15 reviews
The original version of this film, which was titled 120 minutes into the Future (I believe) was by far one of the most impressive and subversive things I have seen on TV. The premise involves the idea that Blipverts, or high-speed advertisements, are allowing the TV stations to create more ad time, but are also at risk of causing the most indolent members of society to spontaneously combust.
This is absolutely wonderful!
The whole Max Headroom angle was never really exploited until this became a (too short lived) TV series shortly after. However, this movie is nothing short of being among the most impressive and visionary movies ever made, and by far one of the most interesting (and underrated) cyberpunk tales told.
The low-budget enhances the bleakness of this dystopic future, and the utter pessimism about the future of mankind is palpable at every moment. Watching the TV zombies wander the streets in search of more TV, the dark rooms where the future of man (and media) is decided... the burnt-out buildings, the police-state siege mentality. I have rarely seen anything this ambitious attempted in the past.
This movie warned us about the dangers of mass media, and managed to do it in a way that was not ironic and was highly entertaining. Run out and find this movie if you can (I have seen it on tape, and Sci-Fi channel runs it occasionally). Go... NOW!
This is absolutely wonderful!
The whole Max Headroom angle was never really exploited until this became a (too short lived) TV series shortly after. However, this movie is nothing short of being among the most impressive and visionary movies ever made, and by far one of the most interesting (and underrated) cyberpunk tales told.
The low-budget enhances the bleakness of this dystopic future, and the utter pessimism about the future of mankind is palpable at every moment. Watching the TV zombies wander the streets in search of more TV, the dark rooms where the future of man (and media) is decided... the burnt-out buildings, the police-state siege mentality. I have rarely seen anything this ambitious attempted in the past.
This movie warned us about the dangers of mass media, and managed to do it in a way that was not ironic and was highly entertaining. Run out and find this movie if you can (I have seen it on tape, and Sci-Fi channel runs it occasionally). Go... NOW!
Gloomy future. Deserted streets. Media syndicates. Edison Carter is a hard-hitting reporter. One day he indirectly traces the existence of advertising, which has a dual impact on the subconscious of its consumers. On the one hand, they become addicted to watching it, on the other hand, like a drug, it is quite capable of killing some of those who happen to see it. The undesirable effect itself is not purposeful, but rather a specific by-product of a technical invention, but, as usual, ratings come first. The people standing behind the scenes are trying in vain to intimidate the reporter. Ultimately, a combination of circumstances will lead to the appearance of an alter ego - a computer version of himself with, at first glance, a strange call sign - Max Headroom. It is this digital form that will be destined to bring a little justice to the world. Where such a strange name came from can be understood in one of the scenes.
The action in this television film is presented primarily in the form of a vague, sometimes semi-documentary chronicle, with many screens, equipment, three-dimensional projections and faces in the frame. To some extent, this makes it similar to FMV quests, which became widespread with the onset of the nineties of the last century, both on the IBM PC and the 3DO console that appeared in 1993 in particular. The short running time, just under an hour, puts it on the same shelf as short films. Otherwise, it's difficult to say anything about the movie itself without obvious spoilers, so instead I'll focus on two other components.
First, in 1987-1988, an eponymous series was aired that lasted for two seasons and fourteen episodes, about an hour each. Secondly, the work, which is not particularly well known in our country, largely received cult status due to an incident on real television that occurred on November 22, 1987. An unidentified hacker managed to go on the evening live broadcast of the WGN-TV television channel, which was operating in Chicago, USA in those years. For about a minute and a half, the man hiding under the mask of Max Headroom was fooling around in a very unique way, at the same time essentially ridiculing both the TV channel itself and the media in general. The story that same evening was repeated on the consonant name WTTW. Today both the entry itself and the description in detail can be found in the same Wikipedia.
The action in this television film is presented primarily in the form of a vague, sometimes semi-documentary chronicle, with many screens, equipment, three-dimensional projections and faces in the frame. To some extent, this makes it similar to FMV quests, which became widespread with the onset of the nineties of the last century, both on the IBM PC and the 3DO console that appeared in 1993 in particular. The short running time, just under an hour, puts it on the same shelf as short films. Otherwise, it's difficult to say anything about the movie itself without obvious spoilers, so instead I'll focus on two other components.
