Demon Seed [Blu-ray]

Overview

Adapted from a lesser-known novel from SF/Horror author Dean R. Koontz, this claustrophobic thriller presents a computerized nemesis incorporating the murderous elements of 2001's HAL with the world-domination goal of the title villain in Colossus: The Forbin Project. Brilliant cybernetics expert Dr. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver) develops a revolutionary new supercomputer dubbed Proteus IV (voice of Robert Vaughn, uncredited) which is capable of almost human self-awareness and capacity for intellectual growth. Unfortunately for Alex and his wife Susan (Julie Christie), Proteus is also imbued with a very human desire to grow beyond the limitations of his own knowledge -- as well as to escape the isolation of the laboratory -- and taps into the home terminals of the Harris' high-tech dream house, in which he makes Susan a virtual prisoner. As she is put through a tortuous series of physical and mental tests, the Proteus mainframe takes severe steps to prevent any interference -- even resorting to the murder of Harris' assistant (Gerrit Graham). Susan's confusion eventually turns to dread when she begins to realize Proteus' true intentions... to evolve beyond mere circuitry and assume a human form by impregnating her with his "seed." Despite the lurid premise, this is probably the most conventional effort from controversial director Donald Cammell (Performance, Wild Side), and the film's theme of the computer's ominously pervasive role in human affairs -- in this case forcing its way into our bodies as well as our lives -- seems oddly prescient today. Christie's convincing performance makes the most of a role which has her shouting at the walls and ceiling for two-thirds of the movie.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/14/2017
UPC:	0888574474744
Original Release:	1977
Rating:	R
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Language:	English
Time:	1:34:00
Sales rank:	18,653

Special Features

Theatrical trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Julie Christie	Susan Harris
Fritz Weaver	Alex Harris
Gerrit Graham	Walter
Robert Vaughn	Computer's Voice
Berry Kroeger	Petrosian
John O'Leary	Royce
Larry J. Blake	Cameron,Cameron
Alfred Dennis	Mokri
Lisa Lu	Soon Yen
Dana Laurita	Amy
Davis Roberts	Warner,Warner
E. Hampton Beagle	Night Operator
Michael Glass	Technician
Barbara O. Jones	Technician
Monica MacLean	Joan Kemp
Georgie Paul	Housekeeper
Harold Oblong	Scientist
Michelle Stacy	Marlene
Tiffany Potter	Baby
Felix Silla	Baby
Ron Hays	Actor
Michael Dorn	Bit
Barry Kroger	Actor
Jerry Fielding	Composer

Technical Credits

Herb Jaffe

Roger O. Hirson

Donald Cammell	Director
Thomas L. Fisher	Special Effects
Herb Jaffe	Producer,Screenwriter
Roger O. Hirson	Screenwriter
Ron Hays	Special Effects
Jennifer Shull	Casting
Jerry Jost	Sound/Sound Designer
William McCaughey	Sound/Sound Designer

Editorial Reviews

The plot for Demon Seed might lead some viewers to expect a bizarre mixture of sci-fi and sexploitation, but the film itself is much more restrained and intelligent than one might think. The script does an above-average job of making its unusual premise believable and crafts a strong, genuinely intriguing female protagonist in Susan Harris. Julie Christie lives up to this demanding role with a carefully nuanced performance that makes her sympathetic, and Robert Vaughn also turns in some fine work with his subtly menacing voice characterization for Proteus IV. However, Demon Seed suffers some problems in the area of pacing. Donald Cammell's direction establishes a creepy, antiseptic "futuristic" atmosphere, but allows the film's midsection to meander with some overly intellectuallized conversations between Susan and Proteus IV. Despite this problem, the film recovers nicely for an ending that is equal parts The Twilight Zone and David Lynch-ish weirdness. To sum up, Demon Seed is too unusual and erratically paced for the average viewer, but hits a combination of intelligence and eccentricity that is bound to intrigue cult movie buffs.

All Movie Guide