But then, I've never heard an argument against Star Wars that came off convincingly as anything but reactionary pretentiousness. Regardless, the sheer lack of any excitement, philosophical intrigue, or heartful connectivity in THX makes it hard to regard as a visionary film of any particular merit. So to stave off boredom, you're unquestionably better off sitting through it as a trainspotter for its proto-Star Wars elements. Though brilliantly photographed and well-acted, THX is painfully slow, and unfortunately lacks the intellectual ingenuity of 2001, its clear inspiration. And since the film operates entirely from its brain, the dearth of new ideas is a real failure. As for the few foreshadowings of Star Wars, you get an early concept of C-3PO, some Stormtrooper-like policemen (who look more like Destro from "G.I. Joe," by way of Maniac Cop, than Stormtroopers), and Lucas's initial forays with midgets and holograms. There's some holographic softcore porn, for what that's worth. Though the opening scene uses old footage from a "Buck Rogers" serial, the film itself is the anti-"Buck Rogers." Robert Duvall plays THX 1138, who lives in a society where sex and emotion are banned, and citizens must consume a controlled drug regimen to remain docile. THX stops taking his medication, falls in love, impregnates his equally bald girlfriend, and then must suffer the consequences. Most of the "action" consists of Duvall being interrogated by various people (including a bald Donald Pleasance … interestingly, most of the cast seems to have later gone genuinely bald) in a white room. The last bit quickens the pace with Duvall running to freedom (same idea as Logan's Run, which was, surprisingly, less boring), but it can't be said that things ever really get beyond a tedious simmer … it's a pot that never comes to a boil (assuming I haven't mixed enough metaphors already). Worth a look for the devoted Lucas fan, but nothing you'll want to suffer twice. More American Graffiti probably preferable.
Review by |