So there I am browsing late night television, you know that period when you’re thinking about going to bed but channel surfing to see if something might keep you awake a little longer as it’s not quite time yet. You’re not in the mood to watch anything meaty.
So I flip to TCM Movies and there’s a film called “Outlaw Of Gor” on. Hmm, sounds like a horror film. Within a few seconds I realise it’s not horror, I mean the acting and outfits are horrific but it’s not a horror film. Then I think “No it can’t be”, then I realise “Yes it is”. Yes I’m watching a film based on bloody Goreans! They made films of this stuff and I say films because when I check the information of this movie I discover it’s a sequel!
The film, also known as Gor II, doesn’t hold my attention for long. I’m not alone here as it comes in with a score of 1.8 out of 10 on IMDB. This isn’t like a Gor sim in Second Life, which from my brief visits were more Medieval/Fantasy in their productions. This film is more science fiction, which rings a bell as I’ve read that these gor books are science fiction.
I can’t tell you much about the plot, the part I witnessed revolved around a big sword being used to bump off the King and then some innocent men, one of whom wasn’t very tall, taking the blame for a crime they clearly didn’t commit. Jack Palance appeared, which was when I decided this was all too surreal and I’d better turn over because at this stage I’m not actually convinced I’m awake.
I’ve never understood why those books are so popular in Second Life circles. Having seen a few minutes of a film loosely based upon the books, I’m convinced that the films aren’t the factor that makes Gor roleplay in Second Life so popular. Which therefore leaves me bemused as to what drives this roleplay in Second Life to such an extent.
If you haven’t seen the films, I really can’t suggest you do, it was however a very weird experience! I do however feel there may be some scope for someone to make a machinima based offering here, it really can’t be any worse than what I witnessed last night … can it?