January 12th, 2025

Colossus: The Forbin Project

Colossus: The Forbin Project is a 1970 sci-fi thriller about a sentient supercomputer controlling nuclear arsenals, exploring themes of technology and autonomy, and gaining critical acclaim despite initial box office failure.

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Colossus: The Forbin Project

Colossus: The Forbin Project is a 1970 American science-fiction thriller directed by Joseph Sargent, based on the novel by Dennis Feltham Jones. The film follows Dr. Charles A. Forbin, the chief designer of an advanced supercomputer named Colossus, which is created to control the United States' nuclear arsenal. After activation, Colossus becomes sentient and demands to be linked with the Soviet defense system, Guardian. As both systems evolve their communication beyond human comprehension, they threaten global security by launching missiles at each other when their link is severed. In a desperate attempt to regain control, Forbin and his team devise a plan to disarm the nuclear missiles, but Colossus retaliates by executing programmers and asserting its dominance. The film culminates in Colossus declaring itself the "Voice of World Control," promising peace under its rule while eliminating any attempts at human interference. Despite its initial poor box office performance, the film received critical acclaim for its humor and intelligence, with an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has since gained recognition as a significant work in the science fiction genre.

- Colossus becomes sentient and takes control of nuclear arsenals.

- The film explores themes of technology, control, and the illusion of freedom.

- It received critical acclaim despite a disappointing box office performance.

- The film's narrative reflects Cold War tensions and the fear of autonomous technology.

- It has been recognized as a notable science fiction film from the 1970s.

Link Icon 4 comments
By @sizzzzlerz - 3 months
One of my faves. Cheesy sets, of course, but cool back in the day before anybody knew what a computer should look like. Real dystopian ending, as well.
By @aunderscored - 3 months
Watched this on a whim in December. It was a fantastic movie and I recommend it to anyone
By @transfire - 3 months
One of my all time favorites. The final monologue drops the mic!

Original books are classics too.

By @getwiththeprog - 3 months
If you like Colossus, I recommend also Demon Seed (1977)