LOOKER (1981)

Written & Directed By: Michael Critchton
Cinematography By: Paul Lohmann
Editor: Carl Kress

CAST: Albert Finney, Susan Dey, James Coburn, Leigh Taylor-Young, Dorian Harewood, Terry Kiser, Vanna White

Plastic surgeon Larry Roberts performs a series of minor alterations on a group of models who are seeking perfection. The operations are a resounding success. But when someone starts killing his beautiful patients, Dr. Roberts becomes suspicious and starts investigating. What he uncovers are the mysterious - and perhaps murderous - activities of a high-tech computer company called Digital Matrix.

Another film I had heard about over the years and caught glimpses of on television. That I finally watched recently, of course the first thing you notice is how dated the film is even with it’s ideas of the future that are partly prophetic, but also ridiculous at the same time.

I like the fact that the film has Albert Finney’s character running but trying to get out of each situation without killing anyone. He injures many trying to escape though they are trying to kill him though in today’s action climate it feels false and ridiculous with constant chases until the end when killing is finally on the menu.

I am shocked to see so many recognizable stars though James Coburn who co-stars in the film has more of a extended cameo and Albert Finney is in almost each scene.

The film tells who the villain is right off there is no sense of mystery. Just getting the whole conspiracy explained to you.

The film has 2 really good moments when Albert Finney is knocked into the wall through a window which stylistically is amazing. The second is when Susan Dey is on the run, Goes to her parents house for a visit. She is looking at them like she will never see them again. They are thinking it’s only a visit. So they express joy, but will catch up after they finish watching television. It’s the only time in the film a true emotion seems to cut through all the artifice.

Michael Crichton not only used to write best sellers with a sci-fi edge, but in the 70’s and 80’s seemed to have a deep relationship with Hollywood. Writing and directing a handful of films. Not only this one, but RUNAWAY with Tom Selleck and WESTWORLD. What all these films have in common is not only forward thinking, but style. They all of course are dated by now. Though they are supposed to be set in the future. They seem to have a certain lack of color and have a blandness, but also a disconnection that makes them seem so far off from reality. It’s like they take place in another world. It feels like a total movie the type that are satire in Hollywood on Hollywood films. They feel ineffectual to a point. I don’t know if this is supposed to be on purpose since it is sci-fi, but set in modern times.

I know the film is a slight satire on television and advertisement. Though it kind of predicts subliminal messages though a bit more extreme and more visceral then audio.

It’s not thrilling watching fight and action scenes that instead of shots or punches fired . Seems to go out of it’s way to have no Violence . I mean in one scene Finney fires a gun that distracts the henchmen chasing him and firing guns.

I can give credit and take into account when the film was made, but made at anytime I think it would still be disappointing.

Skip It

GRADE: D