THX 1138 - The Director's Cut [DVD] [1971]

The people of the future are drug users doped up to keep them productive as workers and emotionless - willing to do whatever ordered . It is quickly established that humans are now produced in labs and are given 'serial numbers' instead of names (THX 1138 being Robert Duvall, the main protagonists name) . THX is feeling strange and we find out this is because in an act of defiance his 'mate' LUH is replacing his sedatives with placebos - so he is essentially becoming more human .

The story follows THX'S awakening and fight to escape .

The main thing that differentiates this film from others in the genre is the dream like quality and almost white washed look of the film - This is such a great thing because it makes the film less dated. Everything is bright white and all the characters are bald - none of those 70's haircuts to detract from the story and mood! Although there is obviousely a plot the film is more like a series of memorable set pieces and if you are like myself you will find yourself muttering all the excellent quotes much to your confused friends dismay . Key scenes such as the robotic confession box where THX relays his problem to a badly synched tape recorder and a glowing portrait of ohm are excellent. The sound and look of the motorbikes chasing THX through tunnels ... There are some excellent 'what IS happening ' moments - the film is quirky as hell . Lucas nerds will notice the similaritys between the officers electric shock sticks and the light sabres ..

The other amazing thing about this film is the unique sound - in the double disk edition is an excellent featurette documenting how it was made . There are no cheesy theremins here , it truly is a real piece of work . Alot of the sound you here on the film are messages being relayed from characters through radio - there is just something about the crackling frequency -wobbling audio, and the music is spacey and haunting . I haven't seen the original but can guess at a couple of inserted scenes involving cars but i think thats it . In my opinion though this film hasn't aged badly at all when compared to other late 60's early 70's sci fi . I was apprehensive because of Lucas's new star wars twaddle (although this is his first film and pre dates the trilogy ) but was very happy . It is not a fast moving film , i wouldn't even call it a thriller thriller - there won't be surprising revelations and clever plot twists. Everything is calculated up to the ending because this is the society of the future . Consumption is being standardised - buy more - buy more and be happy .