Review: The Demon Seed. 1977. By Brian Kirst

This mixture of science fiction and horror alternates between moments of chilling oppression and over-the-top ridiculousness. These two qualities often merge in delightful ways and while this enterprise ultimately doesn’t quite make it full heartedly into the cult film sweepstakes – there is still plenty to enjoy and marvel at throughout its relatively brief running time.

Susan Harris (a forceful Julie Christie) is determined to leave her scientist husband who has been devoting all his time to creating the world’s most intelligent computer, Proteus IV. Proteus IV is so well tuned, though, that he immediately begins refusing government orders and begins focusing on finding a way to thrust himself (as it were) into reality. By tagging into his creator’s home computer system, Proteus IV finds himself with a perfect outlet and a perfect victim – the less than willing Mrs. Harris. Trapped, Harris tries to outwit the maniacally creative Proteus IV before he successfully impregnates her.

If you can get past the hysterically implausible nature of the plot (based on a successful book by horror legend Dean Koontz), there is much to be intrigued by in this dueling hybrid venture. Christie truly makes you feel for her as she is trapped and subjected to Proteus IV’s will and Robert Vaughn’s voicing of the unyielding computer system is coldly frightening as well. Director Donald Cammell is also able to work up a nice atmosphere of dread, as well.

There are also some absurdly interesting special effects moments as Proteus IV forges himself into a 3D presence. Beloved genre veteran Gerrit Graham (Phantom of Paradise, Chopping Mall, Its Alive III) proves to be a most welcoming presence in these circumstances, particularly. His showdown with the spinning cube-like outgrowth of Proteus IV alone is worth sitting through this oddly engaging creation at least one time.