First, in 1987-1988, an eponymous series was aired that lasted for two seasons and fourteen episodes, about an hour each. Secondly, the work, which is not particularly well known in our country, largely received cult status due to an incident on real television that occurred on November 22, 1987. An unidentified hacker managed to go on the evening live broadcast of the WGN-TV television channel, which was operating in Chicago, USA in those years. For about a minute and a half, the man hiding under the mask of Max Headroom was fooling around in a very unique way, at the same time essentially ridiculing both the TV channel itself and the media in general. The story that same evening was repeated on the consonant name WTTW. Today both the entry itself and the description in detail can be found in the same Wikipedia.
- UnknownDoomer
- Apr 26, 2024
- Permalink
Reporter Edison Carter discovers that an advertising medium developed by the TV network he works for is killing viewers. The network attempts to 'dispose' of him and replace him with a computer generated version. And so the story goes...
This is a really good film, taking the bleak vision of Blade-Runner and injecting a little 20th century realism. Set in a world where TV networks rule and the population is made up of couch potatoes who rarely venture into the desolation outside their doors, Max Headroom is frighteningly plausible and potentially very downbeat.
However, the story has enough lighter moments to balance the overall darkness of the film and together with a likeable and talented cast, this is a thoroughly enjoyable film that - like its content - was maybe a bit too ahead of its time. 10/10.
This is a really good film, taking the bleak vision of Blade-Runner and injecting a little 20th century realism. Set in a world where TV networks rule and the population is made up of couch potatoes who rarely venture into the desolation outside their doors, Max Headroom is frighteningly plausible and potentially very downbeat.
However, the story has enough lighter moments to balance the overall darkness of the film and together with a likeable and talented cast, this is a thoroughly enjoyable film that - like its content - was maybe a bit too ahead of its time. 10/10.
Like the TV show that followed it, the "Max Headroom" movie was a great grim look into a bleak, Blade-Runner-esque future ruled by corporations who keep the proletariat down by anesthetizing them with junk food and mind-numbing television pageantry. The parallels are frightening, or haven't you seen a Jerry Springer audience lately? The UK movie is, if anything, even grittier and more creepy than the eventual US pilot and TV series. It's out of print, but well worth searching out -- a dramatic, thought-provoking example of everything that's good about science fiction.
I happened on the "Max Headroom: 20 minutes into the future" film on the cable channel Cinemax by accident in 1986 or so. The story, the setting, and the characters drew me in and I was blown away. It had the dreary, rainy, dark mood of "Blade Runner" and "Alien" with a touch of film noir where everyone smokes and the surrounding city is dirty and decaying. The cautionary tale of corporate control is dead on target even becoming more true than when this film came out.
There is an underground of people who don't exist - called 'Blanks' - and others who kidnap and kill people to sell their organs at the local tissue collection agencies.
Amongst this backdrop is Edison Carter - played by Matt Frewer - star reporter for Network 23. He uncovers evidence that his employer is killing viewers in an effort to generate more ad revenue. Instead of "killing the story" as happens today, the bosses decide to kill Edison. They have a problem in doing this however. Being that Edison is the star of the network, if he dies then people will know something is up. Enter teen genius Bryce Lynch - played by Paul Spurrier - who does his best thinking while taking a bath, downloads Edison's brain into a computer. He uses that to create a computer version of Edison in hopes of fooling the viewers.
All is not well when virtual Edison takes the name Max Headroom and escapes the control of Lynch and Network 23.
Helped by the lovely Theora Jones - played by Amanda Pays - and the leader of the Blanks, Blank Reg - played by William Morgan Sheppard - Max puts the screws on Network 23 and the whole corporate control culture.
Frewer is a hoot as Max. His zingers through out the movie help lighten the dark tones and Max is not just a computer clone of Edison. Max is how Edison wishes he could be.
Pays is lovely as Edison's and later Max's producer. She and Max have a good relationship.
Sheppard's Blank Reg is an aging punk rocker with a Mohawk to boot. He has it all figured out.
If you get a chance to see this movie then do it. You won't be sorry.
