Michael Chricton’s 1973 directorial debut, even after so many decades, looks like a genuine science fiction classic, despite serving like a template for his later, and much more successful novel Jurassic Park. Set in near future, plot shows massive amusement park in which Delos Corporation developed androids, nearly indistinguishable from real humans, that allow guests to indulge in the most extreme violent and sexual fantasies; however, something goes terribly wrong and androids start to show hostility and later kill guests. Made with relatively small budget, Westworld nevertheless gives glimpse into advanced movie-making technology, but its main strength is in simple structure that shows the future world and characters economically, but effectively. Yul Brynner as dark-clad robot gunslinger plays one of the most iconic role of his career, that would later inspire The Terminator, while Richard Benjamin gives surprisingly effective performance as male equivalent of Final Girl in slasher films. Despite some misguided use of slow motion and awkward sex scene, Westworld looks much more polished and effective than its recent television remake.
RATING: 7/10
