The Andromeda Strain (1971)
When virtually all of the residents of Piedmont, New Mexico, are found dead after the return to Earth of a space satellite, the head of the US Air Force's Project Scoop declares an emergency. A group of eminent scientists led by Dr. Jeremy Stone scramble to a secure laboratory and try to first isolate the life form while determining why two people from Piedmont - an old alcoholic and a six-month-old baby - survived. The scientists methodically study the alien life form unaware that it has already mutated and presents a far greater danger in the lab, which is equipped with a nuclear self-destruct device designed to prevent the escape of dangerous biological agents.
Watch Trailer
Cast
Similar titles
Reviews
Surprisingly incoherent and boring
It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional
Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.
Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.
When we talk about science fiction films, few are able to maintain a touch of realism that adds a fascinating taste of suspense to the work. The Andromeda Strain, is one of those few films.When a satellite hits the earth, infected with a lethal alien organism that threatens to destroy humanity, a group of scientists has the task of discovering how to combat such an entity, over time, they will discover that there is much more to fight than the unknown.This is one of my few favorite fictional movies that make me sit on the edge of the chair, paying close attention to every detail, every word, every argument, listening and fascinating as I enter a world of completely incredible science. Few movies are capable of achieving this realism, since sometimes reality is often boring for some. But they are wrong. The reality exceeds fiction. This movie proves it with great magnitudes. Even if the main idea itself may sound fake. It can develop at any moment on our planet, and the only way to fight such a threat is with science.This is where the word '' scientific accuracy '' stands. Since this film has dialogues so perfectly armed that I could not believe it was fiction, I felt myself approaching a world of medicine and viral diseases, an excellent world that teaches me the most brilliant side of humanity.With an incredible suspense, fascinating performances, remarkable scenes, a cinematography that leaves me even terrified at times, this movie is included in the list of the best realistic science fiction films.With the only disadvantage, being slow progress. A bit tedious waiting, but absolutely worth it. Even if the advance may seem slow, the movie is built correctly over time and teaches us the virtue of patience, science and medicine, magnificent fields that become the 3 main elements of this movie.
Quite probably one of the greatest Sci Fi movies of all time. I will agree that it doesn't have any men running around in tights with capes, or explosions. But the script is tight and the acting top notch. If you don't like this you don't like real Sci Fi, go ahead and re-watch an Iron-Man or Captain America film, there're all alike anyway.
I first heard of and read the work of Michael Crichton by chance in my early teens, and found him to be one of the most engaging writers I'd come across. That position still holds; his novels are beautifully paced and expertly crafted, with character driven narratives and well constructed dialogue. As a result, I was sceptical as to how well this would come across in film. I'd seen Jurassic Park before I'd read it and found it very entertaining, though reading the novel highlighted how much of the original story had been 're-made for Hollywood'. Thankfully, The Andromeda Strain does not suffer from the obligatory 'magic touch' of Hollywood.It is paced excellently, steadily building tension whilst thoroughly and accurately exploring how science might discover and potentially exploit extraterrestrial life. The characters are realistic, both in appearance and behaviour, each with their own unavoidable faults that add significantly to the story. As a result, there is an unnerving undertone of man's authority, the right of humanity to conquer the unknown, best described by Dr. Stone - "we will understand it and destroy it". By the end, you will not root for mankind.Suffice to say, this is one of the best films I've ever seen, easily the best science fiction film. Thoroughly recommended.
A very interesting science fiction mystery movie. I consider it a "quiet" film because it is not full of action and the thrills, what little there is in the film is subtle. This is good movie to watch for lovers of mystery and sci-fi. I recommend watching the movie.The Andromeda Strain (1971) is not a cheap b-rated sci-fi with only entertainment given to the viewer. Instead, The Andromeda Strain (1971) has quite a lot to offer the viewer in way of good acting, an interesting story and a mystery to solve. The special effects are not bad for a 1971 movie. It also has a nostalgic look to the movie sets but still right up par with newer science fiction flicks.8.5/10