The Andromeda Strain (1971) Part 01

The best-selling novel by Michael Crichton was faithfully adapted for this taut 1971 thriller, about a team of scientists(Arthur Hill, David Wayne, James Olson, Kate Reid and Paula Kelly) racing against time to destroy a deadly alien virus that threatens to wipe out life on Earth. As usual with any Crichton-based movie, the emphasis is on an exciting clash between nature and science, beginning when virologists discover the outer-space virus in a tiny town full of corpses. Projecting total contamination, the scientists isolate the deadly strain in a massive, high-tech underground lab facility, which is rigged for nuclear destruction if the virus is not successfully controlled. The movie spends a great deal of time covering the scientific procedures of the high-pressure investigation, and the rising tensions between scientists who have been forced to work in claustrophobic conditions. It's all very fascinating if you're interested in scientific method and technological advances but it's more effective as a thriller in which tension is derived not only from the deadly threat of the virus, but from the escalating fear and anxiety among the small group of people who've been assigned to save the human race. The basic premise is still captivating; it's easy to see how this became the foundation of Crichton's science-thriller empire.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Andromeda
• Strain
• Virus
• Michael
• Crichton

[pieaficionado]

Thanks for the post.

Why don't they make films like this anymore?

[AStrainMov]

It's in the directors hands... many young directors today do not surround themselves with or listen to people who are experts in the technology of the story.. ie Doctors, Scientists, Engineers, etc... The directors think they are experts and they don't know shit.... LOL....

[IAMBELOVEDIAM]

Thanks for posting for free!

[AStrainMov]

I accept all donations... LOL...

[goldenthroat86]

This 1971 movie version is VERY faithful to the book. Why is it now that every insect in Hollywood thinks that they can "improve" a masterpiece like this by re-writing the plot of master writers like Crichton.

[jackoadeetayo1]

boy that is some dead bird...

[Trudeau790]

I remember reading the book 20 years ago and hoping I could find the movie. I'm glad to see it is so easily accessible.

[shuhelali]

I watched it when I was 6 back in 1979 - yup, scared me then too

[StacyatLife]

The Intro to this movie is surprisingly modern for 2009. It was well done.

[djfakt]

The 70s was the real golden era of films...SO, so many brilliant movies. Before the corporations took over and they were actually making ART.

[Ironfist090873]

Correctly you exactly hit it.

I rarely watch up to Date movies becuase of that.

I think a good storyline and good actors are much more important to generate a good movie then 3 D Special Effects alone can do.

[argumenteren]

So do I! I was eleven in 1976 and was anxious after watching this movie.

[slowgrabber]

Thanks for posting. I think a lot of the credit has to go Robert Wise, a director who never let his ego get in the way of a good screenplay, which this movie has.

[weldon0m]

awesome movia...true atmosphere .....WATCH IT.....I IMPLOR YOU ALL !

[stegatops]

Couldnt agree more...........it was cerebral, not overdone.............proof of what can be done on a low budget.