1994), pp. 151–52, ISBN 0-385-46784-2.</ref>


==Merchandising== ==Merchandising==
===Toys===
] ] released 2005.]]
With its commercial themes, especially the perceived ] of the character Gizmo, ''Gremlins'' became the centre of considerable merchandising. As such, it became part of a rising trend in film, which had received a boost from Spielberg's earlier film, '']'' (1982).<ref name="DVD"/> Under the ], versions of Gizmo were sold as ]s or ]s. Both Gizmo and the gremlins were mass produced as ]s. Additionally, ] made ]s based upon the film.<ref> , '']'', URL accessed 30 April 2006; , ''Amazon.com'', URL accessed 30 April 2006; ," ''Amazon.com'', URL accessed 30 April 2006.</ref> With its commercial themes, especially the perceived ] of the character Gizmo, ''Gremlins'' became the center of considerable merchandising. As such, it became part of a rising trend in film, which had received a boost from Spielberg's ''E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial''.<ref name="DVD"/> Under the ], versions of Gizmo were sold as ]s or ]s. Both Gizmo and the gremlins were mass produced as ]s, and ] printed ]s based upon the film.<ref> , '']'', URL accessed 30 April 2006; , ''Amazon.com'', URL accessed 30 April 2006; ," ''Amazon.com'', URL accessed 30 April 2006.</ref> A product placement deal with fast food chain ] lead to a series of five book-and-cassette/45 records adaptations of the film's story.


===Books===
The film was also the basis for a ] of the same name by ], published by ] in June 1984. The novel offered an origin for mogwai and gremlins as a prologue. Supposedly, mogwai were created as gentle, contemplative creatures by a scientist on an alien world. However, it was discovered that their physiology was unstable, and under "certain circumstances," alluding to the three rules that were given in the film, mogwai would change into creatures that the somewhat sanitized novel referred to as "mischievous". This origin is unique to the novel. No definitive origin for mogwai or gremlins is ever given in either ''Gremlins'' film.
The film was also the basis for a ] of the same name by ], published by ] in June 1984. The novel offered an origin for mogwai and gremlins as a prologue. Supposedly, mogwai were created as gentle, contemplative creatures by a scientist on an alien world. However, it was discovered that their physiology was unstable, and under "certain circumstances," alluding to the three rules that were given in the film, mogwai would change into creatures that the novel referred to as "mischievous". This origin is unique to the novel but is referred to in the novelization of ''Gremlins 2'' by ]. No definitive origin for mogwai or gremlins is ever given in either ''Gremlins'' film.
===Video games===
Several ]s based on the film have also been produced. At the time of the film's release, an ] game based on scenes from the film titled ''Gremlins - The Adventure'' (1985) was released for various ] (including ], ], ] and ]). The game was written by ] for ] and was text based (with full colour illustrations on some formats). In addition, the game ''Gremlins'' was released for the ] while a far superior version appeared on the ]. In the 2000s more were released; ''Gremlins: Unleashed!'' was released on ] in 2001. It was about Gizmo trying to catch Stripe and thirty gremlins, while the gremlins try to turn Gizmo himself into a gremlin. Both Gizmo and Stripe are playable characters in this game.<ref>"", ''Amazon.com'', URL accessed 3 May 2006.</ref> ''Gremlins: Stripe Versus Gizmo'', with both Gizmo and Stripe as playable characters, was released in 2002.


===Cereal===
A few ]s based on the film were also produced. These included ''Gremlins'' (1985) by ] and ]. In the 2000s more were released. ''Gremlins: Unleashed!'' was released on ] in 2001. It was about Gizmo trying to catch Stripe and thirty gremlins, while the gremlins try to turn Gizmo himself into a gremlin. Both Gizmo and Stripe are playable characters in this game.<ref>"", ''Amazon.com'', URL accessed 3 May 2006.</ref> ''Gremlins: Stripe Versus Gizmo'', with both Gizmo and Stripe as playable characters, was released in 2002.
Additionally, Gremlins brand breakfast cereal was produced by Ralston for a few years concurrent to and after the first film was released in 1984. The cereal box featured Gizmo. Inside were normally decals of the malevolent gremlins, including Stripe. The cereal was similar to ] in taste.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lavasurfer.com/cereal-ralston2.html|title=Topher's Breakfast Cereal Character Guide|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref>


