Forbin and mankind do get what they wanted: an end to war, and a promise to end disease, pollution, overcrowding, and starvation, knowing fully well that Colossus is likely to deliver on its promises; a thing which makes Colossus all the more effective than any mere human dictator could be. Yet, it’s not that they got their desire, but how they get it that is the crux, for the how displays one of humanity’s greatest fears - the loss of control.
Thus, Colossus: The Forbin Project stands out not only as a great sci-fi film, but as a great testament to the power of ego and hubris: Mankind’s, Forbin’s, and the computer’s. After all, had only one side in the arms race concocted a supercomputer, neither Colossus nor Guardian could have grown out of control so quickly. This focus on egotism links this film to the eerily similarly titled Forbidden Planet. Yet, unlike the earlier film, the human race does not seem able to escape destruction from the product of its own ingenuity. Were such ingenuity on display these days, in Hollywood, the film industry would be in far better shape than it is today. Perhaps old Colossus knew a few things, after all?
Article comments
1 - Ray Ellis
You are kidding, aren't you?
2 - Dan Schneider
No. More specifics?