Diagonaldi Very well executed

Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

Brightlyme i know i wasted 90 mins of my life.

ChicDragon It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

avik-basu1889 Everyone knows why George Lucas is a larger than life figure in pop culture. His creation of the Star Wars universe on film and subsequently the franchise has made him almost a mythic figure. But before achieving the unprecedented love from the masses, Lucas actually had already garnered acclaim in the critic circles. THX 1138 is effectively the first film that brought him some sort of recognition.'Abstract Intellectualism' is the phrase that I'll use to describe the film because Lucas explores many philosophical as well as social relevant ideas, but does so in a very abstract and unconventional way. THX 1138 is clearly a product of the America dealing with McCarthyism and then Nixon's reign as president and Lucas has admitted that. The film was supposed to be an indictment on the manner in which a large portion of American population was being forced to live under fear due to their beliefs leading to encroachment of human rights. These issues do get addressed in the film. Mindless consumerism is also something that Lucas hints at. The film is set in a dystopian future. The concept of a dystopian future where people are living miserably in totalitarian societies and dictatorships isn't something that we are unfamiliar with. This particular concept has been used in many works of literature and film like 1984, Metropolis, Fahrenheit 451, Blade Runner,etc. The intrusion of privacy, the idea of love and sex being made illegal,etc. are very reminiscent of Orwell's 1984. The very distant and detached style of filmmaking is lightly reminiscent of Blade Runner. But the film that this detached and abstract style of filmmaking strongly reminded me of is Yorgos Lanthimos' 'Dogtooth'. In both THX 1138 and Dogtooth, the main characters remain detached from the audience and we don't get to know much about them. In both the films the main characters are expected to obey and conform to beliefs and rules that are pre-established. In both the films the primary theme is the desire to break out of the symbolic prison.I have established that THX 1138 does have similarities with other pieces of work. But Lucas distinguishes his philosophical content from the works that I mentioned by not having a distinct villain. In 1984 there is Big Brother, in Blade Runner there is Tyrell, in V for Vendetta there is Adam Susan. Even in 'Dogtooth' the father can be seen as the wicked figure of authority. But in THX 1138 there is no personification of a villain. Lucas implies that the villain is the society itself. The villain lies in the minds of the people. While watching the film I was constantly thinking that the robotic guards in the film looked very feeble and not intimidating enough and I thought that maybe this was a weakness of the film. But after watching the film and on subsequent analysis it hit me that it was never Lucas' intention to portray these guards as huge all conquering intimidating figures. They were intentionally made to look not challenging enough to show that the establishment and the state is actually nowhere near as powerful as the ordinary people think them to be. They are fallible. The world that THX 1138 lives in is situated underground. What lies above is unknown. My interpretation is that after some catastrophe that took place on the surface, the remaining population retreated underground and created their own society which gradually became a totalitarian one leading to people being denied their human rights. But over the years the ordinary masses became accustomed to this way of life and their reluctance to break out and the fear of the unknown above the surface have made the ordinary people avoid protesting and have made them contented with the life that they are allowed to lead. THX 1138 is a very ordinary human being who does only one thing different to the others in the society. He decides to rebel and not conform as he comes to the conclusion that breaking out of this underground prison and confronting whatever that's on the surface is better than living this rotten meaningless life without any feelings.The screenplay was written by Lucas and Walter Murch based on an idea from Matthew Robbins. Although the dialogue of the screenplay plays a role in the film, but what makes it work is Lucas' visual style of creating this uncomfortable, claustrophobic environment coupled with Murch's bizarrely incredible sound mixing. The editing in the film can at times be a bit jarring specially during a sex scene reminiscent of the jumpy editing in Godard's 'Breathless', but I think in a thematic way it made sense. The look of the film is very unique. There are lengthy scenes where characters find themselves in white nothingness and it looks quite amazing. Some of these shots reminded me of 'Under the Skin'. The very last shot of the film is absolutely brilliant and very reminiscent of the shot of the binary sun in Episode IV.The acting is good from everyone. The actors needed to be extremely understated and somewhat non-demonstrative. Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasence are actors that I already knew and loved. So the fact that they are good in the film is not a surprise. The actor that surprised me was Maggie McOmie who plays LUH. She is not someone I was familiar with before watching this film but she really impressed me. Her eyes express this pure and inherent sense of pain and sorrow which was essential for the role and the story. In a way, in the context of the story, LUH is the most important character and McOmie deserves praise for her performance.THX 1138 is a unique film exhibiting George Lucas' philosophical ideas and opinions. The subject is still socially relevant. The theme of breaking out and showing the guts to explore what's beyond the bubble of safety also found its place in Lucas' next film 'American Graffiti'.

hosh-483-650984 The film starts us off in the very up world of Buck Rogers and then transitions immediately into the horror of the THX 1138 future - a brilliant contrast.I always think of the Bob Seger song "I feel like a number" when I watch this movie. A must see for all sci-fi or horror lovers and a fascinating debut for Lucas.This is a forerunner to the Terminator movies.Considering filming began back in 1969, the special effects and cars are literally out of this world. This movie could have been made yesterday - truly ahead of it's time and a real sign of things to come from Lucas.This is what happens when all the bleeding heart victims of the world get power and enforce fanatical anti violent doctrine on the then zombie masses.A cautionary tale!Like all good movies, this one takes you out of your daily life and into the gloomy world of THX 1138 - awesome.

gavin6942 Set in the 25th century, the story centers around a man and a woman who rebel against their rigidly controlled society.George Lucas is, of course, best known for "Star Wars", and some also know him as the man behind "American Graffiti". They may not know this film. Of course, it is no secret that he puts references to "THX 1138" in other works, but how many people have actually seen this film? It is interesting to see that, right out of the gate, he had some great names working with him. Donald Pleasance and Robert Duvall as actors. Francis Ford Coppola as his executive producer. Sid Haig, Lalo Schlafin. This is all-star from beginning to end, and it is a shame that so few people really seem to know about it.

Python Hyena THX 1138 (1971): Dir: George Lucas / Cast: Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasence, Maggie McOmie, Don Pedro Colley, Ian Wolfe: Stunning masterpiece set in the 25th century. Futuristic film regards the identity of the hero, reducing people to physical structures. Digits replace personality and brands people as products. Mankind exists in underground cities patrolled by robots with humans controlled by drugs that cease passion. Reduction introduces intimacy and a need to escape. Impressive debut by director George Lucas with astonishing visuals and art direction, plus an effective use of sound. Superb performance by Robert Duvall who seeks to escape the slavery of mind control and reintroduce passion into life. Maggie McOmie gets involved with him sexually, which is rediscovered and treasured. Donald Pleasence counsels Duvall and together discuss their state and the potential for opportunity. Don Pedro Colley plays a hologram that is featured throughout. Other roles are not very broad or at least lose focus to the visual elements. With its exquisite art direction and visual appeal one could easily compare it to 2001: A Space Odyssey but Lucas takes it a step further with broader characters and a stronger sense of purpose. It symbolizes the unfulfilling relationship between people and objects with our need for intimacy, purpose, and individuality. Score: 9 ½ / 10