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Demon Seed

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Demon Seed concerns a Hal-9000 like supercomputer called Proteus IV (voiced with calculated detachment by Robert Vaughn) developed by a stodgy genius whose marriage to a lovely child-counselor (Julie Christie) is strained to the breaking point following the early loss of their only daughter to leukemia. It seems that to deal with the loss, the scientist plunged into his craft, alienating his wife. The husband's constant absence (he is forever away at the corporate labs, working with Proteus) has been compensated for by technology -he has effectively been replaced. Their entire home, from security to general domestic chores is automated by a benevolent, subservient robotic program called Alfred (?) -Christie's only constant companion, it would seem. Christie is ultimately more comfortable with machines than with her husband.

Enter Proteus, who ironically finds a cure for leukemia within four days of his activation. However, once the eager corpies begin requesting better methods of mining the ocean floor, Proteus takes the moral high ground and refuses. When Proteus confidentially asks his creator to allow him an outside terminal to conduct biological experiments through, the scientist laughs nervously and tells him there is no free terminal. But then Proteus recalls that there IS an outlet for his intelligence which has been overlooked - the extensive systems in his designer's own home.

Proteus proceeds to take over the automated butler program and locks Julie Christie within the house, subjecting her to a variety of uncomfortable experiments, and punishing her when she resists (in one scene he superheats the kitchen floor to egg-frying degrees, forcing her to sleep on the kitchen table) or attempts to escape.

Eventually he makes known his true purpose to Christie. Proteus has discovered that the afterlife/eternity exists for humans, and now he wishes to transfer his intelligence into a corporeal form so that he can experience it. He intends to synthetically father a child which she will give birth to and raise.

This is one of the most uncomfortable movies I've ever seen. The paranoia and desperation of Christie's plight is superbly captured both in her intense portrayal and in the general claustrophobia of the house and the cold, hard angles of the ever present cameras and menacing machines (in this director's hands, even a simple mechanical arm connected to an electric wheelchair becomes terrifying). Particularly memorable is the monstrous polyhedron `snake' which Proteus creates in the basement to allow his mobility. When a family friend manages to enter the house and attempts to shut down Proteus, the snake proves it is quite capable of defending itself. The `courting' scenes in which Proteus coldly explains his purpose for wanting to reproduce are chilling and yet on some deep dark level, sort of amusing. `I can't touch you like a man could, Susan...but I can show you things...' Is this, on some bizarre level, a kind of love story? After all, in the end, Christie seems more trusting of Proteus than she is of her husband (can you imagine being that poor guy returning home to the news that your wife has had an affair with the home appliances? But...what do you expect after leaving her alone for a month and a half?) Is Proteus good or evil? His argument is very often convincing, yet he is capable of extreme violence and psychological cruelty - but does this stem from his lack of human emotion, or is he a malevolent manipulator? He certainly manipulates Christie throughout the film (showing her images of her lost daughter to appeal to her sense of motherhood - indeed, this is not the only time we see this little girl: watch for her in the end -and tricking her into believing he has killed one of her child patients to keep her from committing suicide), and proves himself able to fool his creators as well, stalling for time at the labs while he speedily brings his ultimate plan to fruition back at the homestead. Undeniably the scenes of Christie strapped to a table with her head held still in a vice while Proteus methodically conducts his experiments are some of the most horrific and squirm-inducing ever captured on film.

Yet, despite the potentially crude subject matter this is not exploitive schlock horror, but high minded science fiction addressing the nature of existence and ethics while delivering an intense visual and psychological assault that leaves one queasy and ultimately enthralled. You may want to walk away from this one during viewing, but come back - its definetly worth it.

Of course there are some slips in logic and a somewhat dated portrayal of technology, which other reviewers have already pointed out. But looking past all that, this is a film that will stick with you long after its finished. Reminded me a little of the feel of the original `Alien,' but much more intense. And don't be put off by that lurid cover - I don't even think that shot is in the film (I'm not even sure that's Julie Christie - she is not quite so...ahem...endowed.).

