To start off, I would like to say if it weren't for this Film Studies class I might have never even heard of the film THX 1138. After seeing a short scene from an instructional video in class, I really wanted to watch this film.
Expectations: 1) I am a self professed fan of dystopian science fiction. When I went on Amazon Prime to order the movie I already knew that George Lucas was the director but I didn't know that the film was released pre-Star Wars era in 1971. Many users said they were very impressed with the film effects and overall production. With this tidbit of information and my affinity for the sci-fi dilemma, it's safe to say that I had very high expectations for the film.
Opening Scene:
Analysis/Opinion: This film may not be for everyone; the opening scene (above) begins with an almost annoying montage that is purposely choppy, technology filled, and utilizes an assortment of pesky android voices. For a having created the film in 1970, Lucas builds an eerie, forewarning image of a futuristic, consumer focused society, reminiscent of George Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World. There are some plot elements that are uncannily similar to these novels, i.e. test tube babies and sedative drug use to increase efficiency and suppress emotion.
Having said this, there are two elements that separate THX 1138 from other dystopian sci-fi action thrillers. First, the dialogue and acting are superb. Robert Duvall's performance as THX sets this film apart from modern sci-fi thrillers like Michael Bay's organ-transplant thriller The Island. Many sci-fi films turn out to be lackluster adaptions of novels. On the other hand, I found THX to be a brilliantly presented collaboration between George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. The set and special effects of THX blow away anything else of the time period and the plot, acting, dialogue and overall flow of the film were surprisingly satiating for a critical viewer. Some may shy away from the sterile costuming, setting and art-house cinematography used in parts of the film. I think this adds a new artistic and philosophical dimension to this genre.
Overall Rating: 9/10 for quality production, unexpected plot, and an eerie immersion that left me fearing for the future.
Great job here, Mark. A lot packed into this review. I like how you start out giving us some background about your experience with the genre, and this film specifically. Have you ever seen "Moon." This was a weird little film released a few years ago that it sort of a dystopian sci-fi thriller. Talk to me about it in class if you're interested. Anyway, nice work here--keep it up.
ReplyDelete