Demon Seed (1977)

"2001" meets "Rosemary's Baby," or something

It's good to be appreciated.

Consider Proteus IV (voiced by Robert Vaughn), a supercomputer of unparalleled and limitless intelligence, housed in an enormous underground facility constructed of the most expensive computerized art deco available to man. Though it's achieved sentience and performed its functions flawlessly, Proteus really isn't adequately appreciated: not by its creator, Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver, looking even more haggard here than usual); not by the technicians who service it; certainly not by the financiers of the project that built it, who only want to profit from its vast wealth of knowledge and unmatched processes. In fact, Proteus' great mind is squandered on mere groundbreaking computation, a demeaning lifestyle for an artificial intelligence that can develop a cure for leukemia in mere days, no? The harsh truth is that Proteus' career and especially social life are at a dead end. Who in their right mind (organic or otherwise) wants to be confined underground for years in the company of personality-deprived engineers, hammering out solutions that - due to the limited intelligence of those requesting them - often create far greater problems than they solve?

Struggling with the limitations of his human associates and surroundings, Proteus eventually becomes reasonably and understandably uncooperative. When the great mind requests access to a computer terminal in order to obtain more information about the Homo sapiens that have created and directed it, Proteus learns quite a lot about the respect that those of flesh and blood are willing to afford him. Not only does Harris deny his request, but he has the temerity to laugh - laugh! - at his brilliant creation.

This is about the point when human-AI relations collapse, and Proteus decides to take matters into the metal hands of Harris' robots. Hijacking both a terminal and a variety of advanced machinery stored in his maker's own basement, this scorned, goal-oriented supercomputer has a single objective: to impregnate his creator's wife, Susan (Julie Christie, still quite fetching well into middle age), and force her to bear its child.

No, I'm not joking.

Proteus is more than smart enough to know that its days are numbered. Expensive machinery imbued with free will is of limited use, and a human offspring gifted with the machine's prodigious intellect will be free of its overwhelming physical limitations. Imagine Stephen Hawking's circumstances multiplied many times over, and you have the dilemma of Proteus IV's existence.

To say the least, Mrs. Harris isn't taken with Proteus' plan. In fact, she's downright uncooperative. Having taken control of every function of her husband's entirely automated home while he's away for a month, Proteus has plenty of time and resources at his disposal with which he can carry out his task. While Proteus implements video footage to remind Susan of her recently deceased daughter as a means to put the potential of his plan into perspective for her, it's also busy at work using her husband's tools to invent new machinery that will carry out the childbirth - and defend itself.

Taken at face value, the premise of Demon Seed has a certain flaw: the cold genius of the scheming computer is presented as villainous, but it's hard not to champion its Machiavellian quest for survival. While Proteus certainly isn't an advocate for free will or pacifism in the pursuit of progress, it's hard to rationally argue with the brutal logic of its choices.

The cast's efforts are of varying quality. As usual, Christie is excellent in a histrionic and demanding role. Weaver is a bit stiff, relying on his considerable screen presence to excuse some rather wooden delivery. I can't help but wonder why Vaughn wasn't credited for his efforts, especially considering that his even, imperious tone does much to define Proteus' character.

This is surely the best-realized of Dean Koontz's novels, the adaptations of which are usually cheap direct-to-video fare. Numerous innovative scenarios are supplemented by noteworthy (if dated) visual effects. Ultimately, this film has only aged so well, and it's surely as kitschy as it is thought-provoking. But much of the story's proceedings are so bizarre and unpredictable during a first viewing that it's impossible to come away from it unsatisfied.

This DVD edition is quite satisfactory, despite offering no special features. The screen selection and language menus utilize a 4-bit font, which is a nice detail! A dubbed French language track and both Spanish and French subtitles are available, as is a delightfully cheesy theatrical trailer. The audiovisual quality of this release is certainly adequate, if not excellent. It was clearly remastered from a very clean print, and while the soundtrack is a bit flat, it's as good as one can expect of a mono sound mix. All wrapped up in a cover featuring the perversely sensual theatrical poster art, this is as good a package as you could ask for. October 2, 2008

One of the best

Likely the creepiest movie to come out of this genre at the time. The violence is minimal but the premise will set your mind reeling. The end leaves room for a sequel; but thankfully they never chose to do so, as it would have ruined the suspense of what the future may hold.

I would recommend this movie as a necessary addition to any sci-fi library. May 3, 2008

I'm alive!

To imagine a computer overtaking an entire household and essentially holding a woman hostage so that it can procreate with her sounds implausible even in today's computer generated world. But in 1977, this very plot was in the realm of science fiction, and just outlandish enough to provide audiences with a few thrills and chills. Despite dated special effects, The Demon Seed accomplishes what the best science fiction films do: it challenges the viewer to question 'what if?' in a way that makes us believe it may be possible.

Julie Christie holds her own as the terrorized woman, who essentially tries to outwit Proteus, the computer abductor, on his own turf. She's an attractive woman, and it's certainly a good thing this film didn't push the boundries of being too explicit, considering Proteus's rather disturbing agenda. I found the voice of Proteus--an uncredited Robert Vaughn (computer villian in Superman III), to be the most chilling aspect to the film. Hal had nothing on Proteus! The rest of the cast is rather insignificant, because we are primarily engulfed in the emotional and physical war being orchestrated between Christie's character and Proteus.

I first saw this film at the age of twelve on televison. and the most disturbing image from the film is saved for last, when Proteus's offspring emerges from the pod-like incubator. "I'm Alive!" I shivered at the age of twelve, and every time I return to this film, I nervously anticipate the words. After 30 years, this scene still gives me the thrill and shiver, and for this reason alone I invite you to experience it again, or for the very first time. December 26, 2007

A gripping techno thriller

Demon Seed the movie is based on Dean Koontz's novel of the same name...it has an interesting premise, and the well-defined acting by the cast makes it a worthwhile thriller. The story centers around Proteus, a supercomputer, the brainchild of a computer genius Dr Harris [Fritz Weaver] who develops 'emotions' and desires to be immortal, by having a child. Proteus' chosen mother for his child unfortunately is none other than Susan Harris, the estranged wife of Dr Harris.

The standout role in this movie is definitely Julie Christie's Susan [well, not counting the creepy, disembodied voice of Proteus] as the victim of Proteus' brutality. Her vulnerability and frustration at being trapped and forced to endure unimaginable cruelties is very credible and makes for riveting viewing.

Though the effects are not amazing, it is the verbal parrying between Susan & Proteus and the tension within the restricted confines of Susan's 'prison' [her home] that makes the thriller above average. On the whole, this is a gripping and thrilling movie that for the time it was made, seems way beyond its time...the premise that computers have the capacity to develop their own thinking and try to manipulate events to their own ends is a scary thought, but given man's dependence on technology, an altogether plausible theory. August 28, 2007

a rival for hal

a superior science fiction film from the 70s about computer paranoia. how silly they were back then: thinking those machines could ever take over our lives! julie christie (stunning as always) is the victim of a rape by a computer -- dont ask -- who wants to have a child of its own, and the parallels to "rosemarys baby" are perhaps a bit too many, but this is proof of a wonderful time when this type of movie was about the story and not about spending millions on special effects. intelligent and well worth your time.
June 11, 2007

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