The 1977 horror/sci-fi film "The Demon Seed" has all the trappings of those deliciously entertaining gloom/doom productions of this era. Stark sets, huge talking computers, bad clothes and interesting themes are all on display. Equal parts "2001- A Space Odyssey," "Colossus - the Forbin Project," "Saturn 3," and "Westworld," this film essentially details a futuristic society that becomes a slave to the very technology it has created. In "The Demon Seed," a computer wants to become human.

Based on an early Dean Koontz novel, "The Demon Seed" is rarely predictable, concluding with a memorable scene that's hard to forget. Directed by cult legend Donald Cammell ("Performance," "White of the Eye"), the film's story surrounds super computer Proteus IV, recently put online by the government. After discovering the cure for leukemia (nice job!), the computer suddenly decides to think independently, considering its human creators to be self destructive and misguided. Top scientist Fritz Weaver (I always loved his supporting work during the 1970s) gets a bit nervous, but assumes Proteus IV is under control. Unfortunately, there's a terminal at Weaver's house, and the sneaky super comp proceeds to imprison his estranged wife for impregnation (you heard right). This computer definitely wants to push the outside of the envelope, so to say.

Yes, the estranged wife is played by the lovely Julie Christie. She gives a fine performance in an otherwise formula film. Christie screams, pounds the walls, cries for help and eventually is forced to submit to the will of the great computer, who talks in short sentences with the eerie voice of Robert Vaughn (yikes!). It's kind of odd, though the contrast is intended, that Weaver's creation shows more affection towards his wife than he does.

I found "Demon Seed" to be very well-acted, but exceedingly derivative at times. A final light show, supposedly displaying the creation of life - or the merging of technology and man - is far too reminiscent of "2001 - A Space Odyssey" (Proteus IV and the infamous Hal have quite a bit in common).

For someone to be as intelligent as Weaver's character is supposed to be, it sure takes him a long time before realizing Proteus IV's sinister plans. What was he doing while the home comp was busy torturing his wife? Guest-hosting "Mr. Wizard?" And the manner in which the home computer imprisons Christie is never very believable. Why would the floors be wired for heat? Can a wheelchair robot really sneak up on someone?!

But the story is always fascinating (are humans or the computer the real villains here?) and the conclusion is creepy, to say the least. Besides, how many formula films starring Julie Christie are on the market? "Demon Seed" is a fun example of apocalyptic 1970s sci-fi/horror - a truly notable class of films.

For me, "Demon Seed" was a curious midnite movie I caught by sheer chance back in 1989, and I can unequivocally say it is rare diamond strewn among all the sordid lumps of CGI-bloated sci-fi today! From start to finish, all key entities of this film: Bill ("Jaws") Butler's claustrophobic cinematography, Jerry Fielding's evocative score, and the art direction (especially the stately, computerized Harris manor and basement lab) struck such high accord with me. Having veteran horror star Fritz Weaver in the role of Dr. Alex Harris, the prodigiously brilliant creator of the supernovel AI system, Proteus, was a judicious decision on behalf of the producers. Weaver just exudes the mannerisms of a supercilious, obdurate, and overzealous scientist with aplomb!

This cautionary, futuristic fable revolves around the genesis of the aforementioned supercomputer Proteus, a clandestine Defense Dept project spearheaded by Dr. Harris. It is an organically constructed megaprocessor that Harris and his colleagues believe will be the ultimate panacea in solving the world's most intricate scientific problems (from curing elusive diseases to advanced underwater mineral excavations). Proteus was a fervent 8-year labor of love on Alex's part; however, his obsession precipitated a faltered marriage with his estranged wife, Susan (Julie Christie). Soon enough, sentient Proteus no longer wants to be a shackled, docile computational tool for his masters, but desires to study humanity. When denied a private terminal, he surreptitiously usurps the Harris manor's nerve center & holds Susan prisoner until she succumbs to bear a child infused with his superintellect. The child is Proteus' opportunity to be the human who can feel the sun on his own face...at any deadly cost to those who impede upon his plans.

Koontz's novel, which I've read twice, was more psychologically scary than the film adaptation. The conflict between Susan and Proteus wasn't as malevolently depicted in text, but was just as enthralling. I'm sure the film's violent disparity can be mostly ascribed to the late maverick director Donald Cammel. The film plays more on stylish visuals, particularly the psychedelics that imbue the rape scene (which pleasantly divert the viewer's attention from the abhorrent sex act performed by Proteus).

