Westworld
Directed by:
Michael CrichtonScreenplay:
Michael CrichtonCinematography:
Gene PolitoComposer:
Fred KarlinCast:
Richard Benjamin, Yul Brynner, James Brolin, Norman Bartold, Victoria Shaw, Alan Oppenheimer, Dick Van Patten, Linda Gaye Scott, Majel Barrett (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Michael Crichton's directorial debut, WESTWORLD is the direct precursor to JURASSIC PARK as the story of a technological amusement park gone out of control, with tourists becoming victims. For $1,000 a day, patrons can visit high-tech recreations of historically based mythical settings controlled by lifelike androids and synthetic environments: a Roman world that recreates tales of ancient Rome; a medieval world that recreates the legends of the Middle Ages; and Westworld, which recreates the myth of the classic Western. Two Chicago businessmen, Martin (Richard Benjamin) and Blane (James Brolin), spend their vacation in Westworld, where they live out their fantasies of the Old West mythology: chaotic barroom brawls, random love with beautiful prostitutes, and a violent jailbreak during which they shoot the local sheriff. But the complex technology that supports these fabricated worlds develops complicated syndromes faster than the scientists behind the scenes can resolve them. Soon the entire resort breaks down into chaos, and the androids turn hostile on the visiting tourists. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (6)
Even a robot has only one nerve, so when Yull Brynner gets shot by a laughing vacationer for the umpteenth time, it just can't end well :) I once loved Westworld immensely, and I still vividly remember the horror that gripped me especially at the end, when everything is at stake. Well, after years the film has dried out a bit and it must be admitted that it drags on almost unbearably in places, but fortunately its idea remained the same.
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An interesting sci-fi film, reflecting the anxieties and dark visions of Western society in the 70s. It was a time when the green movement emerged, criticism of the consumerist lifestyle spread, and fear of an over-technologized future emerged. Crichton's film is about how seemingly perfect technology turns against people and the robots that are meant to serve in an amusement park massacre both customers and staff. Yul Brynner plays the lead role of a rebellious gunslinger robot. I was somewhat bothered by the combination of sci-fi and western genres, but it was understandably a positive aspect for the American market. Overall impression: 55%.
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Crichton may be a writing mastermind at evoking the hidden dangers of technological toys, but the actual result of his work behind the camera is reminiscent of his scientists' creations - a semi-functional vehicle that beckons with original tinsel, but which shuts down at the first dramatic collision. Yul Brynner walks around fiercely over eighty-eight minutes, but in hindsight, it feels more ridiculous than threatening. It took two decades for an eccentric billionaire to fish lizards out of mosquitoes in a similar vein. PS: The idea is so strong that despite the shabby treatment, I actually understand Abrams and Nolan's need to turn it into a series.
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A very unconventional sci-fi film set in the wild west. The story is not exactly brimming with action and suspense, but watching good old cowboy fights makes the viewer feel at home and the special atmosphere adds colour. The best, however, is Yul Brynner, who fits perfectly into the plot with his uncompromising gaze. It's not a smash hit, but it's a nice and original spectacle for one viewing.
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It's such a strange, peculiar film that stopped entertaining me towards the end, but it has an idea. It's clear that Crichton knew how to come up with a good story and captivate the audience. That can't be taken away from him, just like the interesting visual and special effects, which are great in some places. However, as I said, as it progressed, I didn't pay much attention to it anymore.
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