In honor of Star Wars Day, May the 4th, we look at George Lucus’s debut feature film THX1138.
THX 1138 is a science fiction film directed by George Lucas in 1971. Set in a dystopian future, the film tells the story of THX 1138 (played by Robert Duvall), a worker in a highly controlled society where emotions, drugs, and sexual activity are strictly regulated. THX begins to rebel against the oppressive system and seeks to escape with his lover, LUH 3417 (played by Maggie McOmie).
The film features a stark, minimalist aesthetic and explores themes of individualism, control, and the dehumanizing effects of technology. Upon its release, it was considered a critical and commercial failure but has since gained a cult following.
THX 1138 was developed from Lucas’s student film Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB, which he made while attending the University of Southern California. Years later, George Lucas would create another iconic science fiction franchise, Star Wars. While there are no direct connections between THX 1138 and Star Wars, they share some similarities in their exploration of futuristic societies and the effects of technology on humanity. The Star Wars franchise has produced several of the top-grossing films in the US of all time.
Available to view on most streaming platforms.
The Other Cinema 