"We have to go back. This is your last chance to return with us. You have nowhere to go. You cannot survive outside the city shell. We only want to help you. This is your last chance."
Right before Mr. George Lucas showed us what happend "Once upon a time in a galaxy far far way", he gave us a film that was set in a dystopian future where human-controlled androids were the law enforcement and most humans were nothing but ginuea pigs living amongst each other. THX 1138 is a film that most people overlook in the science-fiction genre, which is understandable since the same director went on to create a trilogy of immensly successful science-fiction films in the late 70's and early 80's. The impact that this film had on Lucas' later films is undeniable though; watching this movie made me feel that I was one of these trapped humans living a life of procedure and regulations. I'm personally claustrophobic, so watching these helpless indiviudals wander in an abyss of infinity for the majority of the film, had me anxious and figgity the entire time.
THX 1138 revolves around a human of the same name, who lives a life that is already programmed and prepared for him, thanks to those who are in charge of this undergorund city that these people live in. Sedatives are fed to the people of this population to not only keep compliance among them but also to remove any desire for sexual intercourse. THX's occupation is working in a factory that creates the same androids that go on to control everyones moves and thoughts. He's watched by the underground control panel at all times and is sedated throughout his entire shift. His roomate, LUH, is tired of this lifestyle and takes the risk of being caught by the police and refuses to take her drugs anymore. Not only that, but she also switches THX's drugs with ineffective ones which allows THX to finally feel some sort of liberation and desire. The two are now able to experience sexual desire and break the law by having sex, although both are aware that they are being watched by the control panel. Eventually, THX is arrested but not before SEN, a fellow human, orders that THX be his new roomate. Before THX and LUH are sepearated, they plan an escape of the "superstructure" that they inhabit. While in custody of the police, THX is put inside a "limbo" with other prisoners including SEN. THX at first is discouraged and enters a state of depression but soon after decides to go on with the plan that he and LUH had; escape to the surface.
What stands out the most in this film is the change of pace once entering the third act. Of course it seems expected since we're finally heading towards the climax, but what makes it so special to me is because throughout the first half of the film the audience feels no hope whatsoever for THX or LUH. All we see are these innocent humans being treated like lab rats that have no dreams or aspirations. All of a sudden, the desire to want to live an actual life and escape this protocol lifestyle that he's found himself trapped in. You feel empathy for THX when you see him being treated like an animal in a cage by the androids. The feeling of hopelessness stems from the eternal white abyss that these people are stuck in and also how some prisoners have already started to accept the notion that they'll be stuck in here forever. Ladies and Gentlemen, there is no feeling more frightening than knowing that there isn't anyone that's going to help you and that there is no where to escape. THX 1138 throws you into a closet and gives you a match to light. After that, you're on your own.
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