THX 1138 (1971)

In the twenty-fifth century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly controlled society.

Director:

George Lucas

Writers:

George Lucas (story by), George Lucas (screenplay by)

Stars:

Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasence, Don Pedro Colley

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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 Cagen	...	IMM (as Irene Forrest)
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

Storyline

It's sometime in the future in a state controlled society, where conformity and homogeneity are the rule. What is also the rule is that the populace follows the wants of the faceless state without question. How this is achieved is through a mandatory drug regimen, which also suppresses human desire, with sexual intercourse and human relationships banned. The law of the state is policed by a force of robocops. The physical environment is totally within a manufactured enclosure, what being outside of this unknown. THX 1138 is a loyal subject, he who goes about his business as a skilled factory working building robocops. And even when he begins to have strange feelings, he does what is obliged by going to the state run confessional, which further brainwashes through its reinforced mantra of happiness, loyalty and understanding. THX 1138 is given a glimpse into the other side through his computer matched and thus appointed female roommate, LUH 3417, and her surveillance colleague SEN 5241...

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | escape | factory | underground city | roommate | 

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Taglines:

Visit the future where love is the ultimate crime.

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 March 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

THX-1138

Filming Locations:

One Maritime Plaza, Financial District, San Francisco, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$777,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$2,437,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Zoetrope, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min 88 min (director's cut) 81 min (1971 Studio Theatrical Cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The fetus that receives LUH's name has the designation number 66691.

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Goofs

During the chase scene at the end, it is shown on one monitor that the THX budget is 3,410 units over the budget of 14,000 units (24%). A voice had stated earlier that accounts are to be terminated when they exceed their original budget by 5%. When the account/chase is terminated, we hear a voice say that the THX project is 6% over budget, which would be 840 units, not 3,410.

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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...

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Crazy Credits

The Warner Bros. logo is preceded by a trailer for a Buck Rogers serial (or in early versions, a one-minute scene from Things to Come (1936)).

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Connections

Referenced in Star Wars: Republic Commando (2005)

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Soundtracks

Elevator Music
(uncredited)
from the Miracle in the Rain (1956) score
Composed by Franz Waxman

User Reviews

The future's so white you gotta wear shades

George Lucas made his feature film directorial debut with this dystopian sci-fi movie about a depressing conformist future where people are bald and not allowed to have sex. Robert Duvall and Maggie McOmie play the couple that does the horizontal mambo, which leads to trouble. Donald Pleasence has a fun supporting role. He was probably my favorite part of the whole movie. I could listen to that guy read the phone book. The special effects and sets were quite good for the time, particularly when one considers the limited budget. Unfortunately Lucas has seen fit to rape his own movie by adding terrible CGI effects decades later. The story is thin and I can't say I saw anything that impressive about it. I certainly don't hold the high opinion of the film other reviewers do. It's a little artsy for my tastes and quite often dull. The visuals are what makes it worth watching. Lots and lots of white on white. The climactic chase is the movie's highlight. But, again, look out for the shitty CGI.