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Lucas' 'THX 1138': Flop to Future Classic
27 Jan
Summary
- George Lucas' 1971 film 'THX 1138' initially flopped but is now a classic.
- Walter Murch was honored at a screening of the film he co-wrote and designed.
- The film's experimental nature led to studio executives pulling funding for other projects.
George Lucas' 1971 debut feature, "THX 1138," initially met with lukewarm reviews and low box office returns, has evolved into a recognized classic. A recent revival screening at the American Cinematheque's Egyptian Theatre played to a full house, highlighting the film's enduring appeal.
The screening served as a tribute to Walter Murch, the film's sound designer and co-screenwriter, celebrating his broader contributions to cinema. Murch shared that he and Lucas aimed for "THX 1138" to feel like a film from the future, influenced by Japanese cinema's direct storytelling.
This experimental approach, aiming for an "other culture" feel, met resistance from studio executives. They disliked the film and subsequently halted funding for other American Zoetrope projects, including "The Conversation" and "Apocalypse Now." This decision created financial pressure for Francis Ford Coppola, leading him to direct "The Godfather."
The film's initial failure also prompted George Lucas to create "American Graffiti," a stark contrast to "THX 1138." While "American Graffiti" and "Star Wars" achieved immense commercial success, Lucas reportedly felt he compromised more on his vision for those films than for the experimental "THX 1138." The film's low budget of $700,000 (approximately $6 million today) is contrasted with Lucas' later technological advancements through Industrial Light and Magic.
"THX 1138," despite its futuristic theme, resonated with contemporary events of the 1970s, such as the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration, and Murch notes parallels to current political climates. The director's cut, preferred by Lucas, was screened, though Murch also holds fondness for the original theatrical release.
