Best of Chamberlain | The Dark Crystal

He's got an underhanded nature and a distinctive whimper, here are some of the best moments of Chamberlain in Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal.
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[@granolabean1]

I love how the emperor is straight up dying in front of him, and all the Chamberlain does is say Hmmmmmmmm...

[@aaronmeade5435]

I know he's literally coughing and drawing his last breath and all he got was Mmmmmmmmph

[@taylorgordon2570]

@@aaronmeade5435 he’s basically already eyeing the seat of power

[@arklaed]

He's probably the best character.

[@ksf80]

Yea

[@marcelorodriguez5120]

*hmmmmmmmm*

[@waterlemon1637]

He is the best character (btw hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm)

[@jamesroberts5767]

Yeah

[@jamesroberts5767]

Hmmmmmmm

[@KingGhidorah5464]

Every time he whimpers like that, you know he's plotting something.

[@denisehinton1240]

Mmmmmm

[@JacobLewis2006]

Maybe he was like *Ooh, somebody's Lookin Suspicious!!!*

[@SmirkohThePerson]

mmmmmmmmMMMmmmmmm

[@Ocyla]

He totally reminds me of Ashur from Sparticus, Blood and Sand.

[@doodlestudios2821]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@Serocco]

The Emperor was so obsessed with trying not to die, he still clings to his power right as he finally withers away

[@Johnlindsey289]

Darkening fucked up his voice and body

[@DarkBowserr]

very pathetic if you ask me

[@DarkBowserr]

@@Johnlindsey289they should’ve kept the original audio from the workprint the squeaky voice i couldn’t take seriously

[@NCTStudio]

Everybody gangsta until they hear “MMMMMMM”

[@Kayjuneoh]

Sh!t is terrifying 😢

[@pepijnkrijgsman4177]

6yj ik 😢😢😂🎉8😢^^^^^^^%€'^^3e 4 c😅fr dat ffietje 5e de Duitsers z6😮ik 9😮a 1:31 ll😅 er aE9sba😢bui y! 😅 76😅6 1:31 1:31 a

[@lochness5524]

If this is what your like for Skeksil then you’d probably die of a heart attack if you encountered Skekmal

[@drfabulous2804]

They did a great job of making these creatures look as grotesque as possible

[@Xerclipse]

I feel like Chamberlain has been very rusty on diplomacy and talk because there isn't anything left to manipulate (except for all the skeksis that don't like him). Back in the age of resistance, sure he had more gelfling to manipulate and a few skeksis like the scientist and the former general could fall for his tricks. But in a post apocalyptic world where there are only a handful of intelligent creatures left in a small circle, there isn't much he can do. I can see that he is able to tempt Jen with his talk about the prophecy but Kira saw through him quickly. Chamberlain on his prime would have been able to get them to do anything.

[@GrimgoreIronhide]

I really like this idea. Social manipulation is extremely powerful, however the manipulators often fail to realize that it decays sharply over time and is essentially a limited resource, especially if it is used aggressively. Physical prowess on the other hand, while much weaker as a social tool, never looses its value and remains constant (At least for an very long lived species). Its very unintuitive, but in the long run the genius schemers often loose to the bruiser meatheads' because they destroy their own social capitol when they manipulate others. Its tempting to think that if one were clever enough they could get away with it indefinitely, but it is almost impossible it involve yourself in any kind of plot without at least a suspicion of you emerging, and suspicion is all that is needed for other schemers to decide you are an untrustworthy agent who should be disposed of. This is why many kings and dictators end up purging everyone who helped them get into power. Its not even that they dont necessarily trust their friends, but they realize that their social capitol with these people is expended and its better to start from scratch with a court of people you don't know that in is to continue with a court of allies who know you are a manipulator.

[@Amethyst_Friend]

@@GrimgoreIronhideYes all that, plus many of them just liked purges.

