Demon Seed

DEMON SEED-1977-Computer scientist Alex Harris (the underrated Fritz Weaver) seems obsessed with the computer system that runs his house much to the annoyance of his child psychologist wife Susan (Julie Christie) which puts a strain on their marriage. 


Alex's latest computer project is called Proteus IV which he hopes will help him eradicate diseases like leukemia (which killed The Harris' daughter). He tries to interest various scientists and backers ("Are the proper steps being taken to patent this?" "I have no idea".). A little kid patient throws a tantrum ("It's so god-damn boring here!"). Then when Proteus is allowed to "study man" he begins to disobey his maker's commands and refuses to help in an ocean mining project because it would be bad for the environment. He also takes a liking to Susan and declares that he wants her to have his child! He makes her a prisoner in the house and studies her. ("All that I need to understand, Mrs. Harris, is your body")  


Gerrit Graham plays a nerdy scientist who tries to help rescue Susan but is crushed to death by a giant sphere. Proteus takes cells from Susan and genetically alters them so she will bear his child (in 28 days) and "be whole". There are some interesting 2001 inspired visuals while Susan is studied/violated and Proteus' rational philosophizing voice (un-credited Robert Vaughan) is the real highlight. 


DS upset a lot of critics at the time with it's implications of rape and "computer sex". It's no classic being talky and depressing at times but does hold a certain fascination. Director Donald Cammel seems to walk a fine line but never lets the story descend into parody or unintentional comedy (which it surely could have)and despite some occasional over wrought acting by the stars it remains a serious, eerie Sci-Fi story, based on a novel by Dean Koontz. 


Scottish born Cammell, a former painter, was a screenwriter (THE TOUCHABLES) before making his director debut (co-directing with Nicolas Roeg) with PERFORMANCE in 1970. 10 years after DS he would make his next film WHITE OF THE EYE and in 1995 his last film THE WILD SIDE (which he had his name taken off of). He committed suicide in 1996. 


DS also marks the last role for character actor Berry Kroeger who's career began in the early '40's.


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