"Barbarella" is a 1968 science fiction film directed by Roger Vadim, based on the French comic series of the same name by Jean-Claude Forest.
The film stars Jane Fonda as the title character, a space traveler and representative of the United Earth government sent to find scientist Durand Durand, who has created a weapon that could destroy humanity. The supporting cast includes John Phillip Law, Anita Pallenberg, Milo O'Shea, Marcel Marceau, David Hemmings, Ugo Tognazzi, and Claude Dauphin.
The film was particularly popular in the United Kingdom, where it was the year's second-highest-grossing film. Contemporary film critics praised "Barbarella"'s visuals and cinematography but found its storyline weak after the first few scenes. Although several attempts at sequels, remakes, and other adaptations have been planned, none of these have entered production.
The film's production involved several writers, including Terry Southern, who wrote the initial screenplay, and Jean-Claude Forest, who worked on the film's production design. The film was shot immediately following the completion of another De Laurentiis comic adaptation, "Danger: Diabolik," with both films sharing several cast and crew members.
The film's plot follows Barbarella as she navigates a series of surreal and fantastical events, including her capture by the concierge of the city of Sogo and her subsequent escape. She eventually finds herself in the "Chamber of Dreams," where she encounters the Black Queen, who warns her of the dangers of the Mathmos, a powerful force that can destroy entire cities. Barbarella and the Black Queen are then expelled from the city by the Mathmos, which forms a protective bubble around them.
"Barbarella" is known for its campy and psychedelic elements, which were characteristic of the 1960s science fiction genre. The film's visuals and cinematography were praised by contemporary critics, and it remains a cult classic to this day.