Looker (1981)

Plastic surgeon Larry Roberts performs a series of minor alterations on a group of models who are seeking perfection. The operations are a resounding success. But when someone starts ... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Crichton

Writer:

Michael Crichton

Stars:

Albert Finney, James Coburn, Susan Dey

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Albert Finney	...	Dr. Larry Roberts
James Coburn	...	John Reston
Susan Dey	...	Cindy Fairmont
Leigh Taylor-Young	...	Jennifer Long
Dorian Harewood	...	Lieutenant Masters
Tim Rossovich	...	Moustache Man
Darryl Hickman	...	Dr. Jim Belfield
Kathryn Witt	...	Tina Cassidy
Terri Welles	...	Lisa Convey
Michael Hawkins	...	Senator Robert Harrison (as Michael Gainsborough)
Ashley Cox	...	Candy
Donna Kei Benz	...	Ellen (as Donna Benz)
Catherine Parks	...	Jan
Terry Kiser	...	Commercial Director
Georgann Johnson	...	Cindy's Mother

Storyline

Plastic surgeon Larry Roberts performs a series of minor alterations on a group of models who are seeking perfection. The operations are a resounding success. But when someone starts killing his beautiful patients, Dr. Roberts becomes suspicious and starts investigating. What he uncovers are the mysterious - and perhaps murderous - activities of a high-tech computer company called Digital Matrix.

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Plot Keywords:

cyberpunk | global positioning satelite | television set | digital | commercial | 

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Taglines:

If looks could kill...

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 October 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

As Belas São Assassinadas

Filming Locations:

Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$3,282,232

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Ladd Company, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A soundtrack album was available as a promotional item by Warner Bros. Records, but it was never given an official release.

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Goofs

During a car chase, Dr. Roberts gets hypnotized by the Looker gun. When he comes to, his car is in the fountain, with the well base being significantly taller than the clearance height of his car and no obvious damage to either the car or the fountain.

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Quotes

John Reston: Television can control public opinion more effectively than armies of secret police, because television is entirely voluntary. The American government forces our children to attend school, but nobody forces them to watch T.V. Americans of all ages *submit* to television. Television is the American ideal. Persuasion without coercion. Nobody makes us watch. Who could have predicted that a *free* people would voluntarily spend one fifth of their lives sitting in front of a *box* with pictures? ...

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Alternate Versions

The broadcast television version contains additional footage, including a scene where Reston (James Coburn) explains to Dr. Roberts (Albert Finney and Cindy ('Susan Dey') why Digital Matrix had the "perfect" models killed.

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Connections

Featured in Room 237 (2012)

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Soundtracks

High Wire
Music and Lyrics by Barry De Vorzon and Mike Towers (as Michael Towers)
Performed by Sue Saad

User Reviews

Fascinating, prophetic film featuring all of Susan Dey!

Mr. Friedman's review says it all. I loved this film when I first saw it and have never forgotten it. The premise includes the notion that, one day, it will be possible for computers to create lifelike images of real people. 20 yrs. later, we're still working on it, but close. Haven't seen it in a long time but remember it was dramatic and well executed. And yes, I'd personally see this film again just for that scene of Susan Dey's gorgeous bod being turned on a pedestal, being laser scanned into a computer.