THX 1138

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Moviedrome Introduction


Film Details

Release Date: 1971

Director: George Lucas

Stars:
Robert Duvall as THX 1138
Donald Pleasence as SEN 5241
Maggie McOmie as LUH 3417

Plot Summary

The story follows THX 1138 (Robert Duvall), a worker in a sterile, subterranean society where humans are reduced to mere cogs in a vast machine. The population is kept in check through mandatory medication that numbs emotions and suppresses desires. People are identified by alphanumeric codes, live in identical white cells, and work monotonous jobs.

THX begins to question the status quo when his roommate, LUH 3417 (Maggie McOmie), secretly stops taking her drugs and encourages THX to do the same. As their suppressed emotions resurface, they develop a forbidden romantic relationship. This rebellion against societal norms catches the attention of the authorities.

The government's reaction is swift and severe. THX and LUH are arrested, separated, and subjected to brainwashing. THX is sent to a detention center where he meets SEN 5241 (Donald Pleasence), another prisoner who has also started to question the system. Together, they plan an escape.

Personal History

Never seen this.

Current Review

Stylishly dull, would be my description. It's a very cold film, with lots of repetition, continual voice overs (sounding like Airport Tannoy Announcements), stark sets and characters that you dont engage with. That said, its quite memorable, almost like an over extended music video. Or video art.

George Lucas Set Production

The most striking thing was spotting the samples. My Time is Yours, instantly recognisable as the sample in Omega Amigon by the Shamen. Less obvious, but just as recognisible, Nine Inch Nails using the beating with sticks by the android police at the start of Mr Self Destruct.

Its a film that has influenced others.

Its all dystopian futures of grimness until a final rather odd car chase out of the subterranean subways.

Quirky Facts

  • George Lucas - he of Star Wars Fame - first production
  • Geoge Lucas apparently named the film after his San Francisco telephone number, 849-1138, the letters THX correspond to letters found on the buttons 8, 4, and 9

Quotes

  • Let us be thankful we have commerce. Buy more. Buy more now. Buy. And be happy.
  • My Time is Yours
  • That accident over in Red Sector L destroyed another 63 personnel, giving them a total of 242 lost to our 195. Keep up the good work and prevent accidents. This shift is concluded.

Sustenance

Pills.

Future Inspiration

Its going to be dystopian futures, isn't it. I haven't read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury or Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

I'm not watching bloody Star Wars.
 



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