[@warriorking0723]

​@@GrimgoreIronhideI agree with how social manipulation can be someone undoing if used too aggressively and too many times. But the same can be said of physical prowess. One should remember that physical prowess fades in time and by itself it amounts to nothing if it's only used to destroy and/or intimidate any who oppose them. But when someone is able to stand up to them, withstand their blows and won't be intimidated, that is when the flaws of might makes right are more clear. Neither physical prowess or social manipulation counts unless they are balanced by wisdom, justice and compassion.

[@platinumdragonslayer6128]

It’s still a damn crime they canceled Age of Resistance.

[@anonymousproductionsxd2912]

Indeed my friend that’s what actually led me to cancel my Netflix subscription many years ago.

[@Johnlindsey289]

They should do a movie sequel to the show that leads to this movie on Garthim Wars

[@RealmsofPixelation]

Especially considering most of the stuff had already been created for the show and it would've costed much less to make more episodes.

[@ChelseaSmith-ke9ze]

They always cancel the good stuff on Netflix. It is all just slop. I always loved dark crystal since I was a small child.❤

[@ianoliver2224]

After watching the Netflix series and seeing how wimpy and pathetic but manipulative he was in it, it shows just how strong he’s become over time after straight up catching a Gelfling himself and not relying on someone else to do so.

[@ryanmatthews3609]

hope Disney doesn't get its greedy claws on this majestic puppetry studio

[@JohnDoe-hk5ec]

Idk man a dark crystal ride would be pretty dope

[@ryanmatthews3609]

@@JohnDoe-hk5ec Yeah but they will also ruin it just like they did with Star Wars

[@JohnDoe-hk5ec]

Ryan Matthews right. That’s a good point. I wouldn’t mind them getting the ride rights as long as they ONLY get the ride rights. I could see it being a really scary ride!

[@justgween7573]

@@JohnDoe-hk5ec The next Snow White's Scary Adventures

[@JohnDoe-hk5ec]

Cringing and Gween exactly my thoughts, but mixed with splash mountain. Imagine all the skeksis jeering at you as you go up, right before the big drop

[@WhiteSwarm]

I can only imagine SkekTek's great satisfaction when he'd tear SkekSil's robe apart to banish him. Karma at its finest

[@zeokingsilver]

@WaluigiFan ToyChicaAC358 they would not have killed him

[@Johnlindsey289]

Skektek: that's for my eye

[@damiamtran9824]

I wonder why Skektek referred, Skeksil as "My lord Chamberlain" as Skeksil clearly screwed him over, by having his eye removed. So this makes me wonder why he is so subordinate to Skeksil, while everyone is gathering around the Emperor's deathbed?

[@sebastianrocha9724]

@@damiamtran9824 SkekSil was next in line to the Skeksis' throne due to his position in court. Only SkekZok (the Ritual Master) and SkekUng (the Garthim Master) could "match" SkekSil's right to rule... That's why SkekTek approaches Chamberlain in such a diplomatic manner.

[@varric]

I can imagine Seladon laughing in the Afterlife when she's seeing that.

[@gillianday4804]

I know that Chamberlain is a tricky mastermind. but his whimpers are very cute! Simon Pegg makes such a good voice of SkekSil's.

[@weldonwin]

Does make it strange then that the master schemer, when called out by SkekUng, would choose a trial of strength, knowing that The General is WAY physically stronger than he is

[@gillianday4804]

@@weldonwin uh huh

[@ezrastardust3124]

I agree, he kinda sounds like a kitten in a weird way

[@gillianday4804]

@@ezrastardust3124 yeah

[@Xerclipse]

@@weldonwin I believe that Chamberlain counted on the fact that SkekUng would tire out, since nobody broke the stone before. Chamberlain would have not exerted his strength and waited it out while SkekUng did the opposite (but won anyway)

[@feralmysteries7445]

How ironic it is when all the skeksis cheered for Chamberlain when they trail started, and then when he didn’t win they were just like ‘Screw you!’ ;w;

[@TheBlackLobo]

Guess you could say they’re fairfeather friends?