==Legacy== ==Legacy==
Along with ''Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'', ''Gremlins'' was one of two films in 1984 to influence the MPAA to create the PG-13 rating. Both were rated PG. The scene in which a gremlin explodes in the microwave was particularly influential to the idea that some films too light to be rated R are still too mature to be rated PG. Indeed, before ''Gremlins'' came out the controversy over ''Indiana Jones'' might very well have died. The change to the rating system was not insignificant. The rating PG-13 turned out to be appealing to some film patrons, as it implied some excitement without going too far.<ref name="PG-13"/> * Along with '']'', also ], ''Gremlins'' was one of two films in 1984 to influence the ] to create the PG-13 rating, with '']'' being the first film released with the rating in August 1984.<ref name="PG-13"/> The scene in which a gremlin explodes in the microwave was particularly influential to the idea that some films too light to be rated R are still too mature to be rated PG. There were other scenes too, that were considered intense, such as the death of the lead gremlin, Stripe. The change to the rating system was not insignificant; the rating PG-13 turned out to be appealing to some film patrons, as it implied some excitement without going too far.<ref name="PG-13"/>
* The film not only spawned a sequel, '']'', but is believed to have been the inspiration for, or at least similar to, several later unrelated films about small monsters. These include '']'',<ref>Maltin, 298.</ref> '']'',<ref name="Doyle"/> '']'',<ref>Maltin, 1141.</ref> '']'',<ref> Jason Gibner, '']''. URL accessed 28 April 2006.</ref> '']'',<ref>According to the cover: "Mix a little ''Gremlins'' and a dash of ''Back to the Future'' and this recipe explodes with adventure and fantasy!"</ref> '']'',<ref>According to the cover:"''Kamillions'', a horror comedy frightening enough to remind you of ''The Fly'' and funny enough to make you laugh at those new ''Gremlins''..."</ref> '']'',<ref> cover blurb: "''Gremlins'' chased you; ''Ghoulies'' terrified you"</ref> and '']''.<ref>Lawrence O'Toole, "NY CLIPS Nell says no to fashion king and Warren's spoon is hot," '']'', January 16, 1987, pg. D.6.</ref> Many of these films were not critical successes, and ''Hobgoblins'' was lampooned on the television series '']''. Both ''Critters'' and ''Ghoulies'' actually began development before ''Gremlins''.<ref>''Critters'' UK VHS liner notes (Cinema Club edition)</ref><ref></ref> The ] '']'' has also been compared to ''Gremlins''.<ref>"," ''Anime on DVD Reviews'', URL accessed 30 April 2006.</ref> There were rumors that the talking doll ] was so similar to the character Gizmo that Warner Bros. was considering a lawsuit in 1998, but Warner representatives replied that this was not true.<ref>"Gizmo And Furby To Co-Exist," 24 December 1998, ''StudioBriefing''.</ref>

* Gremlins have become a significant cult character in Asia, especially in Singapore, Hong Kong and China. A popular industry has developed in Thailand where skilled craftsmen make gremlin ice cream and toffee resin.<ref></ref>
The film not only spawned a sequel, '']'', but is believed to be the inspiration for several other unrelated films about small monsters, many of which have similar one-word titles. These include '']'',<ref>Maltin, 298.</ref> '']'',<ref name="Doyle"/> '']'',<ref>Maltin, 1141.</ref> '']'',<ref> Jason Gibner, '']''. URL accessed 28 April 2006.</ref> and '']''.<ref>Jeremy Wheeler , ''All Movie Guide''. URL accessed 28 April 2006.</ref> Many of these films were not critical successes, and ''Hobgoblins'' appeared on the television series '']''.
* British entrepreneur ] from '']'' appears with the gremlins in an advertisement for ], where they ransack an office whenever Peter is not looking.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/video/2008/apr/30/dragons.den.gremlins.bt|title=It's Dragon v Gremlins in BT ad|publisher=]|date=2008-04-30}}</ref>

* The Scottish post-rock band ] are named after the creatures who make an appearance in the film ''Gremlins'', although the guitarist of the band, Stuart Braithwaite, comments that "it has no significant meaning and we always intended on getting a better one, but like a lot of other things we never got round to it."<ref></ref>
There were rumors that the talking doll ] was so similar to the character Gizmo that Warner Bros. was considering a lawsuit in 1998, but Warner representatives replied that this was not true.<ref>"Gizmo And Furby To Co-Exist," 24 December 1998, ''StudioBriefing''.</ref> The ] '']'' has also been compared to ''Gremlins''.<ref>"," ''Anime on DVD Reviews'', URL accessed 30 April 2006.</ref>

