Three of four models, who had plastic surgery done by Larry after a computed list, are dead. Neither the cops nor Larry believe they're suicides. Larry investigates and stays with the fourth... Read allThree of four models, who had plastic surgery done by Larry after a computed list, are dead. Neither the cops nor Larry believe they're suicides. Larry investigates and stays with the fourth model. Who's behind the lists and murders?Three of four models, who had plastic surgery done by Larry after a computed list, are dead. Neither the cops nor Larry believe they're suicides. Larry investigates and stays with the fourth model. Who's behind the lists and murders?
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
- Senator Robert Harrison
- (as Michael Gainsborough)
- Ellen
- (as Donna Benz)
- Technician in Scanning Room
- (as Terrence McNally)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe first ever film to create 3D shading with a computer that produced the first ever CGI human character was the model Cindy (Susan Dey). This movie achieved this feat before Disney's more famous Tron (1982) hit the screens. The Web site Filmsite said of Cindy: "Her digitization was visualized by a computer-generated simulation of her body being scanned--notably the first use of shaded 3D CGI in a feature film. Polygonal models obtained by digitizing a human body were used to render the effects."
- GoofsAt the conference near the end, when Dr. Larry Roberts is disguised as a security guard, during several sequences getting in and out of elevators the wound on the side of his mouth disappears and reappears.
- Quotes
Cindy Fairmont: Hi. I'm Cindy. I'm the perfect female type: 18 to 25. I'm here to sell for you.
- Alternate versionsThe broadcast television version contains additional footage, including a scene where Reston (James Coburn) explains to Dr. Roberts (Albert Finney and Cindy ('Susan Dey') why Digital Matrix had the "perfect" models killed.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Room 237 (2012)
Personally, I think it's both.
Much like Crichton's Westworld, the movie depends heavily on the computer arts to fill in for substance, and like Westworld, it succeeds. Looker is a pleasant and exciting little period piece, a time capsule for what science and advertising might be heading toward in the not too distant future.
To be fair to yourself, you must forgive the creaky performances by Finney, Dey, and Coburn (plus everyone else). It's the combination of guns, girls, and gadgets that keep the story moving (Crichton gets your attention at the very start by introducing a television lovely asking plastic surgeon Finney to alter her in strangely precise details; then you get the pre-surgery mugshots of the girl with her supposed imperfections--and what imperfections!--in full view). It's cheap and creepy, but everyone in the theater was hooked instantly by the looker on screen.
Don't look too closely, though. The plot holes are big and numerous, so thinking is not recommended. It's the flash-attachments-on-steroids that cause catatonia and the computer mapping of Susan Dey, standing there with her imperfections exposed, that keep you interested. It's strange--I've always liked Dey's looks and I'm not about to complain about seeing her in the all-together, but the bloodlessness of computers, their soul-less nature robs the scene of its prurient nature.
Crichton has hit upon something here. Computers make us so nervous, even a quarter century later, that the use of a story of cynical cyber-manipulation of consumers robs the viewer of getting his or her jollies out of seeing good-looking people nekked or in danger or both. In some ways it robs us of our interest in the human drama that movies depend on to be of lasting quality. It's a double edged sword, but it's both subtle and very effective.
In general, Looker isn't subtle, nor is it a wholly satisfying entertainment, but it does deserve a look.
- inspectors71
- Jan 16, 2006
- Permalink
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Kein Mord von der Stange
- Filming locations
- Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California, USA(Interiors and exteriors. As 'Digital Matrix Inc.' headquarters building.)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $8,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 33 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1