There is an underground of people who don't exist - called 'Blanks' - and others who kidnap and kill people to sell their organs at the local tissue collection agencies.
Amongst this backdrop is Edison Carter - played by Matt Frewer - star reporter for Network 23. He uncovers evidence that his employer is killing viewers in an effort to generate more ad revenue. Instead of "killing the story" as happens today, the bosses decide to kill Edison. They have a problem in doing this however. Being that Edison is the star of the network, if he dies then people will know something is up. Enter teen genius Bryce Lynch - played by Paul Spurrier - who does his best thinking while taking a bath, downloads Edison's brain into a computer. He uses that to create a computer version of Edison in hopes of fooling the viewers.
All is not well when virtual Edison takes the name Max Headroom and escapes the control of Lynch and Network 23.
Helped by the lovely Theora Jones - played by Amanda Pays - and the leader of the Blanks, Blank Reg - played by William Morgan Sheppard - Max puts the screws on Network 23 and the whole corporate control culture.
Frewer is a hoot as Max. His zingers through out the movie help lighten the dark tones and Max is not just a computer clone of Edison. Max is how Edison wishes he could be.
Pays is lovely as Edison's and later Max's producer. She and Max have a good relationship.
Sheppard's Blank Reg is an aging punk rocker with a Mohawk to boot. He has it all figured out.
If you get a chance to see this movie then do it. You won't be sorry.
I grew up as a teen in the 80s being a HUGE computer geek back when the term wasn't popular. There was something special about Max Headroom, & I still to this day (1/24/2005) think it was one of the BEST TV shows made! It was the only show I made time for...otherwise I was outside with friends or doing some programming with my Commodore 64 (once I found out Amiga computers were used in the show I **wanted** one. Sometime later I bought one, I still believe the Amiga IS the BEST computer platform there has ever been. Windows just doesn't match up. Anyway, I digress...
I loved the humor of Max Headroom/Edison Carter. Matt pulled the characters off very well. The show really did inspire the young hacker in me as well as the fantasy idea (of the time) for computer generating a Computer Character like Bryce did. ;) Hehe. The sense of humor was awesome, the character roles were very good & it touched very WELL on the Truth of TV!!! :D
I would love to see all of the episodes, commercials U.S & U.K., talk shows, & the Paranomia music video by The Art Of Noise come out on DVDs. Everything that was Max Headroom should be on DVD by *NOW*!! A lot of other junk TV like Sienfeld, Friends, etc have made it to DVD & they don't have the loyal following that MAX does. Common, we're WAITING to spend our hard earned $$ on MAX HEADROOM DVDs Loaded with EXTRAS, interviews, the Car Commercial, & so MUCH MORE. Get that stuttering dude on DVDs!!!! It's WAAAAAAAAY past time, Folks!!
As we used to say in the 80s... MAX HEADROOM for President!! At least THAT talking Head says something worth hearing!! :D
Bravo to Bravo for when they aired MAX HEADROOM without commercials. I miss MAX on Cinemax, too!
I loved the humor of Max Headroom/Edison Carter. Matt pulled the characters off very well. The show really did inspire the young hacker in me as well as the fantasy idea (of the time) for computer generating a Computer Character like Bryce did. ;) Hehe. The sense of humor was awesome, the character roles were very good & it touched very WELL on the Truth of TV!!! :D
I would love to see all of the episodes, commercials U.S & U.K., talk shows, & the Paranomia music video by The Art Of Noise come out on DVDs. Everything that was Max Headroom should be on DVD by *NOW*!! A lot of other junk TV like Sienfeld, Friends, etc have made it to DVD & they don't have the loyal following that MAX does. Common, we're WAITING to spend our hard earned $$ on MAX HEADROOM DVDs Loaded with EXTRAS, interviews, the Car Commercial, & so MUCH MORE. Get that stuttering dude on DVDs!!!! It's WAAAAAAAAY past time, Folks!!
As we used to say in the 80s... MAX HEADROOM for President!! At least THAT talking Head says something worth hearing!! :D
Bravo to Bravo for when they aired MAX HEADROOM without commercials. I miss MAX on Cinemax, too!