==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
* {{imdb title|id=0087363|title=Gremlins}} * {{imdb title|id=0087363|title=Gremlins}}
* {{Amg movie|20918|Gremlins}}
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* - fan site * - Regularly updated fan site
* - Article on '' Gremlins '' and genre-blending
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Revision as of 19:07, 23 May 2009

Template:Otheruses2

1985 Template:FilmUS film
Gremlins
theatrical poster by John Alvin
Directed byJoe Dante
Written byChris Columbus
Produced byMichael Finnell
StarringZach Galligan
Phoebe Cates
Hoyt Axton
Frances Lee McCain
Dick Miller
Polly Holliday
Judge Reinhold
Keye Luke
Corey Feldman
John Louie
Michael Winslow
CinematographyJohn Hora
Edited byTina Hirsch
Music byJerry Goldsmith
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release datesJune 8, Template:Fy
August 30, 1985 (re-release)
Running time106 minutes
CountryTemplate:FilmUS
LanguageTransclusion error: {{En}} is only for use in File namespace. Use {{langx|en}} or {{in lang|en}} instead.
Budget$11,000,000 (est.)
Box office$153,083,102 (US sub-total)
$7,282,604 (Australia sub-total)
$9,844,677 (Sweden sub-total)

Gremlins is an American comedy horror film directed by Joe Dante and released in 1984 by Warner Bros. It is about a young man who receives a strange creature (called a mogwai) named Gizmo as a pet, which then spawns other creatures who transform into small, destructive, evil monsters. This story was continued with a sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, released in 1990. Unlike the lighter sequel, the original Gremlins opts for more black comedy, which is balanced against a Christmas-time setting. Both films were the center of large merchandising campaigns.

Steven Spielberg was the film's executive producer, with the screenplay written by Chris Columbus. The film stars Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates, with Howie Mandel providing the voice of Gizmo. The actors had to work alongside numerous puppets, as puppetry was the main form of special effects used to portray Gizmo and the gremlins.

Gremlins was a commercial success and received positive feedback from critics. However, the film has also been heavily criticized for some of its more violent sequences. Critics alleged these scenes made the film inappropriate for younger audiences who could be admitted into theatres under its PG rating. In response to this and to similar complaints about other films, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) reformed its rating system within two months of its release.

In this film, the Amblin Entertainment logo makes its first on-screen appearance.

Plot

Randall Peltzer is an inventor of modest abilities and questionable success. From the fictional community of Kingston Falls, he travels to Chinatown in New York City to sell his inventions and pick up a present for his son, Billy. A young Chinese boy there takes Randall to his grandfather's small shop, where Randall takes interest in a small cute furry creature called a mogwai (which in Cantonese & Mandarin translates as "ghost", "devil", or "demon"). Mr. Wing, the Chinese boy's grandfather and owner of the shop, refuses to sell the mogwai, even when Randall offers $200 for it. This is money that the Wing family desperately needs, however. Therefore, Wing's grandson secretly sells the mogwai to Randall. Though the creature seems innocent enough, the grandson warns Randall that he must not let the mogwai near bright light, especially sunlight, which can kill the mogwai; must not allow water to touch the mogwai; and, most importantly, must never, ever feed it after midnight.

Randall names the creature "Gizmo" and brings him home to his son Billy. Billy has taken up a job at the bank to provide money for his parents, with whom he lives. He has a dog called Barney whose mischief makes him and Billy the targets of harassment by Ruby Deagle, an elderly woman wielding much financial influence. Billy's coworker and love interest Kate Beringer, a local bartender, sees directly the misery in the town caused by Mrs. Deagle's business practices.

Billy is fascinated with Gizmo, who is highly intelligent, can hum a tune, and proves to be a very gentle and well-behaved creature. Unfortunately, Billy's friend, Pete Fountaine, accidentally spills water on Gizmo. This causes Gizmo to go into convulsions and instantly multiply, spawning five new mogwai by a process that appears painful to him. These new mogwai are much more aggressive than Gizmo. They are led by the mogwai Stripe, who has a white mohawk hairstyle. Billy later brings one to Pete's science teacher Roy Hanson, who aggravates the mogwai by sticking a needle in it for a blood test. Ignoring Billy's cautions, Roy leaves food out, which the mogwai promptly steals and eats after midnight.

