The Final Programme

source: The Final Programme

The Final Programme

In the book, the all-purpose human being that emerges is a dazzling, charismatic creature like Adam Warlock in Marvel comics; in the film, he's a hairy hunchbacked neanderthal. Totally ludicrous and completely unnecessary re-writing! Also, why didn't they state explicily Ms Brunner's real nature (she's a succubus, a female sexual vampire); does Moorcock have issues in that area?

I first saw this film when it came out in 1973, and just watched it for the second time on DVD. Excellent production values and camera work. Stars Jon Finch as androgynous (but heterosexual) dandy-dressing Jerry Cornelius, with black nail polish; looks a bit like a cross between an older Johnny Depp and Billy Zane. Also stars Sterling Hayden, Julie Ege and the evil (duh) Nazi guy from "Raiders of the Lost Ark". The film itself is a cult science fiction fantasy in the best tradition of the late '60's - early '70's, with similarities in style to The Prisoner, early James Bond (slightly), Clockwork Orange, The Abominable Dr. Phibes, and The Avengers (the director worked on the last two of those also). It is years ahead of its time in theme and science, but lapses into camp several times, especially as it progresses. It is rather disjointed, but the acting and sets are both good. Based on a story by Michael Moorcock.

Moorcock hates this movie and says its a travesty. I'd heard that Mick Jagger was supposed to play the role but turned it down. Personally, I find this movie to be great! I've been a long-time fan of "The Cornelius Chronicles", the first story of which this movie based on. Granted, I think the director/writer's modification of the book's original ending SUCKS but up until that point it is a great movie. I especially enjoyed the needle gun design. Very clever indeed. I think that this movie captures the essence of the original story and tries very hard to get as close as possible to the book, however it does lack in several areas. If you are a Moorcock fan (Elric, Corum, Carnelian, etc.) check out this movie.

Michael Moorcock may not like it, but it made me start reading his books after I first saw it on TV in the late 70s. Yes, the change from the ending of the book is a joke in every sense of the word, but you have a lot of fun getting there. Dozens of sly gags along the way will reward a repeat viewing. The design is a total work of art in itself.

A weird Sci Fi movie about Michael Moorcock's creation Jerry Cornelius. In this movie J.C. is finally doomed to merge with a woman to make a new kind of man, the result is bizarre. The movie is a mixture between the style of Kubrick's "Clockwork Orange" and Luining's "Feed." What makes the movie really different from both mentioned is the dialogues that are full of a strange kind of black humor.

Sort of like Zardoz crossed with Planet of the Apes. The film is well acted, well shot, and the plot holds together... even though the Nazis are dragged in a bit, but not to the detriment of the film. It is allegorical, and rather clever twist on some poetry for those who have taken Humanities classes in school. Worth a look if you are new to film, and are looking for something out of the ordinary, that requires a bit of knowledge to hang with.