[@crazyfistx2502]

;w;

[@DigitalApex]

Because he was so blown out of the water in the trial, the rest of the Skesis hopped off the Chamberlain hype train.

[@Epic11705]

1:26 I like how all the skesies start choosing sides; it shows there are some alliances that fall within this cult

[@bellebirk7386]

I kind of wish Chamberlain had a sort of redemption arc. That after being banished he teamed up with the Gelfling originally trying to gain favour again but he eventually has affection for Jen and Kira and helps them with the crystal. Idk, it would have been kinda impossible since he's so power-hungry but still...would have been nice.

[@kirkcannon8079]

Well he wanted a return to the status quo, maybe he was sincere when he wanted peace. He could let gelflings repopulate and harvest their adorable souls.

[@mjkalasky2775]

@@kirkcannon8079 Repopulation wouldn't get too far though. Inbreeding.

[@colelawton4901]

@@mjkalasky2775 contrary to popular belief, inbreeding does not cause birth defects except in a percentage of cases. Sure some of them will have something going on, but enough of them won't. Gotta start somewhere lol.

[@Daikaijudethedude]

I think that role fits better with the Scientist personally, considering he was the only one who had some sort of light left in him, although he did go a little insane at the end AOR

[@Johnlindsey289]

I’m sure other gelflings were hiding even grottens underground

[@montgomerypowers7205]

I know it's a movie for kids but I appreciate that even creatures as vile as the skeksis resolve conflicts without bloodshed or death (at least not their own).

[@untitleduck9623]

Yeah fr

[@pendafen7405]

It's because they're cowards and don't value heroism or vitality more than just living forever and sucking the life out of everything to do so. But point taken.

[@Johnlindsey289]

In the show they were vile too

[@lakitubomberooo90]

Chamberlain's one mistake is that he chose a contest of strength rather than one of wits that he could easily exploit in his favor. He was too prideful and confident in his ability to win and he knew he pissed the General off, it's a good way to show even more how the Skeksis behave, with many whispering among themselves, some even yelling "I'm taking it!" One thing that confuses me in this scene is the Ritualist bowing to him. Mostly because I'm not sure if he was on Chamberlain's side and bowed to him as a show of support or was it just an odd editing cut?

[@trumpsextratesticle8590]

I seen that too, and wondered.

[@varric]

To be honest, contest of strength seems to be the only contest they have.

[@turbobrony1472]

Hmmmmmmm.... I really love the Chamberlain, he's basically the most iconic Skeksis!

[@plumpydayz]

I have to say, this was a very odd decision for the Chamberlain. He and the Scientist are considered to be the weakest of the Skesis, however they are also some of the most intelligent and cunning. So why would he choose a trial that involved strength?

[@5thdimensionoptiks963]

He isnt a "forward brute" his character doesn't just represent a "power hungry underling" its literally what you just said, since he is perceived such a way did you not initially see their reaction, the chase for power is often a duality with the chase for freedom, hes supposed to be of the lowest ranks by a "unanimous" decision, a popularity contest, hes trying to not be suppressed by his fellow skesis, people dont understand that there are some people in this world that others just "inherently believe" they are above, and those "power hungry" merely want to"replace?" Whos feet the shackles are around

[@5thdimensionoptiks963]

I.E Jafar explaining to Aladdin how familiar he was with his condition.... Its that its an inability to stop self growth, the only ABSOLUTE, ONE WAY, for a man to have COMPLETE CONTROL of HIMSELF, is if he has it over everyone else...

[@damiamtran9824]

I thought SkekOk was the weakest, as he is smallest of all skeksis.

[@JohnDoe-hk5ec]

He chose trial by stone because that was a challenge that would guarantee his survival should he lose.

[@plumpydayz]

@@JohnDoe-hk5ec ah, that makes sense

[@jeremytung1632]

Who here knew that the SKeksis were originally not going to speak English to emphasize how alien they were even in the fantastical world of Thra. But that didn't test well so they changed it, this explains why the Chamberlain spoke broken English when he talked with Jen and Kira.

