THX 1138 (1971)

THX 1138 is a 1971 science fiction film directed by George Lucas in his feature film directorial debut. The film was produced by Francis Ford Coppola and written by Lucas and Walter Murch. It stars Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasence and depicts a dystopian future in which the populace is controlled through android police officers and mandatory use of drugs that suppress emotion, including outlawed sexual desire.

THX 1138 was developed from Lucas' student film Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB, which he made in 1967 while attending the University of Southern California's film school. The feature film was produced in a joint venture between Warner Brothers and Francis Ford Coppola's production company, American Zoetrope. A novelization by Ben Bova was published in 1971. The film received mixed reviews from critics and failed to find box office success on initial release; however, the film has subsequently received critical acclaim over the years and gained a cult following, particularly in the aftermath of Lucas' success with Star Wars in 1977.

Synopsis

In the story's society, sexual intercourse is prohibited, whereas use of mind-altering drugs is mandatory to enforce compliance among the city's residents and to ensure their ability to conduct dangerous and demanding tasks. Everyone is clothed in identical uniform, except the police androids (who wear black) and robed monks.

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