John Badham is one of the most underrated Hollywood directors in the last decades of 20th Century. His filmography was characterised not only by many successes, but also by great diversity, with films ranging from sometimes unpleasantly adult dramas like Saturday Night Fever to family friendly feather-light entertainment that could have been at home with Disney. An example of the latter is Short Circuit, 1986 science fiction comedy which became one of the big hits of its time.
The plot begins at the facilities of NOVA, robotics company whose main scientist Newton Crosby (played by Steve Guttenberg) has designed new and advanced models of robots named S.A.I.N.T. They, much to Crosby’s displeasure, became target of interest by US military who had them equipped with lasers and intended to use them in future conflict with Soviets. During the demonstration, No. 5 (voiced by Tim Blaney), one of the prototypes is struck by lightning and, as a result, develops sentience. Curious about outside world, he leaves facility and ends in home of Stephanie Speck (played by Ally Sheedy), young woman who runs catering business in order to finance animal shelter. Initially thinking that No. 5 is an alien, she enthusiastically helps him with information about Earth and helps him develop language and social skills. In the meantime, NOVA and US military start a search for No. 5 and Stephanie, who became fond of her new robotic friend, must seek help from Crosby in order to prevent No. 5 from being destroyed by Captain Skroeder (played by G. W. Bailey), trigger-happy chief of NOVA security.
At first glance, it looks like Short Circuit shares the theme of Badham’s previous two films - Blue Thunder and WarGames - dangers of advanced technology that, in the wrong hands, can serve as tool of abuse and/or global anihilation. However, apart from few explicit satirical jabs directed at Cold War bellicosity of Reagan’s America and role of Military-industrial-complex in creating such sentiments, which are used at the beginning, script by S. S. Wilson and Briand Maddock lacks any depth and instead opts for generic plot that often uses “fish out of water” cliches when dealing with its mechanical protagonist. From strictly technical point, Short Circuit is a very good film. Badham directed it well, maintaining good pace, and the special effects, despite their relative simplicity, are very impressive. A lot of creative energy was used in developing No. 5, designed by Syd Mead, futurist and conceptual known for his work on some of the best science fiction films of the decades. One of the members of team that brought No. 5 to life was Tim Blaney, puppeteer who also gave voice to this creation. No. 5, which acts and looks more like an adorable pet than actual piece of technology, is very likeable and, even when we disregard physical resemblance to protagonist of E.T., it is very understandable why this film won hearts of the younger viewers.
Human characters and the actors playing them, however, are disappointing. Steve Guttenberg is terribly miscast and completely unconvincing as brilliant scientist. To make things worse, he lack chemistry with Ally Sheedy who has played much better and convincing role in WarGames. Guttenberg’s presence (which, according to Badham, came at the urging of the studio) led to hiring of G. W. Bailey as main villain, probably in order to re-create chemistry between those two actors from Police Academy. This attempt fails because Bailey’s character succumbs to cliches. Austin Pendleton as Crosby’s boss has better depth and ends a more memorable character. The best role in the film, however, is the most questionable, at least from today’s standpoint of “political correctness”. