Review of THX 1138 (1971) by Orren J — 05 Aug 2009

Source Material: Based on George Lucas' student film Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB.

Acting and Dialogue: A: The Acting was very well done. The principle characters all did a great job portraying someone who was virtually emotionless, while at the same time encapsulating the since of being trapped and wanting the need of escape.

Art Direction: A: Sometimes simple is better and when I say simple I mean simple...lets say a blanket of white covered this film. I also like how Lucas has made it a point in his films that the future is now. Therefore this film, among others, the future is portray as being lived-in , unlike modern futures of today that are usually portray with a shiny finish.

Cinematography: A: The cinematography on a technical leave is awesome. It coincides with the art direction's blanket of white...no shadows or outlines on the performers.

Direction: B+: This is George Lucas we are talking about, he is better at marketing and producing films as of late, but back then...his first film, he's not half bad. The paces was good but that maybe due to fact that it has a short running time, maxing out at 88 minutes.

Screenplay: B+: George Lucas has great stories, not so good screenplays, hence why the dialogue in Star Wars has come out cheesy. The good thing about this film is Lucas focused more on the cinematic elements of film making rather than dialogue.

Sound and Music: B: The score worked, I like the menacing feel of film...I guess this is why THX sound exist today.

VFX: A: I am sure for that kind of budget it was top notch. I also like the use of camera trickery plus the enhancement form today's technology. The added VFX made a better film in my opinion.

Overall: A-: As my first time watching THX 1138 I saw the Director's Cut: a remastered cut that had better quality sound and color. Also in this cut there were some additives and changes made to the original theatrical cut, the most noticeable were in the CGI and VFX departments. To see an artist best version of their art work is a treat. I think Lucas see a future where he can change and improve his art when he does these director cuts and remasters of his films. I can't help and comparing Lucas other remastered film, Star Wars. With Star Wars I have seen the original theatrical cut many times so I can compare and contrast the differences, which usually by the end of the day I swing toward liking the special edition better. Comparing that experience to THX 1138, I would have to say I saw the best version of the film and I would like to see the original theatrical cut mainly out of curiosity. To rap things up I do recommend THX 1138 as a good thought provoking Sci-Fi.