SATURN 3 [1980]

A dreamland is transformed into a battle zone for superiority and sexual gratification in SATURN 3. Adam, Alex, and their dog Sally lead a utopian lifestyle on Saturn’s third moon. They work and play happily distanced from a congested planet and its often shuddersome occupants. The slight interference of Adam’s wonderment is the only issue; it’s apparent he worries that his younger comrade/lover will one day grow curious enough about Earth to leave him behind and delve into its offerings. Adam’s concern is intensified when Captain Benson invades their domain and becomes obsessed with stealing Alex away for his personal pleasure. Ultimately, Benson has arrived to build a replacement scientist, a robot soon called “Hector.” However, since Hector’s actions rely on Benson’s evil and primitive thoughts, Hector develops into an outlet for Benson’s frustration. The captain causes his creation to go on a murderous rampage, and Adam and Alex must destroy the man-made slaughterer before facing death in space.  

SATURN 3 is a science fiction thriller that will engulf you like a black hole. For starters, Elmer Bernstein’s futuristic score, filled with an array of sounds ranging from brass to xylophone, will positively catapult you into a completely new dimension. The gigantic space station in which the crew resides is steel-colored, but brightly illuminated with fluorescent white light and primary colors that establish a gorgeous, spellbinding backdrop. In contrast to the enchanting visuals is Hector, potentially one of the most fearsome killers in motion picture history (by my standards, at least). The villainous robot is faceless, erratic, and nearly unstoppable. Primal desire is the driving force behind the more emotional scenes in the film, which are surprisingly NOT boring. Although the love triangle concept may seem overdone, the drama is actually compelling due to the characters’ perfectly conveyed personalities. Fawcett, in particular, impresses as an intelligent, strong-willed contender. SATURN 3 implements a dynamic of cinematic layers for an out-of-this-world expedition.  

Rating: 10/10

Director: Stanley Donen

Cast: Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas, Harvey Keitel
Country: UK