moonspinner55 Review of The Terminal Man

The Terminal Man (1974)

Scientist who fears a computer takeover is himself overtaken...but where's the irony?

[3/10 · 28 September 2017]

Brilliant computer scientist (George Segal) has been involved in an auto accident which left "a pressing" on his brain; uncontrollably angry and violent, he has nearly killed two people. Diagnosed with paraepilepsy, he's now become the willing subject for a new surgical procedure to the brain...but the 'rewiring' which takes place may prove to be no cure at all. Intentionally clinical and cold, this adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel has been directed by Mike Hodges with barely a trace of personality, stray levity, energy or irony. Many of the doctors and nurses on-screen have been erased of their individuality; the one doctor who disapproves of the operation (Joan Hackett) has to get her compassion for the subject across by using her eyes (and by calling out his name, "Harry!", repeatedly). Hodges, who also penned the script after Crichton himself was removed from the project, seems to frown on frank verbal exchanges. Everything is muted for an effect. The supporting cast is filled with excellent character actors who ultimately don't get around to doing much, while the star of the picture seems curiously misplaced. Segal can be a fine dramatic actor, but when he's on the loose here (in an ill-fitting wig) he just looks silly. The style of the film (or rather, the look of it, as 'style' gives the production unearned prestige) has attracted latter-day admirers, this despite the pretentious artistic flourishes. Stanley Kubrick was reportedly impressed with the picture, although this could be legend (there's an attack on a locked bathroom door which is amusingly similar to "The Shining"). However, the narrative isn't gripping, the jaundiced bits of dried-out cynicism are kept bubbling under the surface, and the finale dribbles away instead of packing a punch. *1/2 from ****