This week’s Moviedrome Monday entry is a double bill consisting of two science-fiction films that center on machines either turning against humans (the first feature) or becoming obsessed with them (the second feature).
Westworld (1973)
Since I could not find a youtube video link of Moviedrome presenter Mark Cousins introduction to director/novelist Michael Crichton’s 1973 sci-fi thriller hit Westworld, readers will have to rely on Cousins intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was June 15, 1997 (read here). I wholeheartedly agree with Cousins praise for this film. Certain big fans of Jurassic Park (whether it be the film, book or both) will imply that this serves as it’s dress rehearsal, but I would personally rank Westworld higher than filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s 1993 adaptation of the former, despite the fact that both of them are every bit equal in quality.
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
Also, here is a youtube video link to screenwriter Ed Neumeier’s Trailers from Hell commentary for it
Also, here is a youtube video link to British film critic Mark Kermode talking about Jurassic Park and Westworld
Demon Seed (1977)
I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Mark Cousins introduction to late Scottish cult filmmaker Donald Cammell’s 1977 science-fiction-horror gem Demon Seed. Readers can also read Cousins intro here. The episode’s original airdate was June 15, 1997 (read here). Not much to add except that I once again, totally agree with Cousins take on this film. On the surface, Demon Seed looks like little more than a studio assignment for the unconventional Cammell, but in the center, it looks like anything but. Not unlike the rest of his work (as unfortunately small as it is), Cammell’s trademark themes and visual style is what shapes the whole of Demon Seed. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Donald Cammell films (read here).
Here is a youtube video link to Mark Cousins Moviedrome intro to Demon Seed
Here is another youtube video link to Mark Cousins Moviedrome intro to Demon Seed
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
cinematiccoffee 
I haven’t seen these two films so I can’t say anything about these,
I think it’s great that you’ll be posting a review of Almost Human. It’ll be cool to read it.
Could you write a review of Je T’aime Moi Non Plus too. That would be great. You said before that you’d also write a review of The Climber. That would be great too.
I saw both of these at the cinema, and thought Westworld was fresh and exciting at the time. Demon Seed disappointed me somewhat, and I more or less forgot about it.
I never went on to watch any Westworld sequels, or the TV adaptation, but I can still recall how impressive Yul Brynner was as the robotic gunfighter.
Best wishes, Pete.
So sorry for the late response Pete – been so busy 🙂 Interesting thoughts on you have on both films there 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
So sorry for the late response Steve – been so busy 🙂 Yeah, I will be posting my review of Almost Human in November 🙂
I will also be happy to review Je T’aime Moi Non Plus and The Climber as well 🙂
Even though Demon Seed wasn’t very good, it always creeped me out as a kid.
Westworld just made me never want to go to any amusement park ever again, lol !!
So I guess it succeeded. 🙂
I didn’t know Michael Crichton had directed Westworld, I only knew of him as a writer. I thought Westworld was a decent thriller, the special effects hold up quite well, and Brynner was great!