Mike Hodges directs this adaptation of a Michael Crichton novel. As ever with Crichton’s work The Terminal Man deals with technology going badly wrong. With its bleak portrayal of the human condition and our capacity for cynicism and violence it is also recognisably the work of Hodges, a director fascinated by violent outsiders.
George Segal Stars as The Terminal Man
The film opens with three men in fancy restaurant discussing a man called Harry Benson. Formerly a loving family man, Benson was involved in an automobile accident which altered his personality. Benson became violent, attacking his wife and committing various other crimes. Part of his brain was damaged in the crash. Benson was a scientist specialising in the development of Artificial Intelligence. Now he is a psychopath who believes machines are trying to take over the world.
The men want to use Benson as the test subject for a new procedure aimed at restraining violent offenders. A small computer will be inserted into his brain giving the authorities the power to correct anti-social behaviour. Benson agrees to the surgery. An elderly doctor points out during a meeting that Benson may not be the ideal subject given his past history of violence, mental illness and his pathological fear of machinery. Before the operation Benson tells a nurse to take the TV out of the room. When asked why, he responds incredulously “You don’t know?”
The Terminal Man Escapes from the Hospital
Benson has already planned his escape from the hospital with the help of an old girlfriend. By wearing a wig that makes him look like a slightly less deranged Phil Spector on the first day of his murder trial, Benson is able to walk straight out of the hospital without security noticing. Things go awry however in the hotel room, when the TV fries his brain and causes him to kill his lover in a sequence Dario Argento would be proud of involving a kitchen knife and a water bed.
Instead of controlling Benson, technology has made him more dangerous. George Segal is excellent, providing Benson with enough sensitivity to make him a compelling figure. With his kindly smile and a quiet sadness, Benson seems to know before he even has the operation that this will end badly for him.
Mike Hodges Directs The Terminal Man
The Terminal Man is starkly shot by cinematographer Richard H Kline who makes brilliant use of the Los Angeles cityscape turning it into a glistening, inhuman place. Hodges directs in his usual clinical fashion, while still maintaining sympathy for his bewildered, but dangerous protagonist.
- The Terminal Man
- Starring George Segal
- Written by Mike Hodges (Based on the novel by Michael Crichton)
- Directed by Mike Hodges
- Year of release 1974
- Running time 107 min
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