Rocky Morton

Rocky Morton is a British director, best known for his work in television, commercials, and film. He gained significant attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly for co-directing the 1993 film Super Mario Bros. with Annabel Jankel. Morton's career spans various genres, but he is especially recognized for his contributions to the science fiction and fantasy realms.

Early Life and Education

Rocky Morton began his career in the United Kingdom, where he was born and raised. Details about his early life, including his birth date and education, are sparse. However, it is known that Morton developed an interest in filmmaking at a young age, which led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Career

Morton's career took off in the 1980s when he and Annabel Jankel created the cyberpunk-inspired music video for Donald Fagen's song "New Frontier." This project showcased their innovative use of computer graphics and live-action footage, setting the tone for Morton's future endeavors in visual storytelling.

The duo went on to create the cult television series Max Headroom, which further cemented their reputation for pioneering the integration of computer-generated imagery (CGI) with live-action film. Max Headroom was notable for its futuristic aesthetic and satirical take on media and society, themes that would recur in Morton's later work.

In 1993, Morton and Jankel co-directed Super Mario Bros., a film adaptation of the popular Nintendo video game series. Despite its innovative special effects and unique dystopian vision of the game's world, the film was a commercial and critical failure. Its production was notoriously troubled, with reports of creative differences and on-set tensions. However, in the years following its release, Super Mario Bros. has garnered a cult following and is appreciated for its ambitious attempt to translate the video game to the big screen.

Following Super Mario Bros., Morton's directorial work primarily shifted to television commercials and short films. He has received numerous awards for his commercial work, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate across different media formats.

Legacy

Rocky Morton's impact on the film and television industry is marked by his early adoption and integration of CGI, as well as his unique visual style. While Super Mario Bros. remains a controversial entry in his filmography, it exemplifies Morton's willingness to take creative risks.

Filmography

• Max Headroom (TV Series)
• Super Mario Bros. (1993)

See Also

• Annabel Jankel
• Cyberpunk in media
• History of computer animation