1. Think about the differences between some of the techno-villains we have seen in different films so far: Sid 6.7, the Gun Slinger, now Proteus IV. How does their different visual representation affect our understanding of them as characters? How are they similar or different? What types of technological presence do they embody?

2. Think about the representation of space in this film. At some point the lights and the filming techniques make everything in the indoor scenes feel tighter and darker, and create a claustrophobic effect. How does that effect relate to what is going on with technology?

3. In our discussion on Death Race 2000 and Rollerball we focused on the relationship between governments and corporations. In Demon Seed , the military plays an active role in the mix of political and technological forces. How is the relationship between corporate interests, civic or national interests, and military interests portrayed in this film?

4. We have also been developing a framework for thinking about gendered representations of technology. How is gender related to technology in this film? Do we see the types of stereotypes we discussed in other films?

5. Think about the computer's voice in this film, especially in comparison with Hal in 2001. Since the voice is the most intimate and human feature of this machine, its representation matters a lot. What do you think it conveys?

Production Information

The Computer Science Department of the University of Utah worked on some of the computer animation in this film.

The voice of Proteus IV belongs to Robert Vaughn. Contrary to the way famous actors are widely advertised for doing voices in recent (mostly animation) feature films, Vaughn's actual contract stipulated that he would not be included in the credits for his role here.

Cast Information

Susan Harris: Julie Christie
Alex Harris: Fritz Weaver
Walter Gabler: Gerrit Graham
Petrosian: Berry Kroeger
Soon Yen: Lisa Lu
Cameron: Larry J. Blake
Royce: John O'Leary
Mokri: Alfred Dennis
Warner: Davis Roberts
Mrs. Trabert: Patricia Wilson
Night Operator: E. Hampton Beagle
Technician #1: Michael Glass (I)
Technician #2: Barbara O. Jones
Amy: Dana Laurita
Joan Kemp: Monica MacLean

and
Proteus IV (voice): Robert Vaughn (uncredited)

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Contact the instructor: dk2244@yahoo.com