- amigafuture
- Jan 23, 2005
- Permalink
- fish4spider-1
- Dec 15, 2005
- Permalink
I loved this film back in the 80s, and its story of CGI characters to replace real people for TV is easily a possibility now. This is my favourite film ever, infact I only found out today that the its less than an hour long - theres so much going on Id swear it was 90 mins plus.
Anyone who is remotely into Sci Fi or computer graphics should see this, or anyone who just likes unusual films and fancies a break from the norm without being bored.
If this was a Manga cartoon instead of a British film, it would be massive!
Anyone who is remotely into Sci Fi or computer graphics should see this, or anyone who just likes unusual films and fancies a break from the norm without being bored.
If this was a Manga cartoon instead of a British film, it would be massive!
For some reason unknown to me I received this video as a prize/gift from a company called 'Argus Press' who in the early '80's were one of many prolific ZX Spectrum games producers. Don't remember entering a competition, but there you go....
Anyhow, the film was brilliant, and not to be confused with the later TV series that, from the other write ups, I now learn of.
If this film is not on DVD then it should be. The dark urbun setting of some nightmare future is perfectly portrayed and the story is much as has been described in previous reviews.
Blipverts! - I'm surprised they aren't on Fox nowadays, in saying that the most indolent members of society may be most at risk there! The one thing that hasn't been mentioned, but that should be emphasized, is the fantastic soundtrack, coming as it did from the pen of Midge Ure who had recently departed the prolific 'Ultravox'. The setting, soundtrack, script and performance from a tremendous bunch of characters made this a film that, to this day, I still pull out of the loft and watch on my annual pilgrimage back home for Christmas.
To me its the urbun dystopia, the (then) futuristic use of desktop computers to track the action and the soundtrack that made this one hell of a movie and one of the most unsung of the 1980's.
Anyhow, the film was brilliant, and not to be confused with the later TV series that, from the other write ups, I now learn of.
If this film is not on DVD then it should be. The dark urbun setting of some nightmare future is perfectly portrayed and the story is much as has been described in previous reviews.
Blipverts! - I'm surprised they aren't on Fox nowadays, in saying that the most indolent members of society may be most at risk there! The one thing that hasn't been mentioned, but that should be emphasized, is the fantastic soundtrack, coming as it did from the pen of Midge Ure who had recently departed the prolific 'Ultravox'. The setting, soundtrack, script and performance from a tremendous bunch of characters made this a film that, to this day, I still pull out of the loft and watch on my annual pilgrimage back home for Christmas.
To me its the urbun dystopia, the (then) futuristic use of desktop computers to track the action and the soundtrack that made this one hell of a movie and one of the most unsung of the 1980's.
- holahola47
- Aug 19, 2005
- Permalink
I looked up Max on IMDb to see if I could find any information about the powers that be putting it on DVD. This was one of my favorite shows (along with Moonlighting, Magnum PI, Thirty Something, and Murphy Brown). I agree that it was intelligent and worth taping or scheduling your time around and SHOULD be produced on DVD!!! Get to it!!
For all those who never had the good fortune of being able to view this show, I would compare it to a cross between Robocop on a computer network and combined with the comedy of Jim Carey on steroids. Max, the main character of the show, exists as the personality and life form of the computer--it's not-so-artificial artificial intelligence.
I don't remember much else about the show, which is one reason I would love to see it again, because I love to reminisce, but as the previous posting pointed out...they only seem to come up with shows that have just been running and, mostly, are of no interest to me. So, put it out, Powers That Be!
For all those who never had the good fortune of being able to view this show, I would compare it to a cross between Robocop on a computer network and combined with the comedy of Jim Carey on steroids. Max, the main character of the show, exists as the personality and life form of the computer--it's not-so-artificial artificial intelligence.
I don't remember much else about the show, which is one reason I would love to see it again, because I love to reminisce, but as the previous posting pointed out...they only seem to come up with shows that have just been running and, mostly, are of no interest to me. So, put it out, Powers That Be!
