Looker (1981)

29% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
47% of users liked it
(1,995 ratings)

This fun, silly thriller written and directed by Michael Crichton manages to combine the dramatic murders of beautiful models, a secret conspiracy to use TV commercials for mind-control, and an unusual seeing-eye device which makes the wearer invisible. Plastic surgeon Larry Roberts (Albert Finney)… More This fun, silly thriller written and directed by Michael Crichton manages to combine the dramatic murders of beautiful models, a secret conspiracy to use TV commercials for mind-control, and an unusual seeing-eye device which makes the wearer invisible. Plastic surgeon Larry Roberts (Albert Finney) becomes the prime suspect after two models on whom he operated are killed. Larry becomes suspicious because both of the women came into his office asking for very precise and seemingly unnecessary physical alterations. Agreeing to operate, because the women's jobs depended on the surgery, Larry must now clear his own name and save his life and career. With the aid of a friend and model Cindy (Susan Dey), Larry discovers and foils the plot led by corporation-head John Reston (James Coburn). Larry must then fight for his life against Reston's thugs who are equipped with the devices, called "Lookers." This is good, if silly fun and Albert Finney does his best with a somewhat implausible script. ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Michael Crichton
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Oct 30, 1981 Wide
On DVD: Jan 30, 2007
Studio: Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
A silly and unconvincing contempo sci-fi thriller.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
The plot is pretty silly but Mr. Crichton's handling of it is even sillier, though it is bold.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
This confusing, silly story from writer-director Michael Crichton concerns hypnotic TV commercials, models, and stun guns.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...there's little doubt that Looker would've worked a whole lot better as a novel...
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
Despite its many flaws this 1981 actually makes for interesting viewing in that some of its science fiction became science fact . . .
Bill Chambers, Film Freak Central
Looker's surface pleasures are undeniable
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Put it this way: Michael Crichton is a better writer than he is a director.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
If Crichton meant Looker as a satiric comedy, as he says he did, it doesn't come off as a very pointed or very funny one.
Tom Milne, Time Out
Tediously convoluted.
Jonathan W. Hickman, Entertainment Insiders
Weak and dated today, it was one of the first films my family rented after purchasing one of those cutting edge VCRs (you know, the one with the remote control with a cord).
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Hopelessly outdated and borderline ridiculous medical thriller about cloned fashion models.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Clever, fairly effective thriller.
, Film4
This is the kind of shoddy time-filler that Oscar-calibre actors clearly do only to pay the rent. Plenty of unintentional giggles though.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony V

Interesting premise, but very dated (80's) and quite choppy in places. Bring a barf back for the title song.

Cast

            Albert Finney as Dr. Larry Roberts

            James Coburn as John Reston

            Susan Dey as Cindy

            Leigh Taylor-Young as Jennifer Long

            Tim Rossovich as Mustache Man

            Dorian Harewood as Lt. Masters

            Darryl Hickman as Dr. Jim Belfield

            Kathryn Witt as Tina

            Terri Welles as Lisa

            Michael D. Gainsborough as Sen. Harrison

            Ashley Cox as Candy

            Catherine Parks as Jan

            Terry Kiser as Commercial Director

            Georgann Johnson as Cindy's Mother

            Richard Venture as Cindy's Father

            Anthony Charnota as Master's Assistant

            Terrence E. McNally as Scanning Room Technician

            David Adams as D.M.I. Guard

            Allison Balson as Daughter

            Donna Kei Benz as Ellen

            Pamela Jean Bryant as Reston Girl

            Katherine de Hetre as Mother

            Jerry Douglas as Laxative Spokesman

            Randall England as New Wave Model

            Irena Ferris as New Wave Model

            Eloise Hardt as Mrs. Emerson

            Barry Jenner as Commercial Producer

            Derrel Maury as Commercial Assistant Producer

            Tawny Moyer as Warrior Housewife

            Estelle Omens as Wife

            Melissa Prophet as Commercial Script Girl

            John Sanderford as D.M.I. Policeman

            Steven Strong
            
            Lori Sutton as Reston Girl

            Jeana Tomasina as Suzy

            Vanna White as Reston Girl

            Gary Combs as Non-Descript Man

            Kelby Anno as Windsurfer

            Richard Milholland as D.M.I. Truck Technician

            Arthur Taxier as D.M.I. Truck Technician

            Dick Christie as Father

            Paul Jasmin
            
            Randi Brooks as Girl in Bikini

            Joe Medalis as Husband
See full cast