Eventually, the new mogwai trick Billy into feeding them after midnight by stopping his alarm clock. All the creatures, except Gizmo, who refused to accept the food, soon form cocoons around themselves. While Billy is at the bank, the cocoons hatch, and the mogwai emerge, having transformed into "gremlins". In this form, they possess fangs, claws, red eyes, and dark green reptilian skin, and are extremely reckless. Billy travels to the school to talk to Mr. Hanson, only to find him killed by the gremlin at the school. Billy is injured and races to warn his mother, who is now alone with the gremlins, and comes into conflict with them. She manages to kill three, using household tools as weapons. While she is being strangled by a surviving gremlin, Billy arrives and saves her by decapitating it with an ornamental sword. The only remaining gremlin in the house is Stripe, who escapes. Billy follows him to the local YMCA, but the creature escapes once more by jumping into a swimming pool. Realizing what is about to occur, Billy flees, while Stripe multiplies into a multitude of gremlins.

Billy then takes Gizmo to the police station, in an effort to warn the townsfolk. The policemen ignore them to investigate a series of bizarre accidents, which Billy insists are the work of the gremlins. Meanwhile, Stripe and his gremlin army attack the town, assaulting the population. Billy then rushes to Dorry's Tavern to rescue Kate, who has been bartending that night. The gremlins have taken over the tavern, are behaving in an exceedingly vulgar fashion, and force Kate to serve them. She eventually discovers they are frightened by light when she attempts to light one's cigarette. She then knocks down several through flash photography, and is later reunited with Billy. The two seek shelter in the bank while the gremlins wreak havoc upon Kingston Falls. Notably, the creatures kill Mrs. Deagle by launching her through a window, and nearly kill Billy's neighbors, the Futtermans, by driving a snowplow through their house. When Billy, Kate, and Gizmo reemerge, they find that the gremlins are gone from the streets and are happily watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in a local theater. Billy manages to explode the theater, whereupon all the gremlins burn to death except Stripe, who had left briefly to obtain candy.

Billy pursues Stripe through a department store, but Stripe escapes and reaches a water fountain. By this time it is morning. Gizmo, having escaped with the help of Billy and Kate, opens a window blind and exposes Stripe to sunlight. Stripe lets out a screech and melts as everyone watches.

At the end of the film, Mr. Wing returns to collect Gizmo to prevent any recurrence of trouble. After giving back the $200 that Randall paid, Mr. Wing observes that while Western society is not ready to properly care for a mogwai, Billy may one day be so. Randall, in a narration, ends the story warning the audience that there might be a gremlin in their house.

Cast

Michael Winslow also claims to have done some of Stripe's lines. He is credited among the other voices of the gremlins, however during commentary both Howie Mandel and Steven Spielberg have said that Frank Welker performed most of Stripe's lines and sound effects.

Uncredited:

Director Joe Dante is a great fan of classic films (especially horror films) and puts many references in his own movies. He also frequently casts the stars of classic horror films in small roles. Examples in this film include Dick Miller and Jackie Joseph (co-stars of the original The Little Shop of Horrors), Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet, William Schallert of The Incredible Shrinking Man, Scott Brady of Journey to the Center of Time, prolific Western star Harry Carey, veteran Warner Brothers animator Chuck Jones and Kenneth Tobey, star of The Thing (From Another World). Towards the end of the film, Jim McKrell makes an appearance as TV reporter Lew Landers, the same character he played in Dante's 1981 horror movie The Howling (1981).

Production

Background

Gremlins was produced during a time when combining horror with comedy became increasingly popular. The film Ghostbusters, released on the same weekend as Gremlins, and later Beetlejuice (1988), The 'Burbs (1989), and other such films, were part of this growing trend. The new genre seemed to emphasize sudden shifts between humorous and horrific scenes, and/or drawing laughs with plot elements that have been traditionally used to scare. The comic strip The Far Side indicated this was a broader cultural phenomenon. However, this drew from older precedent, such as the film Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) and the 1960s TV series, The Addams Family and The Munsters.

The notion of gremlins was first conceived during World War II, when mechanical failures in aircraft were jokingly blamed on the small monsters. Gremlins entered popular culture as children's author Roald Dahl published a book called The Gremlins in 1943 based on the mischievous creatures. Dante had read The Gremlins and claimed this book was of some influence to his film. Dahl's story is referenced in the film when the character Mr. Futterman, played by Dick Miller, drunkenly warns Billy and Kate of foreign technology sabotaged by gremlins: "It's the same gremlins that brought down our planes in the big one... That's right, World War II."

