Review of Dark Star (1974) by Russ S — 07 May 2008

A low-budget, grungy, and surprisingly subversive answer to 2001, wherein human nature--all right, well, laziness and distractability--dictates the action. (That and two increasingly off-kilter computer AIs.).

John Carpenter's first feature, developed from a student piece, pays homage to several great sci-fi authors, and succeeds at distinguishing itself from both cheesy space opera and hardcore sci-fi, moving at a leisurely pace yet introducing plenty of ideas.

The effects haven't aged well, but the dialogue and direction show off Carpenter's early talent. Unfortunately, the print is still fuzzy, and the DVD seems to "prefer" Carpenter's cut, which actually loses some scenes I like (the guys rocking out, the ship's computer debating with the smart bomb), and, overall, makes less sense than the theatrical cut! I'm definitely glad that both versions are included.