[@LuficariusRatspeed]

I didn't know until today that Barry Dennen was the voice for Chamberlain.. absolutely astounding!

[@JediJunkie247]

Ah, Chamberlain. The Starscream of The Skeksis.

[@barrylyndon5552]

Respect for the Emperor, just absolutely zero give on anything. Screeching about how he's still the boss literally as he's dying; singular commitment to ignoring problems

[@lisadooley3872]

The only pathetic thing about Chamberlain is when they are just ripping his clothes off he sounds like he is getting beaten

[@vanillaklawshakethenerd6445]

Chances are they threw some jabs at him while ripping his clothes iff

[@misslollipop7601]

Ok this part always gave me the chills... 5:47 🙄

[@mr.chrismaster8860]

1:45 is when you're ready to flirt with your crush.

[@inaminute1826]

😂

[@Wolfbane8]

A weird annoying character in the movie A sly, cunning, backstabbing, doublecrossing, manipulating bastard in the series

[@Johnlindsey289]

The show improved him eh?

[@weldonwin]

And he'll Shank a Bitch if he needs to

[@mnomadvfx]

Please? PLLEEEEAAASSSSEEE??!!!

[@weldonwin]

@@mnomadvfx HmmmmmmMMMMMMMMmmmmm...

[@marcuseleazer3058]

This is slow moving art It is amazing

[@Johnlindsey289]

Seen the prequel and labyrinth?

[@LUUUUU8]

We shoulda had SkekVar say "I hate your whimper!" in AOF

[@coymangus]

This was my favorite scene growing up. So so good.

[@southlondonlad9144]

I love his expression around 0:47. Prophecy cause all this trouble.

[@VengeDracul]

Chamberlain is the most manipulative character in The Dark Crystal. He is always plotting to overthrow someone in power. He may seem like a wimp but he isn't. It's how he tricks people to trust him. My favorite character always been Chamberlain.

[@pumpking1566]

He is clearly my favorite character.

[@charlieretro]

skekZok was always mine for some odd reason.

[@pumpking1566]

@@charlieretro Well, you also have excellent tastes!

[@VikingFyre]

I always wondered why SkelSil thought to declare Trial By Stone against the Garthim Master was a good idea. Did he think he could overpower him?

[@ClaptonsWig]

Diff comment got answer to this: it guaranteed survival if he lost

[@zoidboy1569]

@@ClaptonsWigit’s not like any would mean his death

[@davyjones3755]

3:50 Chamberlain: Oh fuck...

[@FTChomp9980]

Chamberlain is probably one of my favorite evil characters in The Dark Crystal they improved on his character in Age of Resistance dude is straight up evil,manipulative,and would do anything for power.

[@pinky0558]

At least we know SkekSil's favorite subreddit R/Hmmmmmmm

[@crazyfistx2502]

😂

[@dagger1580]

Simon pegg really nailed the character in aor

[@Johnlindsey289]

Perfect casting

[@pikachuyip1478]

Chamberlain: Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

[@ashburch4779]

I hate your whimper

[@neobluesultimatedragon1782]

Brian Yip Hmmmmmmmm friends yes???

[@jijidacatto4246]

And that’s how you can always tell when he’s on screen

[@AlienFaun]

HMMMMMMMMM

[@steveytheswitwarrior3362]

Brian Yip, LOL😆

[@algarvio7910]

Les Skeksis font partie de l'imaginaire collectif maintenant. Ces personnages sont fabuleux et le chambellan est purement génial. Ses gémissements sont entrés dans la légende du cinéma. The Skeksis are part of the collective imagination now. These characters are fabulous and the chamberlain is purely awesome. His moans have entered the legend of the cinema.

[@sylvanmoney]

Please make peace please please please... NO! NO PLEASE PLEASE MAKE PEACE! 😢

[@darthranner]

Not sure, but does he say "oh fuck" @3:59?

