The Terminal Man (1974)

Hoping to cure his violent seizures, a man agrees to a series of experimental microcomputers inserted into his brain but inadvertently discovers that violence now triggers a pleasurable response his brain.

Director:

Mike Hodges

Writers:

Michael Crichton (novel), Mike Hodges

Stars:

George Segal, Joan Hackett, Richard Dysart

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Segal	...	Harry Benson
Joan Hackett	...	Dr. Janet Ross
Richard Dysart	...	Dr. John Ellis
Donald Moffat	...	Dr. Arthur McPherson
Michael C. Gwynne	...	Dr. Robert Morris
William Hansen	...	Dr. Ezra Manon
Jill Clayburgh	...	Angela Black
Norman Burton	...	Det. Capt. Anders
James Sikking	...	Ralph Friedman
Matt Clark	...	Gerhard
Jim Antonio	...	Richards
Gene Borkan	...	Benson's Guard
Burke Byrnes	...	Benson's Guard
Jordan Rhodes	...	Questioner No. 1
Dee Carroll	...	Night Nurse

Storyline

As the result of a head injury, brilliant computer scientist Harry Benson begins to experience violent seizures. In an attempt to control the seizures, Benson undergoes a new surgical procedure in which a microcomputer is inserted into his brain. The procedure is not entirely successful.

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Plot Keywords:

seizure | violence | epilepsy | helicopter | brain implant | 

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Taglines:

Harry Benson is a brilliant computer scientist. For three minutes a day, he is violently homicidal.

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Genres:

Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 February 1975 (Finland)

Also Known As:

Aivoryöstö

Filming Locations:

Ennis-Brown House - 2655 Glendower Avenue, Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film never had a UK cinema release.

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Quotes

[small peephole opens in door to what appears to be a solitary confinement room from the inside POV; first man's eye is seen peering in]
1st man behind door: He's quiet now.
[moves aside, a second man's eye appears]
2nd man behind door: What's his name?
1st man behind door: Benson.
2nd man behind door: Looks okay to me. What's wrong with him?
1st man behind door: Ahh, he's bananas.
2nd man behind door: When's he going out?
1st man behind door: In the morning
[closes peephole]

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Connections

Features Them! (1954)

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Soundtracks

"Goldberg Variation No. 25"
By Johann Sebastian Bach
Played by Glenn Gould
Courtesy Columbia Records

User Reviews

Much better than given credit for

This is a superior film with brilliant set design and costuming. From the sterility of the Hospital (known only as "Babel" from the subtly placed and nearly invisible emblems), to the mind-numbing anonymity of the staff uniforms, few films are as well dressed as this. Only the dissenting staff, Dr's Ross and Manon, show any hint of individuality in their work apparel. Ironically it is Benson the patient, supposedly insane, who displays the most humanity of all, with the possible exception of Dr. Ross. Segal was brilliant, and severely under-utilized in the film. Perhaps the filmmakers thought it necessary to de-emphasize Benson, in order to illustrate the dehumanization of the hospital and its staff. But a bit more contrast could have been provided IMO. Still, the film is excellent nonetheless.

Today's audiences however, with their short attention spans, will likely be permanently disappointed. To those who complain that this film is "slow" (and they are legion); I would say to either learn some patience, or simply avoid the film and go back to watching action/adventure.

While made in the early 1970's, it is highly relevant to today's world as well. Replace the "wires in the brain" with today's over-prescribed Ritalin, SSRI's, and other similar drugs, and you will see the point.

This is an excellent movie which deserves to be on DVD, with commentary by Crichton, Hodges and/or Segal. They are all still with us as of 4/2008 (Sadly Ms. Hackett is not). The sooner the better.