Review of Westworld (1973) by Gordon C — 13 Aug 2008

I sometimes wonder why it is that so many science fiction writers seem to feel that as soon as machines achieve a measure of autonomy, the first thing they'll want to do is start killing us all.

Is it merely a convenient plot device on which to hang a thriller? Or does it perhaps speak to something in the human psyche - the notion that, if the constraints of law and morality (our "programming," if you like) were lifted, we'd all descend into bloodlust?

And, call me an old prude, but the idea of people toddling off to a theme park to have sex with robots just seems a bit creepy to me. I think it must be some sort of masturbatory fantasy. After all, let's face it, you can have sex with a real prostitute for a lot less than a thousand dollars a day (at least, so I'm told).

It's quite a fun film, though.