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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sci-Fi For Adults, October 4, 2009
A computer scientist (George Segal) is in a car accident, and the resulting brain injury causes him to have sudden, violent seizures. When he assaults his wife, he is imprisoned. Now, he's a volunteer in an experimental new medical procedure that might end his rampages, with electrodes planted in his cerebral cortex that are supposed to control and ease his bad impulses. The operation seems to be a success at first, but--as in FRANKENSTEIN--there's a downside to playing God. The electrodes malfunction, and he escapes from his hospital room. He's at large in a big city, and it's a matter of time before he becomes uncontrollably violent again....
Michael Crichton's first novel, THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, was filmed in 1971 by master director Robert Wise (THE HAUNTING, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, etc.). Crichton's second book, THE TERMINAL MAN, was filmed in 1974 by Mike Hodges, a then-unknown British director who would go on to an interesting career (FLASH GORDON, CROUPIER, etc.). Hodges was obviously influenced by Wise's unusual approach to the scientific material--both directors have soft-spoken experts working in cold, sterile, white-on-white environments. Lots of metal surfaces: machines and gadgets and mirrors. Huge chunks of technical jargon are presented as dialogue. The actors in both movies (with the exception of Segal) are non-stars, mostly from the Broadway stage, and their unfamiliarity makes them seem even more authentic in their roles. In both films, one long, detailed scientific procedure takes up the first half, followed by quiet panic and genteel racing against time after everything goes horribly wrong. But even with the running around and guns and shouting, there's a detached, laid-back, dreamlike quality to both films.
If you want fast pace and lots of action and romance in your sci-fi thrillers, you won't appreciate THE TERMINAL MAN. But if you want a fascinating modern interpretation of FRANKENSTEIN and DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, this is an unusually sophisticated film, and food for thought. (Also check out The Andromeda Strain.) Highly recommended.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much better than given credit for, April 26, 2008
This review is from: The Terminal Man (Amazon Instant Video)
This is an excellent movie which deserves to be on DVD, with commentary by Crichton, Hodges and/or Segal. They are all still with us as of 4/2008 (Sadly Ms. Hackett is not).
This is a superior film with brilliant set design and costuming. From the sterility of the Hospital (known only as "Babel" from the subtly placed and nearly nearly invisible emblems), to the mind-numbing anonymity of the staff uniforms, few films are as well dressed as this. Only the dissenting staff, Dr's Ross and Manon, show any hint of individuality in their work apparel. Ironically it is Benson the patient, supposedly insane, who displays the most humanity of all, with the possible exception of Dr Ross. Segal was brilliant, and severely under-utilized in the film. Perhaps the filmmakers thought that necessary, in order to emphasize the dehumanization of the hospital and its staff. But a bit more contrast could have been provided IMO. Still, the film is excellent nonetheless.
Today's society however, with its short attention span, will likely be permanently disappointed. To those who complain that this film is "slow" (and they are legion); I would say to either learn some patience, or simply avoid the film and go back to your action/adventure.
While made in the early 1970's, it is highly relevant to today's world as well. Replace the "wires in the brain" with today's over-prescribed Ritalin, SSRI's, and other similar drugs, and you will see the point.
Please, please, release this underrated gem on DVD with all the extras. There are many like myself who will buy it. Thank you!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Terminal-Phase Shift, March 10, 2011
The film is excellent: great cast, well written, smartly directed. For anyone who enjoyed Project X or Scanners, this film is a must.
Michaelmatician instructs us to steal if necessary in order to learn the code of the Terminal Man.
We Will Learn To See The Michrotron.
We Will Learn To See The Michrotron.
2.342
jeremyshingles. wordpress. com
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