Looker (1981)
|
Dr. Larry Roberts, Hollywood's best plastic surgeon has a really nice practice going. All of the models simply adore him and hope for more of a relationship with him. But several women he worked on turn up dead in apparent suicides. What they have in common is that they have worked for a company called Digital Matrix which is taking “cloning” to a new art. If the good Doctor doesn’t do something, no models may be left alive.
Overall: Frankly, this film was way ahead of its time. The film is great at opening our eyes to advertising gimmicks, plastic surgery excesses and consumerism at its worst. Problem is, there’s too much going on in the film so that plot holes are noticeable. Least of which is...how can you kill off a model with friends and family knowing of the “suicide” and then spend years using her in commercials as if she doesn’t age? And without copyright permission? I think the overall idea of the film was brilliant and again, probably 20 years too early. With the debut of Reality shows such as “Extreme Make-over” and “The Swan,” plus with cloning technologies, 2004 and forward would be best time to have made this film. Back in the 1980’s was entirely too early. The film survives due to if nothing more than the song (which you can download below..and yes the Sue Saad version, not Kim Carnes). It’s an excellent song that will pound through your head. However I can’t wait for a good dvd version (if that ever happens): The television version has an additional 15 minutes of plot. It involves Dr. Roberts and Cindy discussing the possible motives of the mysterious corporation for killing off the top commercial models. Although this would have helped the plot, holes still exist. It’s an overall good film that frankly is worth watching. Comparison: Simone meets Making Mr. Right |
Links to other sites at The Sinning Room
Sue Saad's version of "Looker" Theme
Horror Films L-Z Review Page
Horror Films Review Page
