THX 1138

Before the famous "Star Wars" franchise turned him into a giant, director George Lucas created "THX 1138," a bizarre picture that is almost similar to a Russian picture due to its minimalism and philosophical depth. It also displays the same weaknesses that plagued Lucas throughout the production of the Star Wars original trilogy: he has an incredible imagination, but he cannot construct an emotionally engaging plot without assistance. But that is not a criticism for “THX 1138”; actually, the fact that Lucas's first film is about an emotionless world is quite advantageous and suits his strengths.

Even when Robert Duvall - the main character - is not on the drugs that keep his life under the line, there is no profound connection. The world he lives in is full of sexual activity and aggression, but little affection. Religion has a role to play here, as a remote and mechanical warning against sin. The real-world chapel is redesigned with a large image of Jesus and rechristened OMM. A sight of a lizard crawling through the mechanism that controls the people implies that nature is gradually reclaiming everything it has bestowed upon us, and that no one appreciates what THX has had to say.

Even the conclusion of the film is a metaphor for brutality. THX manages to evade the robot policemen and escape into the sunlight, but that is only because the expense to catch him exceeds the budgeted amount of the government. In the universe of "THX 1138," nobody truly cares about everything, and the fate of these free people is unclear. Maybe they are finally free, but lack the capability to appreciate that freedom. Aren't we all?

Year of Release: 1971

Stars: Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasence, Don Pedro Colley

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%