THX 1138 (1971)

Director:

George Lucas

Writers:

George Lucas (story)
George Lucas (earlier screenplay)

Release Date:

11 March 1971 (USA)

Genre:

Sci-Fi | Drama

Tagline:

Visit the future where love is the ultimate crime.

Plot:

Set in the 25th century, the story centers around a man and a woman who rebel against their rigidly controlled society.

Plot Keywords:

Based On Comic | Number In Character's Name | Bizarre | Avant Garde | Remake

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Robert Duvall	...	THX
Donald Pleasence	...	SEN
Don Pedro Colley	...	SRT
Maggie McOmie	...	LUH
Ian Wolfe	...	PTO
Marshall Efron	...	TWA
Sid Haig	...	NCH
John Pearce	...	DWY
Irene Forrest	...	IMM
Gary Alan Marsh	...	CAM
John Seaton	...	OUE
Eugene I. Stillman	...	JOT
Jack Walsh	...	TRG (as Raymond J. Walsh)
Mark Lawhead	...	Shell Dweller
Robert Feero	...	Chrome Robot #1

Also Known As:

THX-1138 (USA) (alternative spelling)

MPAA:

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity. (2004 director's cut)

Runtime:

86 min | USA:88 min (director's cut)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Germany:12 | UK:X (original rating) | UK:15 (video rating) (1988-2003) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | UK:15 (video rating) (director's cut) (2004) | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Brazil:14 | South Korea:15 (director's cut) | Australia:PG | Canada:G (Quebec) | Finland:K-11 (2004 director's cut) | Iceland:Unrated | Italy:VM14 | Singapore:NC-16 | USA:GP (original rating) | USA:R (2004 director's cut)

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Company:

American Zoetrope

Trivia:

Shortly after THX steals a police car, and shortly before his fellow escapee crashes the one he tries to steal, you can hear someone on the radio say, "I think I ran over a wookie back there on the expressway."

Goofs:

David Ogden Stiers' last name is misspelled in the credits (as "Steers.")

Quotes:

[first lines]
Male voice (medicine cabinet): What's wrong?
THX 1138: Nothing. Nothing really. I just feel that I need something stronger.
Male voice (medicine cabinet): If you have a problem, don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
THX 1138: Yes, thank you, I'll be alright.
Male voice (medicine cabinet): Call 3485...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Sesame Street Presents: Follow that Bird (1985)

Soundtrack:

Elevator Music

A piece of art!

This movie truly is a piece of cinematic science-fiction art. People who say the last couple of years that George Lucas is a bad writer and director should be forced to go and watch this movie.

The movie is very artistic and therefor is not really that watchable for everybody. Fans of the science-fiction genre however will love this movie. Star Wars fans will also notice some subtle things and elements in this movie, that Lucas later used, mostly in "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope".

A lot of professional people were involved in this brilliant serious big movie debut by George Lucas. Producer Francis Ford Coppola, composer Lalo Schifrin, Walter Murch and actor Donald Pleasence. Robert Duvall plays the main part in the movie but he was a fairly unknown actor at the time. Donald Pleasence really was a wonderful actor and he shows that once more in this movie. Robert Duvall also really is excellent as the main character THX 1138.

The story really is secondary in this movie. It's all about the visuals. The special effects in this movie were also surprising good especially when considering that this movie was made in 1971.

The movie also knows to be tense at the right times and the end chase is pretty spectacular and nicely done.

I for one truly love this perfect piece of visual art. Not a movie for everyone though.

10/10