Rating: R
Genre:
Horror
Release Date: 10/04/2005
SubTitles: English/French/Espanol
Dubbed: English/French
Sound: DD1
Run Time: 94 Minutes
Flags: Violence, Brief Nudity, Nudity, Adult Situations, Rape & Sexual Abuse, Not For Children
Distributor/Studio: Warner Home Video
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.
~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
;)
