The Andromeda Strain (1971) ***1/2
The Andromeda Strain (1971), based on Michael Crichton's 1969 novel (his first written under his own name), successfully blends realistic science with movie thrills to create a film that satisfies both nerds and laypeople alike (although some may actually find the pace too slow). There are exciting, tense scenes in the beginning and especially the ending—which includes a race against the clock—but the drawn-out, procedural hour(ish) in between may lose some viewers. I was personally invested throughout, largely due to Robert Wise's expert direction.
Wise was a director who never had a particular stamp but he was incredibly versatile throughout his career as a director. He did sci-fi (The Andromeda Strain, The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951), Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)); horror (The Curse Of The Cat People (1944)—my review here, The Body Snatcher (1945)—my review here, The Haunting (1963)—listen to me discuss that film here); musicals (West Side Story (1961)—my review here), The Sound Of Music (1965)); epic adventures (The Sand Pebbles (1966), The Hindenburg (1975)); film noir (Born To Kill (1947), The Set-Up (1949)—my review here); and he approached every genre and project with the same level of dedication and craft.
TAS doesn't have big name actors but it does have fine performances—Kate Reid is particularly good as a confident, dryly humorous woman scientist that doesn't serve as a love interest. The real draw though is the gorgeous retro-tech production design by Boris Leven and the impressive special effects by Douglas Trumbull (known for Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (my review here) three years earlier). Wise captures all of it through the use of extensive split diopter shots and macro photography.
It's interesting to watch TAS, a scientifically accurate film about a deadly contagion, in the midst of a real pandemic. I'd been meaning to see this film for years and I greatly enjoyed it. If you are a patient viewer that appreciates details, it's a rewarding experience.
You can find my Robert Wise Feature Films Ranked list here.
Wise was a director who never had a particular stamp but he was incredibly versatile throughout his career as a director. He did sci-fi (The Andromeda Strain, The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951), Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)); horror (The Curse Of The Cat People (1944)—my review here, The Body Snatcher (1945)—my review here, The Haunting (1963)—listen to me discuss that film here); musicals (West Side Story (1961)—my review here), The Sound Of Music (1965)); epic adventures (The Sand Pebbles (1966), The Hindenburg (1975)); film noir (Born To Kill (1947), The Set-Up (1949)—my review here); and he approached every genre and project with the same level of dedication and craft.
TAS doesn't have big name actors but it does have fine performances—Kate Reid is particularly good as a confident, dryly humorous woman scientist that doesn't serve as a love interest. The real draw though is the gorgeous retro-tech production design by Boris Leven and the impressive special effects by Douglas Trumbull (known for Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (my review here) three years earlier). Wise captures all of it through the use of extensive split diopter shots and macro photography.
It's interesting to watch TAS, a scientifically accurate film about a deadly contagion, in the midst of a real pandemic. I'd been meaning to see this film for years and I greatly enjoyed it. If you are a patient viewer that appreciates details, it's a rewarding experience.
You can find my Robert Wise Feature Films Ranked list here.
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