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

2 wins & 3 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:

low budget sci fi movie | pessimism | technology | character name as title | androgyny | 

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Taglines:

A Love Story Filmed on Location in the 21st Century

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film was made as a result of George Lucas' student film short project at USC, Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138 4EB (1967). Having won significant praise and attention for what was, at the time, an unconventional short, Lucas was given the opportunity to direct a feature-length version starring Robert Duvall, produced by his mentor Francis Ford Coppola under his newly formed production company "American Zoetrope." "Zoetrope" was a financial failure, as was this movie, but the attention was enough to win Lucas the opportunity to make "American Graffiti (1973)," the success of which paved the way for the opportunity to make "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)."

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Goofs

When THX has his first scene with SEN, an unseen woman asks SEN for his badge and he hands it to her. Just a minute later, as SEN follows THX, the badge is back on.

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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

Credits roll down instead of up.

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Alternate Versions

The 2004 "George Lucas Director's Cut" contains several updated and CGI- expanded sequences:

• The mosaic at the beginning of the film has been color treated and looks more like a bank of monitors.
• The droid factory at the start of the film has been greatly expanded with CGI and we see much more detail of the creation of droids.
• Many shots of the "city" have been greatly expanded with much more detail.
• Several corridors in the film have been extended with more people.
• The "Mind Lock" sequence has been updated and now has much more shots of the droids being created and new eye effects on Robert Duvall.
• There is a never-before-seen shot of the police station.
• The train scenes at the end have been expanded with more special effects.
• The car chase scene is longer and more intense, with more CGI.
• THX is attacked by new CGI shell dwellers at the end on his way out.

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Connections

Referenced in Films Under Constant Critique: Star Wars (1977) (2019)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

serious, adult sc-fi

Nameless man lives in an oppressive future society where behavior is controlled by mandatory drugs. Minimal budget, acting, dialog and special effects more than compensated by astute direction and soundtrack integration. Superior to "ZPG" (1972) and "Logan's Run" (1976). Viewers may also enjoy "Gattaca" (1997). (Rating: A-minus)

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

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$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