Falling Hare, a Merrie Melodies cartoon short featuring Bugs Bunny and a gremlin, was released by Warner Bros., also in 1943. In 1983, Dante publicly distanced his work from earlier films. He explained, "Our gremlins are somewhat different—they're sort of green and they have big mouths and they smile a lot and they do incredibly, really nasty things to people and enjoy it all the while."

Initial stages

The story of Gremlins was conceived by Chris Columbus. As Columbus explained, his inspiration came from his loft, when at night "what sounded like a platoon of mice would come out and to hear them skittering around in the blackness was really creepy." He then wrote the original screenplay as a "writing sample" to show potential employers that he had writing abilities. The story was not actually intended to be filmed until Spielberg took an interest in it. As Spielberg explained, "It's one of the most original things I've come across in many years, which is why I bought it."

Spielberg chose Dante as his director because of Dante's experience with horror-comedy; Dante had directed The Howling (1981), though in the time between The Howling and the offer to film Gremlins, he had experienced a lull in his career. The film's producer was Michael Finnell, who had also worked on The Howling. Spielberg took the project to Warner Bros. and also produced it with his own company, Amblin Entertainment.

The film's script went through a few drafts before a shooting script was finalized. The first version was much darker. Scenes were cut portraying Billy's mother dying in her struggle with the gremlins, with her head thrown down the stairs when Billy arrives. Dante later explained the scene made the film darker than what the filmmakers wanted. There was a scene where the gremlins ate Billy's dog, and a scene where the gremlins attacked a McDonald's, eating the customers but not the burgers. Also, instead of Stripe being a mogwai who becomes a gremlin, there was no Stripe mogwai and Gizmo was supposed to turn into Stripe the gremlin. Spielberg overruled this plot element because he felt Gizmo was cute and audiences would want him to be present at all stages of the film.

There is a famous urban legend referenced in the film, in which Kate reveals in a speech that her father died on a Christmas when he dressed as Santa Claus and broke his neck climbing down the family's chimney. Later, the filmed speech would be controversial, as studio executives insisted upon its removal, because they felt it was too ambiguous as to whether it was supposed to be funny or sad. Dante stubbornly refused to take the scene out, saying it represented the film as a whole, which had a combination of horrific and comedic elements. Spielberg did not like the scene but, despite his creative control, he viewed Gremlins as Dante's project and left it in. A parody of this scene is featured in Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Casting

The character of Kate is played by Phoebe Cates. She received the role despite concerns that she was known for playing more risque parts, such as Linda Barrett in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). Spielberg urged the casting of the relatively unknown Zach Galligan for Billy, because Spielberg saw chemistry between Galligan and Cates during auditions. Galligan later compared himself to Billy, saying he was a "geeky kid- and so being... in this picture for me was really kind of a dream, I mean what I get to do, what my character gets to do, blow up movie theatres... got to work with great people."

In contrast to Galligan, many of the supporting actors and actresses were better known; many were longtime character actors. Veteran actor Glynn Turman portrayed the high school science teacher whose study of a mogwai leads to his death after it forms a cocoon. Dick Miller was yet another experienced actor on the set, playing a World War II veteran who first refers to the creatures as gremlins. With so many experienced actors on the set, Galligan had the opportunity to query them about their careers. Rand was played by Hoyt Axton, who was always the filmmakers' preferred choice for the role even though it was widely contested by other actors. Axton's experience included acting as the father in The Black Stallion (1979), and he was also a country music singer-songwriter. Because an introductory scene to Gremlins was cut, Axton's voice earned him the added role of the narrator to establish some context. Mr. Wing was played by Keye Luke, a renowned film actor. Although he was around 80 in reality and his character is very elderly, Luke's youthful appearance required make-up to cover.

Corey Feldman, whom up to this time had primarily been in commercials would play Pete Fountaine; establishing his early credentials as a child actor.

Polly Holliday, an actress best known for her role in Alice, played Mrs. Deagle. Dante considered the casting fortunate, as she was well-known and he considered her to be talented. Ironically, two other well-known actors, Fast Times' Judge Reinhold and character actor Edward Andrews, received roles that were significantly reduced after the film was edited. They played Billy's superiors at the bank.

