Demon Seed (1977)
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69% of critics liked it
(13 reviews) -
42% of users liked it
(4,610 ratings)
Adapted from a lesser-known novel from SF/Horror author Dean R. Koontz, this claustrophobic thriller presents a computerized nemesis incorporating the murderous elements of 2001's HAL with the world-domination goal of the title villain in Colossus: The Forbin Project. Brilliant cybernetics… More Adapted from a lesser-known novel from SF/Horror author Dean R. Koontz, this claustrophobic thriller presents a computerized nemesis incorporating the murderous elements of 2001's HAL with the world-domination goal of the title villain in Colossus: The Forbin Project. Brilliant cybernetics expert Dr. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver) develops a revolutionary new supercomputer dubbed Proteus IV (voice of Robert Vaughn, uncredited) which is capable of almost human self-awareness and capacity for intellectual growth. Unfortunately for Alex and his wife Susan (Julie Christie), Proteus is also imbued with a very human desire to grow beyond the limitations of his own knowledge -- as well as to escape the isolation of the laboratory -- and taps into the home terminals of the Harris' high-tech dream house, in which he makes Susan a virtual prisoner. As she is put through a tortuous series of physical and mental tests, the Proteus mainframe takes severe steps to prevent any interference -- even resorting to the murder of Harris' assistant (Gerrit Graham). Susan's confusion eventually turns to dread when she begins to realize Proteus' true intentions... to evolve beyond mere circuitry and assume a human form by impregnating her with his "seed." Despite the lurid premise, this is probably the most conventional effort from controversial director Donald Cammell (Performance, Wild Side), and the film's theme of the computer's ominously pervasive role in human affairs -- in this case forcing its way into our bodies as well as our lives -- seems oddly prescient today. Christie's convincing performance makes the most of a role which has her shouting at the walls and ceiling for two-thirds of the movie. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Directed By
- Donald Cammell
- Written By
- Robert Jaffe, Roger O. Hirson
- Genres
- Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- In Theaters
- Apr 8, 1977 Wide
- Studio
- United Artists
Critic Reviews
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Leo Goldsmith, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
A combination of Kubrick's 2001 and Polanski's Rosemary's Baby, with a dash of Buster Keaton's Electric House thrown in
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Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
There's no way you can claim Demon Seed is a classic, or even any good, really, but it's undeniably worth an hour and a half of your time
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Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
Ahead of it's time.
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Wanna see a movie about a woman raped by a house?
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Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Alternately fascinating and goofy.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Cast
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Julie Christie
as Susan Harris
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Fritz Weaver
as Alex Harris
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Gerrit Graham
as Walter Gabler
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Berry Kroeger
as Petrosian
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Lisa Lu
as Soon Yen
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Larry J. Blake
as Cameron
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Dana Laurita
as Amy
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Robert Vaughn
as Proteus IV the Computer
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E. Hampton Beagle
as Night Operator
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Alfred Dennis
as Mokr-i
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Michael Dorn
as Bit
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Michael Glass
as Technician
- Ron Hays
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Barbara O. Jones
as Technician
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John O'Leary
as Royce
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Harold Oblong
as Scientist
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Georgie Paul
as Housekeeper
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David Roberts
as Warner
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Felix Silla
as Baby
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Michelle Stacy
as Marlene
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Patricia Wilson
as Mrs. Trabert