Day 332 of the challenge! THX 1138 (feature length), because it was about damn time!
George Lucas’s distaste for “the man” is pretty well known amongst his fan base. Well, young George Lucas anyway. Who knows if that’s still the case today (I like to think it is). Regardless, American Graffiti and Star Wars are both completely laced with that anti-authoritarian sentiment, but neither embody it more than THX 1138, his first full feature (based off of the 15 minute short student film he made during his time at USC).
THX 1138 is probably the bleakest dystopian film I’ve ever seen. Stark and bleach white, everything (and everyone) in THX 1138 is devoid of personality or warmth. Individuality is forbidden, and any inclining of basic human urges are quickly corrected or destroyed, all in the name of order and peace. A bit on the nose, but the message works.
The problem I feel with THX 1138 is that all that bleakness and lack of personality works a little too well, making it hard to really care or engage with the characters. That’s not to say there aren’t any intense moments of dystopian horror or emotional releases, but they’re very few and far between. Like most of the films Lucas himself directed, the main appeal of THX 1138 are it’s technical aspects and achievements. There’s no denying the film is beautifully shot and composed, and even his Director’s Cut updates (a’la Star Wars Special Editions), fit in fairly well.
THX 1138 is very much a product of it’s time, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t outdated or unimportant. Totally recommenced it!