Special effects

The performances were shot on the backlot of Universal Studios in California. This required fake snow; Dante also felt it was an atmosphere that would make the special effects more convincing. As the special effects relied mainly on puppetry, the actors worked alongside some of the puppets. Nevertheless, after the actors finished their work for good, a great deal of work was spent finishing the effects. Numerous small rubber puppets, some of which were mechanical, were used to portray Gizmo and the gremlins. They were designed by Chris Walas. There was more than one Gizmo puppet, and occasionally Galligan, when carrying one, would set him down off camera, and when Gizmo appeared again sitting on a surface it was actually a different puppet wired to the surface. These puppets had many limitations. The Gizmo puppets were particularly frustrating because they were smaller and thus broke down more. Consequently, to satisfy the crew, a scene was included in which the gremlins hang Gizmo on a wall and throw darts at him.

A few marionettes were also used. Other effects required large mogwai faces and ears to be produced for close-ups, as the puppets were less capable of conveying emotion. Consequently, large props simulating food were needed for the close-ups in the scene in which the mogwai feast after midnight. An enlarged Gizmo puppet was also needed for the scene in which he multiplies. The new mogwai, who popped out of Gizmo's body as small, furry balls which then started to grow, were balloons and expanded as such. Walas had also created the exploding gremlin in the microwave by means of a balloon that was allowed to burst.

Howie Mandel provided the voice for Gizmo, and the prolific voice actor Frank Welker provided the voice for Stripe. It was Welker who suggested Mandel perform in Gremlins. The puppets' lines were mostly invented by the voice actors, based on cues from the physical actions of the puppets, which were filmed before the voice work. Mandel also chose the type of voice for Gizmo, which was baby-like, based on what had been done. Mandel explained, Gizmo was "cute and naive, so, you know, I got in touch with that... I couldn't envision going any other way or do something different with it. I didn't try a few different voices."

Music

The film's score was written by Jerry Goldsmith. For his effort, he won a Saturn Award for Best Music. The main score was written with the objective of conveying "the mischievous humor and mounting suspense of Gremlins." As the filmmakers recalled, the so-called "Gremlin Rag" came across not as "horror music" but as "circus music," and some cited it as an influence to their later work on the film. Within the story, Gizmo was capable of singing or humming. Goldsmith wrote Gizmo's song as well, but Mandel never sang it. A girl Goldsmith knew was hired to sing Gizmo's song, although she had never worked in films before.

Songs heard in the film include "Gremlins... Mega-Madness" by Michael Sembello. This song is played while the gremlins party in the bar, and one break dances to it. The Peter Gabriel song "Out Out," produced in collaboration with Nile Rodgers, is also heard in the bar scene. Darlene Love's song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" plays over the opening credits.

Reception

Critical reaction

The reactions of film critics to Gremlins varied. Roger Ebert was approving, calling the film not only "fun" but a "sly series of send-ups," effectively parodying many elemental film story-lines. In his opinion, Gremlins does this partly through depictions of mysterious worlds (the shop in Chinatown) and tyrannical elderly women (Mrs. Deagle). Ebert also believed the rule in which a mogwai cannot eat after midnight was inspired by fairy tales, and that the final scenes parody the classic horror films. He connected Kate's speech about her father with "the great tradition of 1950s sick jokes." Conversely, Leonard Maltin disapproved in remarks on the television show Entertainment Tonight. He called the film "icky" and "gross." Later, he wrote in his book that despite being set in a "picture-postcard town" and blending the feel of It's a Wonderful Life (from which a clip appears in Gremlins) with that of The Blob, the film is "negated by too-vivid violence and mayhem." He thus gave the film two out of four stars. Maltin actually made an appearance in Gremlins 2 and repeated his criticisms of the original on film, as an in-joke, being throttled by the creatures as a result; he gave the second film a more positive rating, three out of four stars.