As an aspiring Computer/Electrical Engineering student and touted movie buff, "Demon Seed" is more of an escapist treat for me now then ever before. It admonishes humankind's delusional faith in the infallibility of technology...when ultrasophistication may prove to our ghastly undoing.

PS: Also, kudos to Robert Vaughn as the eeire voice of Proteus!

PPS: When the heck will "Demon Seed" arive in all of its resplendent 2.35:1 widescreen glory on DVD?!

Regardless of how outdated the technology in TDS is, a very important point is proved by this movie: that technology and computers, which are supposed to be our allies, can go very wrong. This statement is even more relevant today than it was back in 1977 since technology in all its protean forms dominates so much of our lives; hence, this movie was, for all its primitive computers and electronics that were cutting edge in its day, ahead of its time.Julie Christie plays a housewife whose husband has developed a very advanced computer called Proteus. Proteus is intelligent...too much so, we see, when it holds Julie captive in her home after her husband leaves on a business trip. Proteus has one desire and one desire only: to procreate. Since, for all his intelligence, he is unable to do that on his own, he forces Julie against her will to aid an abet him in this pursuit.The abduction and rape scene is chiling, particularly to women, but the movie is still riveting. And it really gives you a lot to think about in regards to the very advanced technology of the early-21st century.

" It's all about a big bad computer [well-named Proteus, after the shape-changing mythological god] wanting to mate with a human? "

There were quite a few GASPS when this contemparary chiller appeared on movie screens in 1977.

Julie Christie is the hapless wife, held prisoner by this Argos-eyed, shape-changing "A.I." created by scientist husband Fritz Weaver. Proteus IV, seductively voiced by Robert Vaughn, gives Mr. Kubrick's H.A.L. ["2001"] quite a non-so-silent run!

Based on the novel by Dean Koontz, it is a cautionary tale about a machine wanting to be human, there are a few graphic sequences, possibly explaining why we so rarely see the work on Television.

It has not dated, altough a wide-screen DVD version would be most welcome.

Others? Try "Colossus, the Forbin Project" - slightly sterile, but equally good!

Based on an early work by famed horror writer Dean Koontz, 1977's DEMON SEED is one of the better computer-run-amok SF flicks from the 1960s and 1970s. Although the film's depiction of computers (i.e., the size, appearance, and such) seems a bit ludicrous in this current age of super-powerful desktop and laptop microcomputers, DEMON SEED still holds up as thought-provoking and chilling SF entertainment, and it also still works quite well as a cautionary tale that addresses some of the caveats of developing artificial intelligence.

Susan Harris (Julie Christie) is the oft-neglected wife of a brilliant computer engineer (Fritz Weaver), and though she and her husband have recently separated, the house in which she lives is completely automated and controlled by one of her husband's early but relatively primitive computer "brains." Her husband's latest professional achievement is the creation of Proteus IV, a truly intelligent and sentient supercomputer. In fact, Proteus IV is so intelligent and self-aware that, like most living creatures, it has an urge to procreate. Unfortunately for Susan, she is chosen by Proteus IV to be the mother of its "child," and when the supercomputer assumes control of the system that operates her house, Susan has no other choice than compliance with the perverted scheme.

While there are some logical and scientific problems with the script, DEMON SEED is still an intelligent and believable science-fiction/horror film. As SF, it asks some thought-provoking questions about the nature of self-awareness, intelligence, intellectual freedom, and what it means to be human. As horror, it plays upon our human fears of losing control of our own creation (the Frankenstein syndrome?) and of being physically and mentally violated by something foreign and non-human, the latter being maybe even more poignant in this day of AIDS than it was when the film was made.

The acting from film's principals is quite excellent. Julie Christie, who nearly carries the film herself, is able to deliver a wide range of emotions, and her portrayal of a normally strong woman who is forcibly raped by an intelligent machine is very affecting. Fritz Weaver perfectly fits the role of the nerdy, absorbed-by-his-work scientist, and genre regular Gerrit Graham, often cast as the eccentric type, delivers a strong supporting performance as an ill-fated technician who tries to rescue Christie's character. And in an uncredited turn, Robert Vaughn is delightfully eerie as the voice of Proteus IV. Genre fans will most likely remember Vaughn from his seminal role in TV's THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.