- daisy2mae2
- Oct 29, 2005
- Permalink
I've been long overdue to watch this. One hears the name 'Max Headroom', and sees star Matt Frewer all over the place, long before knowing anything else about the character, or the associated film or TV programs. I assumed a cheeky cyber sci-fi comedy; what I didn't anticipate was how stunningly dark the underlying ideas are, however sardonically they're approached. True, in the broad strokes it's a familiar dystopia of wealth, power, and extreme corporate malfeasance without one shred of humanity; one recognizes glimmers in every aspect of the production of similar fare from all throughout the 80s, and the reality of how much Network 23 has in common with real-life organizations in 2022. For that matter, one also has to consider the equivalence between the development in-universe of the talking head, and how there's a certain oblique correspondence to present-day discussions of artificial intelligence in online spaces. This picture is unquestionably an original creation all its own, though, and even in a runtime of just under one hour, the result is reliably outstanding. '20 minutes into the future' is fantastic!
It may be "just" a TV movie, and a veritable prologue to introduce a character, yet in every regard the feature benefits from care and craftsmanship recalling major studio films instead of its actual kin. In various ways I'm reminded of John Carpenter, David Cronenberg, Ridley Scott, James Cameron, or other big name filmmakers: the digital additions, practical effects, production design and art direction, hair and makeup, costume design, and even Phil Meheux's vibrant cinematography. The original score of Midge Ure and Chris Cross, lending somber atmosphere, would feel right at home in the works of any of those mentioned, and sounds in turn like it could have been penned just as well by Carpenter, Howard Shore, Jerry Goldsmith, or any such composer. Directors Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton, and screenwriter Steve Roberts, all demonstrate a spark of ingenuity that lets every component part of their contributions and the picture at large resonate with unexpectedly rich, imaginative spirit. It's at once both delightfully tongue-in-cheek and astoundingly grim, and always wonderfully smart and sharp with every idea to present.
One is quite accustomed to any film of such an abbreviated length, and made for TV movies too, coming across as very direct, and possibly rushed and forced. It would be very easy as a viewer to feel shortchanged by such a production, nevermind that Channel 4 ordered this simply as an origin for the title character. Yet the writing and direction is marvelously keen, the crew turned in work just as fine as any picture one could point to as a comparison, and the entire cast - even those in small supporting roles - bring their parts to life with such incredible, gratifying personality. It seems an impossible task, but 'Max Headroom' comes off as a complete, balanced, well-rounded feature, more than can be claimed by some Silver Screen blockbusters with the all the resources of Hollywood behind them. Even if every constituent element weren't so stupendously well done in and of itself, the film as whole is a rather impressive accomplishment given what it pulled off within its chosen medium. I don't think it's at all unreasonable to suggest that when all is said and done, frankly this is a must-see. Whether one goes on to watch the programs that followed from this introduction, or just takes in '20 minutes into the future' of its own accord, it's a tremendous, intelligent, witty, and highly entertaining genre piece that not only continues to hold up but is arguably more relevant than ever. However one must go about watching it, this is worth far more than sixty mere minutes of one's time!
It may be "just" a TV movie, and a veritable prologue to introduce a character, yet in every regard the feature benefits from care and craftsmanship recalling major studio films instead of its actual kin. In various ways I'm reminded of John Carpenter, David Cronenberg, Ridley Scott, James Cameron, or other big name filmmakers: the digital additions, practical effects, production design and art direction, hair and makeup, costume design, and even Phil Meheux's vibrant cinematography. The original score of Midge Ure and Chris Cross, lending somber atmosphere, would feel right at home in the works of any of those mentioned, and sounds in turn like it could have been penned just as well by Carpenter, Howard Shore, Jerry Goldsmith, or any such composer. Directors Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton, and screenwriter Steve Roberts, all demonstrate a spark of ingenuity that lets every component part of their contributions and the picture at large resonate with unexpectedly rich, imaginative spirit. It's at once both delightfully tongue-in-cheek and astoundingly grim, and always wonderfully smart and sharp with every idea to present.