While some critics criticized the film's depictions of violence and greed–such as death scenes, Kate's speech, and the gremlins' gluttony–as lacking comic value, one scholar interpreted these instead as a satire of "some characteristics of Western civilization." The film may suggest that Westerners take too much satisfaction out of violence. Gremlins can also be interpreted as a statement against technology, in that some characters, like Billy's father, are over-dependent on it. In contrast, Mr. Wing is shown having a strong distaste for television. Kirkpatrick Sale also interpreted Gremlins as an anti-technology film in his book Rebels Against the Future. One scholar suggested the film is meant to express a number of observations of society by having the gremlin characters shift in what they are meant to represent. At different times, they are depicted as teenagers, the wealthy establishment, or fans of Disney films. The film the gremlins had been watching in the theatre before Billy blew it up was Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Another scholar drew a connection between the microwave scene and urban legends about pets dying in microwave ovens. He described the portrayal of this urban legend in the film as successful, but that meant it seemed terrible. This is indeed a scene that is thought of as being one of the film's most violent; even Ebert expressed some fear in his review that the film might encourage children to try similar things with their pets, and he urged parents not to let their children see the film. Notably, TV edits of the second film actually edit out most of the microwave scene, due to similar problems.

Gremlins has been criticized for more than its depictions of violence. One BBC critic wrote in 2000 that "The plot is thin and the pacing is askew." However, that critic also complimented the dark humour contrasted against the ideal Christmas setting. In 2002, another critic wrote that in hindsight Gremlins has "corny special effects" and that the film will likely appeal to children more so than to adults. He also said the acting was dull.

Awards

Gremlins won numerous awards, including the 1985 Saturn Awards for Best Director, Best Horror Film, Best Music, and Best Special Effects, and Holliday won the award for Best Supporting Actress. The film also won the 1985 Golden Screen Award and the 1985 Young Artist Award for Best Family Motion Picture (Adventure). Corey Feldman, who played Billy's young friend, was also nominated for the Young Artist Award for Best Young Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama.

Gremlins and audiences

File:Gremlins.png
The DVD cover in 1999, featuring the character Stripe

Gremlins was a commercial success. It was filmed on a budget of $11,000,000, making it more expensive than Spielberg had originally intended but still relatively cheap for 1984. The trailer introduced the film to audiences by briefly explaining that Billy receives a strange creature as a Christmas present, by going over the three rules, and then coming out with the fact that the creatures transform into terrible monsters. This trailer showed little of either the mogwai or the gremlins. Conversely, other advertisements concentrated on Gizmo, overlooked the gremlins and made the film look similar to Spielberg's earlier family film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982).

Afterwards, Gremlins was released into US theatres on June 8, 1984, the same day as Ivan Reitman's Ghostbusters. Gremlins ranked second, with $12.5 million in its first weekend, 1.1 million less than Ghostbusters. By the end of its American screenings on November 29, it had grossed $148,168,459 domestically. This made it the fourth highest-grossing film of the year, after Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In August it opened in Argentina and Spain, and in October it premiered in West Germany. Screenings began in Mexico, Australia and much of the rest of Europe in December. As Gremlins had an international audience, different versions of the film were made to overcome cultural barriers. Mandel learned to speak his few intelligible lines, such as "Bright light!", in various languages such as German. Regional music and humor were also incorporated into foreign language versions. Dante credited this work for Gremlins' worldwide success. Many critics questioned the summer release date when the film takes place during the Christmas holiday season and thought it should have had a Christmas release instead.

Still, there had also been complaints among audiences about the violence. This was particularly true among people who had brought their children to see the film, many of whom walked out of the theatre before the film had ended. Dante admitted to reporters later, "So the idea of taking a 4-year-old to see Gremlins, thinking it's going to be a cuddly, funny animal movie and then seeing that it turns into a horror picture, I think people were upset... They felt like they had been sold something family friendly and it wasn't entirely family friendly."

The film became available to audiences again when brought back to theatres on August 30, 1985. This brought its gross up to $153,083,102. It was also released on video that year, and made $79,500,000 in rental stores. The film was released on DVD in 1997 and again in 1999. On August 20, 2002, a "special edition" DVD was released featuring cast and filmmakers' commentary and deleted scenes.

Charges of racism

Despite its critical acclaim and popular success, Gremlins has been criticized as culturally insensitive. Some observers have commented that the film presents gremlins as African Americans, and in an unflattering manner. At the time of its release, some members of the African American community protested that the film was racist. These critics suggested that the creatures exhibit some of the worst stereotypical behavior attributed to blacks: wild, drunken, violent, murderous, seductive and lascivious. In Ceramic Uncles & Celluloid Mammies, Patricia Turner writes that the gremlins "reflect negative African-American stereotypes" in their dress and behavior. They are shown "devouring fried chicken with their hands," listening to black music, breakdancing, and wearing sunglasses after dark and newsboy caps, a style common among African American males in the 1980s.

