DEMON SEED (1977)

Directed By: Donald Campbell 
Written By: Robert Jaffe & Roger O. Hirson 
Based On The Novel By: Dean R. Koontz 
Cinematography By: Bill Butler 
Editor: Francisco Mazzola 


Cast: Julie Christie, Fritz Weaver, Gerrit Graham, Barry Kroeger, Lisa Lu 


A scientist creates Proteus--an organic super computer with artificial intelligence which becomes obsessed with human beings, and in particular the creators wife.

Considering that this was directed by Donald Campbell i was expecting this film to be a bit more stronger and noteworthy. Especially as it seem to be a film that I have heard about over the years in good terms.

While the film is filled with plenty of ideas. It comes across as atrocious and ridiculous. As obviously the director had faith in the power of technology and how far it could go even artificial intelligence. Demonstrated here quite early, but he also acknowledges power run amuck and of a sentient being that doesn't know the consequences of it's actions and lacks compassion. As it has been used as a tool and sergeant. So that the characters become too dependent. Though knowing it’s own limitations and that it is soon to be terminated wants it's legacy to live on.

Where half of the movie becomes more of a debate between the character and the professor character. The other half plays like a torture porn on Julie Christie and when there does manage to be a death it looks so fake and cheesy. It takes you right out of the film. Which makes the film more uncomfortable to watch and experience. As it feels more than necessary with no payoff as it doesn’t become more of a survival tale and no one really learns anything.

She deserves extra credit just for starting and signing up to be tortured so thoroughly on screen. I don't k ow if this was done intentionally to make the Audience feel shame for watching and considering this entertainment or on purpose so that we are so disgusted that we really want a coneuppance to come. And for her to survive.

This is one of theirs films where he does is correct, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe if it had been handled by a collaborator like Nicholas Roeg at least it could have been visually stunning and creepy. Where as here it feels like a kind of wanna be philosophical exploitation film.

As in Donald Campbell's other works it seem that part of his fascination in these films is that he seems to have a fetish in torturing his leading ladies on screen. Even if only it is a way to show them as survivors and how fought they are becoming. Successful after these ordeals. It does come off as disturbing time to time.


Grade: D+