[@Rono6969]

I remember watching this on the vhs when I was little. I was so scared I hid behind the sofa through most of the movie.

[@timsaylor4390]

Same. It took me a long time to get back to it. Rated G my ass! This is a few drops of blood away from an R (okay maybe not literally but damn not for kids!)

[@demongraves]

​@@timsaylor4390 Dark Crystal was 82, Watership Down 78. A truly gnarly time for animated "family" films.

[@julianrosado1592]

I can't believe i used to find this movie terrifying as a kid

[@guyver3662]

2:23 I Challenge!

[@bonniebunny0596]

Mm? Hmmmm trial by stone

[@guyver3662]

Trial by Stone!

[@mr.dude1237]

TRIAL BY STONE!!! SLAVES RAISE THE STONE! GET OUT THERE, MOOVE!!

[@leviagbon4874]

*He was the "normal-looking" one for me lol*

[@ezrastardust3124]

Agreed, the other Skeksis all look like fossils lmao

[@beatricesanfilippo6925]

Chamberlain is similar to Darth Sidious

[@2n423]

But weak

[@dracu9833]

imagine darth sidious going "please, must join dark side, yeees? to save padme, anakin must learn to use sidious' powers, yeees?"

[@varric]

SkekSil is more similar to Littlefinger.

[@Danopolis666]

Can't imagine why this frightened me as a child. Lol

[@TS1r731]

I think I was like 6-8 when I first saw this movie and it scared the hell out of me.. was the scariest movie for my entire childhood

[@michaelmoran9020]

5:32 seems to be the main source image used for the AI dark fantasy videos

[@Johnlindsey289]

A combination of gruenak and arathim

[@jenzie92]

CHAMBERLAIN, LAY DOWN THAT SCEPTRE! I will forever love that line 😂

[@theseashellqueenfandomgal9333]

This guy’s making me a simp already, I-

[@nattvandrare]

I have been known to make this sound when I am thinking hardly about some things.

[@JacobLewis2006]

3:25 *Com'on, Lord Chamberlain!!!! Gimmie Yo Best Shot!!!!!*

[@taraktaras7327]

7:19 he slowly drops the accent.

[@arikatheprincessofhearts2043]

The Chamberlain is such a wicked bird alien villain! Mmmhmm.

[@pickmixgamer]

I always loved this growing up but just watching it back then that tough one that broke the rock he reminds me of Blackbeard Tech off One Piece

[@ezrastardust3124]

I stg when they were tearing his clothes I heard one Skeksis shout “you little bastard! Strip him!”

[@malaikalulu]

2:03 When the teacher catches you cheating on a test!

[@bloodypainter8244]

2:08 when you talk back to the teacher😂

[@beatricesanfilippo6925]

8:07 SkekSil: If you will not be turned, you will be destroyed. [Fires lightning bolts at Jen, causing him to fall to the floor in agony. Rian gets up and stands next to SkekSil, watching.] Young fool. Only now, at the end, do you understand. [shoots another round of lightning] Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side! You will pay the price for your lack of vision. [continues shooting lightning] Jen: [writhing in agony] Father, please! Help me! SkekSil: Now, Gelfling... you will die.

[@Carlos-gp7xw]

the face of the chambelan 3:47, im ded

[@Doc_Animator_N]

0:45 The Chamberlain was going for the same scepter that unleashed the Darkening...and backfired on the Skeksis.

[@Legionfox1]

For those who don't know, his name isn't Chamberlain. "Chamberlain" is his position in the empire. HIs name is actually SkekSil

[@pepito_white]

This movie is a Jewel for the Humanity.

[@jadesterling-jg8xi]

Im I the only one who thinks his "whimper" just sounds like an amused hum?

[@50percentGrey]

It's not really a "whimper". More like a perverted hum, which really punctuates Ol' Chamby's devious personality.

[@pendafen7405]

Mithra's poor little meow meow

[@That_Random_Bloke]

*”MMMMMMMMMMMM!!”*

[@comlicab2041]

3:49 "Oh, fuck..."