Merchandising

Toys

With its commercial themes, especially the perceived cuteness of the character Gizmo, Gremlins became the center of considerable merchandising. As such, it became part of a rising trend in film, which had received a boost from Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Under the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, versions of Gizmo were sold as dolls or stuffed animals. Both Gizmo and the gremlins were mass produced as action figures, and Topps printed trading cards based upon the film. A product placement deal with fast food chain Hardee's lead to a series of five book-and-cassette/45 records adaptations of the film's story.

Books

The film was also the basis for a novel of the same name by George Gipe, published by Avon Books in June 1984. The novel offered an origin for mogwai and gremlins as a prologue. Supposedly, mogwai were created as gentle, contemplative creatures by a scientist on an alien world. However, it was discovered that their physiology was unstable, and under "certain circumstances," alluding to the three rules that were given in the film, mogwai would change into creatures that the novel referred to as "mischievous". This origin is unique to the novel but is referred to in the novelization of Gremlins 2 by David Bischoff. No definitive origin for mogwai or gremlins is ever given in either Gremlins film.

Video games

Several video games based on the film have also been produced. At the time of the film's release, an interactive fiction game based on scenes from the film titled Gremlins - The Adventure (1985) was released for various home computers (including Acorn Electron, BBC Micro, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum). The game was written by Brian Howarth for Adventure Soft and was text based (with full colour illustrations on some formats). In addition, the game Gremlins was released for the Atari 2600 while a far superior version appeared on the Atari 5200. In the 2000s more were released; Gremlins: Unleashed! was released on Game Boy in 2001. It was about Gizmo trying to catch Stripe and thirty gremlins, while the gremlins try to turn Gizmo himself into a gremlin. Both Gizmo and Stripe are playable characters in this game. Gremlins: Stripe Versus Gizmo, with both Gizmo and Stripe as playable characters, was released in 2002.

Cereal

Additionally, Gremlins brand breakfast cereal was produced by Ralston for a few years concurrent to and after the first film was released in 1984. The cereal box featured Gizmo. Inside were normally decals of the malevolent gremlins, including Stripe. The cereal was similar to Captain Crunch in taste.

Legacy

  • Along with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, also rated PG, Gremlins was one of two films in 1984 to influence the MPAA to create the PG-13 rating, with Red Dawn being the first film released with the rating in August 1984. The scene in which a gremlin explodes in the microwave was particularly influential to the idea that some films too light to be rated R are still too mature to be rated PG. There were other scenes too, that were considered intense, such as the death of the lead gremlin, Stripe. The change to the rating system was not insignificant; the rating PG-13 turned out to be appealing to some film patrons, as it implied some excitement without going too far.
  • The film not only spawned a sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, but is believed to have been the inspiration for, or at least similar to, several later unrelated films about small monsters. These include Critters, Ghoulies, Troll, Hobgoblins, Beasties, Kamillions, Spookies, and Munchies. Many of these films were not critical successes, and Hobgoblins was lampooned on the television series Mystery Science Theater 3000. Both Critters and Ghoulies actually began development before Gremlins. The anime Pet Shop of Horrors has also been compared to Gremlins. There were rumors that the talking doll Furby was so similar to the character Gizmo that Warner Bros. was considering a lawsuit in 1998, but Warner representatives replied that this was not true.
  • Gremlins have become a significant cult character in Asia, especially in Singapore, Hong Kong and China. A popular industry has developed in Thailand where skilled craftsmen make gremlin ice cream and toffee resin.
  • British entrepreneur Peter Jones from Dragon's Den appears with the gremlins in an advertisement for British Telecom, where they ransack an office whenever Peter is not looking.
  • The Scottish post-rock band Mogwai are named after the creatures who make an appearance in the film Gremlins, although the guitarist of the band, Stuart Braithwaite, comments that "it has no significant meaning and we always intended on getting a better one, but like a lot of other things we never got round to it."

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  35. "Pet Shop of Horrors," Anime on DVD Reviews, URL accessed 30 April 2006.
  36. "Gizmo And Furby To Co-Exist," 24 December 1998, StudioBriefing.
  37. life-sized statues of Gremlin characters made from recycles scrap metal
  38. "It's Dragon v Gremlins in BT ad". The Guardian. 2008-04-30.
  39. Mogwai Band FAQ

External links

Works directed by Joe Dante
Feature films
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