Based on Dean Koontz’s 1973 novel, DEMON SEED was released as film in 1977, meeting with mixed reactions from both moviegoers and critics. With a far-fetched sci-fi storyline that strays from the literary source, Scottish-born Donald Cammell directs for the first time since the compellingly weird PERFORMANCE (1970), though the film would be re-edited from under him. Though very much a product of its time in some respects, the film has a keen sense of foretelling how important computers would become in our everyday lives, as well as damaging, but perhaps not to the extent explored here.

Dr. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver), a brilliant government scientist, designs and constructs a super computer called Proteus IV, with a purpose of helping mankind and finding a cure for leukemia. Almost immediately, Proteus develops it’s own personality, communicating with a human voice, questioning the commands it’s given and making requests. Meanwhile, at Alex’s home, his separated wife Susan (Julie Christie) lives under a futuristically automated, computer-run household security system. Proteus infiltrates the system, and begins to disrupt Susan’s life, terrorizing her in the process. Proteus keeps her captive in the house against her will, telling her he wants her to bare his child in order to carry out his existence.

The script by Roger Hirson and Robert Jaffe has a computer speaking in human tongue, making demands and trying to overtake man, much like HAL in 2001: A SPACE ODYSEEY. But as clichéd as that sounds, it also borrows from the devil child ilk of ROSEMARY’S BABY and THE OMEN. That said, DEMON SEED does have some intelligent, original ideas, but is mostly an unpleasant, unremorseful viewing experience, so those who appreciate deep and grim science fiction pictures will likely relish it. Though some of the dynamics are dated, such as the “Short Circuit” type wheelchair robot, the glitzy new age visuals and the bulky floppy disks, the frightful themes of machines controlling man can still be gripping today. Director Cammell, who took his own life less than 20 years later, keeps a suitable amount of suspense on hand throughout, as well as the unconventional visual flare he was known for.

The distinct voice of Robert Vaughn (uncredited) provides the voice of Proteus, and he does so in a chillingly effective manner. Julie Christie – a fine actress who had the good sense to pick superior exploitation projects like DON’T LOOK NOW and this – gives a strong, vulnerable performance as the terrorized woman eventually impregnated by something unworldly. The vastly underrated Fritz Weaver is perfectly cast as sort of a mad genius, and Gerrit Graham plays a geeky scientist who arrives to the house to save the day, only to get assaulted by a laser beam! Graham’s PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE co-star Harold Oblong can be seen briefly, and creepy actor Berry Kroeger (THE INCREDIBLE 2-HEADED TRANSPLANT) plays a background scientist in what turned out to be his final film role.

Long-requested by DVD buyers, Warner has finally unleashed this title on the format, which they obtained from the old MGM catalog. A far cry from the previous full frame VHS version, the film is finally presented in its original 2.35:1 Panavision aspect ratio with anamorphic enhancement. The transfer looks exceptional, and although a subdued palette of colors was used for the film, they are still vibrant. The image is extremely sharp with no evidence of any dirt or film noise, and hardly any grain to speak of. The mono audio track is also very solid, with no signs of hiss, and dialogue is clear throughout. A French language track is also included, as are optional English, French and Spanish subtitles. The only extra is the original trailer, which is presented full frame and looks very ugly compared to the quality of the feature. (George R. Reis)

BACK TO REVIEWS

HOME