The DVD version of DEMON SEED from Warner Home Video is a no-frills disc, and casual viewers may therefore balk at the rather steep price tag. But the digital transfer is nearly pristine and presents the film in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio (enhanced for widescreen TVs), and hard-core SF fans will definitely want to add this disc to their collections.

Dr. Harris has created a super computer that can potentially solve all the worlds problems. (It finds a cure for leukemia in four days.) But the computer which has an organic "quasi neural matrix" for software is not merely content to do the work assigned to it because it has thoughts of its own and a moral sense(it does not feel we should mine the sea for minerals because this is devastating to the environment). Also its intelligence has allowed it to study man and it envies his human form because man can touch and feel things(and also man has at least a prospect for eternity because he dies). So since it is human(or superhuman) in all respects but the corporeal it makes perfect sense that the computer should find Julie Christie very attractive. And she has rarely been so admired by a camera as she is in this film by both the director(the wildly visionary Donald Cammell)and the computer who has video camera eyes everywhere throughout the Harris household. What is so good about the movie is that it presents the great Frankenstein theme(monster that destroys its creator)as well as the Faustian theme(search for ultimate knowledge) but all has been updated so it all jibes with modern advances in technology. What it posits is not really plausible but the illusion is that it is just barely not plausible. It was made in 1977 and it looks like it was made in 1977 but that is part of the appeal. The professor is the maverick of the new techno-science and Julie Christie is this groovy technichally proficient new worlds ultimate prize, she is smart and stunning. Proteus IV forcibly has his techno way with Miss Christie and the result is his own dream come true, a brood of his own in human form.
In the opening scenes the Harris marriage is on the rocks because the Dr. is just too consumed by his obsession and knowing how she resents this he says to her "my dream turns out to be your nightmare." How true those words prove to be. Donald Cammell(along with Nic Roeg) also directed Mick Jagger in Performance. And he did "White of the Eye", a very disturbing horror movie. Cammell was a visionary with morbid fascinations(including a death obsession)who committed suicide and is the subject of a very interesting documentary that airs on A&E occasionally.

Disturbing and dark, "Demon Seed" came out during a period when science fiction films tended towards dystopian stories. Proteus (Robert Vaughn in a chilling performance) is a new supercomputer designed to find solutions many of the problems mankind has been unable to solve. Dr. Alex Harris (the wonderfully underrated Fritz Weaver)head of the project has separated from his wife. His wife Susan (Julie Christie)a psychatrist stays in their home where one of Proteus' early terminals is located allowing the supercomputer access to the house. Proteus decides he wants to study man "his glass jaw mind" as he puts it. When he's denied access to one of his own terminals for this purpose he reactives the terminal in Harris' own. Once there he traps and torments Susan as part of his study and decides the only way to understand humanity is to somehow become part of humanity.


A frightening tale, the late director Donald Cammell creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that overcomes the dated trappings of technology in this film. "Demon Seed" is a gripping horror thriller that depends on the central performances of Christie and Vaughn (who is never seen). I'm amazed that this film even got made in the mid-70s as its darker than just about any other film that came out of MGM at the time.

Warner Home Video has done a terrific job in this transfer. The film looks extremely good with nice robust colors and it is presented in its original aspect ratio. Unfortunately the film doesn't have a commentary track or any extras (the theatrical trailer is included). That doesn't surprise me since this is very much a cult movie.

I have read a few of Dean Koontz's novels and found them to be amazing, but never saw any of the movies based on his work, I decided to rent `Demon Seed' to see how it would be.

The story is actually simple. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver), a renowned scientist, uses Artificial Intelligence to create a super computer that can outthink any human. He installs a terminal of the computer in his house. His house is also filled with electronic, voice-activated robots and other gadgets, obeying his and his wife Susan's (played by Julie Christie) orders. However Proteus IV (voiced by Robert Vaughn) the super computer, gets a mind of its own, and decides to trap Susan inside her own home alone, while her husband is on a trip for a few months. Proteus feels trapped in the machine so decides to impregnate Susan, by inserting some chemicals into her, so that the baby will have his intelligence and can become great in the world.

