A scientist creates Proteus--an organic super computer with artificial intelligence which becomes obsessed with human beings, and in particular the creator's wife.A scientist creates Proteus--an organic super computer with artificial intelligence which becomes obsessed with human beings, and in particular the creator's wife.A scientist creates Proteus--an organic super computer with artificial intelligence which becomes obsessed with human beings, and in particular the creator's wife.
- Awards
- 4 nominations
- Technician
- (as Barbara O. Jones)
- Scientist
- (as Harold Oblong)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDr. Harris' futuristic-looking car was actually a production car, unmodified at the time of filming - a Bricklin SV-1. The Bricklin was built in Canada but intended for the U.S. market, featuring high performance and a number of innovative safety features (in fact, the model number stood for "Safety Vehicle 1"). The SV-1 was the only production vehicle in automotive history to have powered gull-wing doors that opened and closed at the touch of a button (on other gull-wing cars, like the DeLorean it's often compared to, the doors must be opened and closed manually). Fewer than 3,000 were produced during its short run from 1974-1976, and it's estimated that fewer than 1,120 remain in existence.
- GoofsWhen Mrs. Harris is trying to get the little girl out of the car for her session, a sound man can be seen through the back window behind her.
- Quotes
Proteus IV: I want to study man: his isometric body and his glass-jaw mind.
Alex Harris: Ambitious program, but at the moment all the terminals are occupied.
Proteus IV: Construct one.
Alex Harris: I'm sorry. Request denied.
Proteus IV: Dr. Harris, when are you going to let me out of this *box*?
- ConnectionsFeatured in Donald Cammell: The Ultimate Performance (1998)
As one can see, "Demon Seed" is far from your typical sci-fi, and is positively creepy, and personal. For a while it's practically a two character drama, with the frightened Susan and the coldly determined Proteus locked in a battle of wills. With the high level of intimacy generated, it's easy to be with these characters and feel concerned for Susan's safety.
The popular subtext of this and similar features - "Colossus: The Forbin Project" and "The Terminator" - illustrating a potential for disaster in trusting our lives to machinery, is front and centre. The movie never insults the audience's intelligence, and as it plays out it's really fascinating to see. Even if one can take issue with the way the movie strongly dates itself - special effects, fashions, etc. - some of the visuals are still quite hypnotic and the scenario remains compelling the entire time, with a memorable and haunting wrap-up, which will leave the viewer to wonder about the "What next?" aspect.
The acting is strong from all concerned, with Christie an engaging lead, and the likable Fritz Weaver doing well as the confident human brain behind Proteus who realizes this creation of his can't be so easily controlled. It's also cool to have on hand the always entertaining Gerrit Graham ("Phantom of the Paradise", "Used Cars") as Susan's would-be rescuer, Walter Gabler.
Excellent widescreen cinematography by Bill Butler and chilling music by Jerry Fielding are also heavy assets in this solid shocker, one of the more noteworthy films of its type from its era.
Eight out of 10.
- Hey_Sweden
- Mar 24, 2012
- How long is Demon Seed?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 34 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1