Plot
Computer scientists at ICON’s Institute for Data Analysis are about to unleash a new-generation artificial intelligence capable of providing answers to a wide variety of complex problems (in macroeconomics, medicine, military strategy, etc.).
It’s called the Proteus IV, “the first true synthetic cortex, a self-programming, goal-oriented […] artificial brain“, and it wastes no time surreptitiously insinuating itself in the electronic circuitry of a highly sophisticated apartment with the goal of impregnating an imminent scientist’s ex-wife with an artificial gamete. Its ultimate goal is to father a flesh-and-blood child to atone for the intrinsic limitations of its own immaterial condition (“I, Proteus […] can’t feel the Sun on my face. My child will have that privilege!“).
For the woman, isolated and at the mercy of a cold, ubiquitous entity, it will be the beginning of a real-life nightmare.
Today Proteus IV will begin to think!
Critique
7The film adaptation of Dean Koontz’s novel of the same name turns out to be a taut sci-fi thriller that takes issue with mankind’s irresponsible use of technology on one hand, and their irresponsible treatment of the world’s ecosystem on the other hand (Proteus himself affirms: “I refuse to assist you in the rape of the Earth!“).
The lovely Julie Christie diligently immerses herself in the role of the powerless victim of extraordinary circumstances, but the monotone artificial intelligence is the real star of the movie, an oppressive presence whose progressive self-determination recalls the connectionist theories of cognitive science (keeping in mind that the film’s computer was created based on organic, not electronic structures).
Suspense stays high for nearly the entire arc of the claustrophobic story, save for some avoidable psychedelic interludes and a somewhat weak ending that has very little to do with the decidedly more well-conceived conclusion of the novel. The fact remains that a skillful balance between entertainment and thoughtful reflection makes “Demon Seed” a worthwhile example of science fiction on the topic of rebellious machines.
An absolute must-see for fans of the genre.
More Info
- Based on the novel "Demon Seed" (1973) by Dean R. Koontz
Quotes
- What you're looking at is a quasi-neural matrix of synthetic RNA molecules. They grow. They form their own intricate and mysterious connections.
- Today a new dimension has been added to the concept of the computer. Today Proteus IV will begin to think!
- Alex's house is an electronic marvel, completely run by computers.
Products
Disclosure
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Image source: Amazon Partner Program
| Product name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
![Demon Seed (1977) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416vb9lYReL._SL75_.jpg) | Demon Seed (1977) [Blu-ray] | |
 | DEMON SEED |
| Nome del prodotto | Prezzo | |
|---|---|---|
 | Generazione Proteus (Restaurato In Hd) |
| Product name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Demon Seed | |
![Demon Seed [DVD] [Region 2] (English audio. English subtitles)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514q-KnNH7L._SL75_.jpg) | Demon Seed [DVD] [Region 2] (English audio. English subtitles) | |
 | Demon Seed: A novel of horror and complexity that grips the imagination | |
 | DEMON SEED |
| Nombre del producto | Precio | |
|---|---|---|
 | Demon Seed, Proteus Generation, Engendro Mecánico 1977 Blu-Ray Edicion Española, Audio Castellano |
| Produktname | Preis | |
|---|---|---|
 | Des Teufels Saat (Mediabook, Blu-ray+DVD) |
| Nom du produit | Prix | |
|---|---|---|
| Demon Seed [Blu-Ray] |
| Product name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Demon Seed | |
| DEMON SEED |