[@farmerjohn2262]

Hard to believe the same person who created the Muppets would create something so dark and evil. 😮

[@tristanwilliams4180]

it's so weird seeing this takes place After Age of Resistance

[@Johnlindsey289]

I’m sure the other gelflings hide underground until the urskeks were united

[@jaystag]

@@Johnlindsey289they couldn’t the darkening

[@davidstrawn9272]

2:11 CHAMBER-LAAANNN!!!!

[@applesaucemasterman4528]

just a quick note that the person who voiced chamberlain voiced dean domino in fallout new vegas dead money

[@I_Kan]

Think i need fo watch the movie again followed by the series. Netflix binge!! ❤

[@gojirafan0577]

You know he's the second puppet played by Frank oz to go hmmmmmmmm

[@yosefdemby8792]

Who's the first?

[@gojirafan0577]

Yoda

[@yosefdemby8792]

@@gojirafan0577 Oh.

[@gojirafan0577]

Yeah

[@miroslavzima8856]

My nightmare returns. Good.

[@mikedski9698]

Skeksis Chamberlain's Whimpering Freaks Me Out.

[@guyver3662]

0:50

[@BlakeDaDinosaur7]

I love it when Chamberlain says mmmmmmmmm...He even says it in the age of resistance netix series. Mmmmmmmmm pleeeeaaasse...Please trust chamberlain...Please, please, pleeeeeeeaaaaase? It's time to make my move...Mmmmmmm...

[@londonpurvis7662]

No one: No one at all: Absolutely not a soul: … Chamberlain: mmmmmmmMMMMMMMMmmmmmm

[@bihan7967]

This movie freaked me out when I was a kid lol

[@GGHD76]

Looks like something my cat brought in..

[@spencesrule9614]

Spencer Qualls final moments and Beyond... friends!?!?!?

[@warpingtartfat7569]

1:45 one of my favourite grime beat's intro

[@smurf902]

FUN FACT: THIS IS THE VOICE OF PONTIUS PILATE (BARRY DENNEN) IN JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR THE MOVIE (and also concept album). He encouraged a very young Barbra Streisand in 1960/61 to embark on a singing career

[@BrianLyons315]

4:11 Chamberlain screaming.

[@SamuelBoreas]

Actually skekSil I think was trying to sing, his urRu counterpart was urSol the chanter.

[@ShadesApeDJansu]

Christian Finnish Royalism likes this very much

[@connorwilson2014]

I don't know why, but this stirred up some bad childhood feelings. I think I need to lay down

[@I_Kan]

😱

[@zyral.f.6938]

mmmMMMMMMMmmmmm Funny how subtitles label a death rattle as laughter. Will never bother with the remake, voices are no comparison to the original talent.

[@goth_fraggle]

It's not a remake but a prequel and it's amazing! The writing is insanely good

[@omegon2540]

I searched mmmmhh tbe dark crystal and found this

[@zeokingsilver]

bet he wishes he had not killed the general now he could have protected him

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

Of the general was still alive he probably would have wanted to become emperor too, and he’d have the best chance to because he was at the head of his council. That would have been problematic...but assuming chamberlain managed to stay in his good graces he might have been harassed less by the others.

[@zoidboy1569]

@@GreaterGrievobeast55maybe tho possible he could have offers to make him gathim master

[@denisehinton1240]

I nearly laughed when he was holding Kira While smiling

[@Chad-Giga.]

trial by stone!!!!!!

[@metalmbabe69a59]

I still make that sound when I get mad or Irritated or just to make that sound like that ugly bird 🐦 in dark crystal 😂

[@StArLioN_]

They represent the 🧃

[@reubenguttenberg7405]

Simon Pegg as chamberlain

[@philosophicalphil6611]

Please make peace!

[@mabutijeffheinrich7533]

PLEASE MAKE PEACE!!!

[@AbrasiousProductions]

what is wrong with the video cropping?