Review of THX 1138 (1971) by Nadeem A — 09 Aug 2008

Lucas excels with this somewhat underestimated avant-garde directorial debut about a technologically advanced but manufactured future dystopia and typically symptomatic of 1970's non-conformism. Despite the slender textual narrative, the stark visuals (white background, jumpsuits and shaved heads) conspire to reflect the bleak inanity of a citizenry controlled by a faceless but brutal techno-state where individuals, reduced to their informational and numerical units -"THX 1138"- are brought violently into line with the help of suitably attired chrome-masked policemen.

The visual overtures are innovative but undisguised appeals to futurism and virtual reality, themes common to the Lucas ouevre. As a visual treat for speed, technology and information buffs, Lucas' offering is an early minimalist icon before minimalism became fashionable.

An innovative and creative project that does not shy away from invoking the implications of perfunctory group thinking for individual freedom and the quest for reality reminiscent of the Platonic philosopher king's escape from the fossilized and delusional underground cave we sometimes call 'home'.

Recommended for the rich conceptual metaphors that readily feed off the 'information turn'.