Review of THX 1138 (1971) by Anton C — 06 Jun 2008

THX 1138 marks the first of only two good films directed by George Lucas (the other being American Graffiti). Set in a 1984-esque dictatorship under the surface of Earth, the film follows THX 1138 as he fights to break away from the confines of his dystopic homeland.

On the surface, THX 1138 is an extremely well done and enthralling sci-fi film, but it's what lies underneath that is the most interesting. Lucas appears to be making a comment on modern society as a whole. From religion and commercialism, to controlling bodies and personal freedoms, Lucas juxtaposes this imagined society against our own, and pulls it off. Most interesting of the ideas he presents is the unanswered question of the society's point. The inhabitants of the city are so strictly regulated (to the point of controlling reproduction), that there doesn't appear to be any purpose for them other than to exist.

This film is also visually spectacular. Almost every shot is excellent. The prison scenes in particular have been reproduced and copied by other films numerous times. The only drawback, however (a peculiarity to only the DVD releases), is Lucas' obsession with computer-generated effects. I would have preferred to see the film the way it was originally released, rather than the way it now appears, with occasional CGI for machines, cars, trains and some beasts. The limitations of CGI, especially when added into a film from 30 years ago, result in ridiculous visuals that look awful. As the latest version of the film is director approved, however, it can only be accepted that this is how Lucas envisioned his film.

It is interesting to note that many of the ideas used in this film have appeared later in other films and television shows. The hologram that escapes its program, for example, is reminiscent of Rimmer from Red Dwarf. Likewise, the use of mood-controlling drugs in a futuristic society is extremely similar to one of the premises of Equilibrium. Lucas also plays with the idea of robots having unique personalities, which he would do again six years later in the Star Wars series.

In all, THX 1138 is an excellent film with quite a deal to offer. For the casual viewer, it is accessible and entertaining enough to keep your attention, while the more serious viewer will easily be rewarded for their efforts. It's a shame Lucas fell so far so hard.