One is quite accustomed to any film of such an abbreviated length, and made for TV movies too, coming across as very direct, and possibly rushed and forced. It would be very easy as a viewer to feel shortchanged by such a production, nevermind that Channel 4 ordered this simply as an origin for the title character. Yet the writing and direction is marvelously keen, the crew turned in work just as fine as any picture one could point to as a comparison, and the entire cast - even those in small supporting roles - bring their parts to life with such incredible, gratifying personality. It seems an impossible task, but 'Max Headroom' comes off as a complete, balanced, well-rounded feature, more than can be claimed by some Silver Screen blockbusters with the all the resources of Hollywood behind them. Even if every constituent element weren't so stupendously well done in and of itself, the film as whole is a rather impressive accomplishment given what it pulled off within its chosen medium. I don't think it's at all unreasonable to suggest that when all is said and done, frankly this is a must-see. Whether one goes on to watch the programs that followed from this introduction, or just takes in '20 minutes into the future' of its own accord, it's a tremendous, intelligent, witty, and highly entertaining genre piece that not only continues to hold up but is arguably more relevant than ever. However one must go about watching it, this is worth far more than sixty mere minutes of one's time!
- I_Ailurophile
- Jan 3, 2023
- Permalink
As some other good reviews have said.. this is absolute gold if you have an affinity to the 80s in any way, and if you have seen Max Headroom before. If you haven't seen Max but you still like the 80s future-hope-worry vibe, this is for you - 10/10.
If you are younger or not into this then please don't rate it badly.. You have no idea what kind of historical masterpiece this is and you will help bury it like so many others. This was a film before its time.. and it's only now coming out as hidden treasure.
If you are younger or not into this then please don't rate it badly.. You have no idea what kind of historical masterpiece this is and you will help bury it like so many others. This was a film before its time.. and it's only now coming out as hidden treasure.
Max Headroom is an excellent Sci-Fi movie that has a great story, interesting characters and very witty dialogue. The dreary futuristic world it depicts is the hook that caught me and it's a movie all Sci-Fi fans should warmly embrace.
Amanda Pays, worth the price of admission all by herself, as Theora Jones and Matt Frewer as both Edison Carter and the title character Max both really make this film work. The supporting cast with the likes of William Morgan Sheppard and Hilary Tindall as "Reg" and "Dominique", the quirky owners of Bigtime Television, and Nickolas Grace who nails the part of "Grossman", head honcho at Network 23, also give great performances here. Hilton McRae along with his sidekick George Rossi, "Breugal" and "Mahler", add a humorous yet scary touch while doing the dirty work for computer nerd "Bryce" who is well played by Paul Spurrier. All-in-all this is a movie which shouldn't be missed.
Luckily I recorded Max Headroom on VHS during one of the times it was shown on Cinemax but I've watched it so many times since, it's getting fuzzier every time I see it. For the powers that be, PLEASE PUT THIS OUT ON DVD!!!
Amanda Pays, worth the price of admission all by herself, as Theora Jones and Matt Frewer as both Edison Carter and the title character Max both really make this film work. The supporting cast with the likes of William Morgan Sheppard and Hilary Tindall as "Reg" and "Dominique", the quirky owners of Bigtime Television, and Nickolas Grace who nails the part of "Grossman", head honcho at Network 23, also give great performances here. Hilton McRae along with his sidekick George Rossi, "Breugal" and "Mahler", add a humorous yet scary touch while doing the dirty work for computer nerd "Bryce" who is well played by Paul Spurrier. All-in-all this is a movie which shouldn't be missed.
Luckily I recorded Max Headroom on VHS during one of the times it was shown on Cinemax but I've watched it so many times since, it's getting fuzzier every time I see it. For the powers that be, PLEASE PUT THIS OUT ON DVD!!!
I well remember watching Max Headroom in the eighties, it was much talked about and never understood the lack of foresight in funding further work, unless of course it was down to the writer etc to produce the work.
But it was visionary work as described before and for low budget TV work it certainly was on par with Dr Who and more imaginative than the earlier Blakes Seven.
I can only surmise that some one out there with the right vision to fund exploit the original Max Headroom and unselfishly bring it to the 21st century where there is so much more to develop real media exploitation of today.
But it was visionary work as described before and for low budget TV work it certainly was on par with Dr Who and more imaginative than the earlier Blakes Seven.
I can only surmise that some one out there with the right vision to fund exploit the original Max Headroom and unselfishly bring it to the 21st century where there is so much more to develop real media exploitation of today.
- twiddlybits
- Jan 15, 2022
- Permalink