Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB
| Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB | |
|---|---|
 1138 escaping the electronic labyrinth |
|
| Directed by | George Lucas |
| Written by | George Lucas |
| Starring | Dan Natchsheim |
| Music by | The Yardbirds, "Still I'm Sad" (opening credits) |
| Cinematography | F. E. Zip Zimmerman |
| Running time | 15 min. |
| Language | English |
Electronic Labyrinth: THX-1138 4EB is a 1967 short film directed by George Lucas[1] while he attended the University of Southern California. The movie exists in 16 mm reference print, on videocassette with a run time of 15 minutes, and on the special edition DVD of THX 1138, Lucas' 1971 theatrical feature-length version of the short.
In 2010, this film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".[1][2]
Contents |
[edit] Plot
The protagonist, whose name is "THX 1138 4EB", is shown running through several passageways. It is soon discovered that THX is escaping his community. The government uses computers and cameras to track down THX and attempt to stop him; however, they fail. THX 1138 4EB escapes through a door and runs off into the sunset. The government sends their condolences to YYO, THX's mate, as THX is now pronounced dead.
[edit] Production
The film utilized subterranean accessways and parking garages at Los Angeles International Airport to depict an underground city in a dystopian future.[citation needed]
The USC program guide that accompanied the premiere said the film was a "nightmare impression of a world in which a man is trying to escape a computerized world which constantly tracks his movements".[citation needed]
The film won the United States National Student Film Festival in 1968, in the Drama category.[3]
[edit] Comparison to feature film
The last act of THX 1138 roughly corresponds with the events in this film. In the final scene, people are warned not to exit the underground city through the door, which allegedly leads to death. In truth, the exit leads to their freedom. Cosmetically, there are similarities in coloring and appearance, although one noticeable difference is the actors did not have to shave their heads for the short film, unlike the later feature version.
[edit] References
- ^ "'Empire Strikes Back' among 25 film registry picks". http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jaseG0DbTvl6sIv1uPc-xelSmvjg?docId=c086d710fa42415cbeff1a6a2f80aa36. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
- ^ "'Empire Strikes Back,' 'Airplane!' Among 25 Movies Named to National Film Registry". http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/empire-strikes-airplane-25-movies-65915. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
- ^ The Student Movie Makers, TIME Magazine, February 02, 1968
[edit] External links
- Film page from the USC Moving Image Archive, with screenshots and clip.
- Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB at the Internet Movie Database