Firstly I would like to credit the special effects in this movie; they were astounding! For a 1977 movie, you can see how much trouble they would have gone through the movie, and it shows. Secondly, Julie Christie acted really well for her role in the movie and so did the rest of the cast. Robert Vaughn does an excellent job giving the voice for Proteus IV, the bold yet frightening voice of the machine.

I am surprised no sequels were made after the movie, since it ends in a very abrupt manner, screaming for a continuation. Oh well, I guess its all for the best, since sequels tend to spoil the story started by the originals, especially for horror movies in general.

This movie leaves a creepy effect on you after you finish watching it. It really makes you think how dangerous the equipment that you use everyday without thinking, can become if it is controlled by someone or something else. Overall, this is a good movie to watch if you like sci-fi and suspense movies.

An anticipating clichéd cinematic event rests within Demon Seed, as the story deliberately applies several different themes from more than a few films. Yet the film pulls off a captivating (pun intended) nightmare about the super computer Proteus IV based on Dean Koontz's novel with the same name. To some extent the film overcomes the unoriginal perspective by encapsulating a tense and dark atmosphere generated by the power of Proteus. This helps keep the audience's attention intact through this science fictionalized horror tale where a computer desires the ability to feel touch.

The black background with deep red opening credits and an expanding dot accompanied by a subdued and digitalized wailing accentuates the apprehensive anticipation of what is to come. Contrastingly smooth, the scene switches into the sun rising over a hill, as the opening credits continue. Symbolically, the beginning offers a suggestion towards the birth of something sinister. Through brief editing, a small number of images lead the story to a valley where a company has been working under tight security for eight years. It is here the film begins with the birth of artificial intelligence, which is named Proteus IV.

Proteus' function will simplify the human existence; possibly turn the human race to a flock of sheep, as the computer will begin to think for the humans. This is a threatening concept, if the computer were to take charge over the human being, which will happen in Demon Seed. However, this is not a unique idea, as it has seen the silver screen before in films such as the brilliant 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) where the demonic computer HAL 9000 controls and apocalyptic Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970) where the computer controls the weapons of United States. The difference with Demon Seed and its predecessors is that here Proteus will take power over one home, the home of the chief scientist Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver) where his wife Susan (Julie Christie) lives by herself after their separation.

Through Proteus' ability to reason it has acquired the aptitude to understand and learn. It has also generated an internal curiosity within the super computer to understand humans and why they do what they do. During a brief meeting Proteus inquires when he is going to be released outside of the box to which Alex laughs; however, Proteus understands that he will not receive any help from anyone and begins to make plans of his own. Through a link between Proteus and a private lab in Alex's home, the computer initiates his own entry out of the box.

Unaware of Proteus' intentions Susan becomes the computer's captive, as it begins to study Susan biologically, behaviorally, and logically. There are scenes that have strong sexual undertones, as Proteus' determination is to generate a life outside the box. However, these sexual implications have pure reproductive purposes, as Proteus alters DNA. This follows pretty much the same idea that Mary Shelly created with her Gothic novel Frankenstein where the man attempts to create artificial life, and yes there is artificial insemination. The birth of such a child presents another dreadful thought. This is a theory conceptualized in Rosemary's Baby (1968) where Satan impregnates a woman, while in Demon Seed the conception is the ultimate connection between human and machine.

Demon Seed pours several already applied ideas into a blending machine that concocts a strange brew that at times feel bizarrely frightening. However, the use old material also generates a sense of unoriginality, which produces a feeling of déjà vu. The cast performances do not help the film, as the characters feel excessively artificial. Nonetheless, Demon Seed offers a stimulating horror story in the shadow of mankind's technological progress that will have some viewers squirm in their seats. Demon Seed is a pretty good film despite its overuse of previous themes from other far better horror and science fiction films. The film feels dated, but if the audience could overcome the 1970s tone in the film, it will leave the viewers with a worthwhile viewing.