THE FINAL PROGRAMME

Directed by Robert Fuest.  Written by Robert Fuest
Starring Jon Finch, Jenny Runacre, Sterling Hayden
1973, 89 minutes (original US running time was 81 minutes), Color, Rated R, 1.77:1

Based on the book by Michael Moorcock, this film concerns itself with a microfilm containing a blueprint for the perfect human, or the "final programme" as it is known in the story.  Jerry Cornelius (Finch) plays the son of the man who developed the programme, and spends much of the film trying to find it.  Along the way he meets many strange characters, and it all takes place in a future where society is in the process of falling apart.

This was released in the US as THE LAST DAYS OF MAN ON EARTH.  It is a very, very strange movie, but full of great ideas that may get lost in the shuffle due to the constant disorienting flow of action, colors and oddball characters.  I found the US version nigh incomprehensible but the UK version released on DVD is 8 minutes longer, so I was hoping for better results.  It's still incomprehensible but it definitely flows better.  Sterling Hayden appears in a scene completely cut out of the US version.

I have read the book this is based on, so I had a pretty good idea of the plot, but, well, it's still hard to follow.  Definite cult possibilities, however, as it is never boring and now features R-rated language and nudity.  Perhaps this gets better and better the more times you watch it, but so far I've only noticed nominal gains in repeat viewings.  Still, it says something that I am still watching it from time to time.