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The U.S. government gathers a group of elite scientists in an underground high-tech laboratory to solve the mystery of an extra-terrestrial micro-organism that has killed everyone in a small Nevada town. With two survivors — a crying baby and a drunk old man — as prominent clues, the scientists work around the clock to stop the organism from growing and wiping out mankind.
Based on the book by Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park, Westworld) and directed by Robert Wise (The Sound of Music, West Side Story), The Andromeda Strain stars a relatively unknown cast and a takes a somewhat documentary film approach to make the unfolding drama feel immediate and palpable. Some of Wise’s tactics and stylistic touches helped to popularize the ‘fake document’ sub-genre of movies. The cast have a few, modest opportunities to exhibit some personality, but they’re largely constrained within the heavily conceptual, decidedly plot-driven script. The experimental score by Gil Melle is obnoxious at times, but the widescreen cinematography, film editing, and production design are striking.
The opening scenes, including the round up of scientists and their exploration of the plague-ridden town, are the most enthralling. You may have to be a science nerd for the rest of the movie to have a lasting impact. Once the action moves exclusively to the underground bunker, the only thing driving the action and suspense is the scientific method itself. The existential threat of the alien germ starts to feel removed, more of a hypothetical abstraction than a pressing reality. The film is overall a heady, insular, and theatrical-feeling affair, but Wise does a remarkable job making it feel cinematic.
Starring James Olson, Arthur Hill, David Wayne, and Kate Reid. With Paula Kelly and George Mitchell.
Oscar Nominations: Best Film Editing, Art Direction