#728 Looker (1981)
Looker, written and directed by Michael Crichton is an interesting, if a bit uneven scifi thriller both adorable in its early 80s clumsiness and partly impressive in its vision. It’s also a milestone in the effects department, making heavy use of computer imagery that not only were first to be seen on the silver screen, but ones that also look surprisingly solid, given their age.
If Looker is somewhat solid on the technical and conceptual level, as a thriller it’s mediocre at the best. The last 45 minutes of the movie ends up – in comparison to the engaging, mysterious buildup in the first act – a series of less than stellar choices, including the final outcome.
The social commentary about the superficiality of the advertisement industry is an interesting notion, and an issue that has obviously pretty much tenfolded since the release of this movie.
80s-o-meter: 70%
Total: 74%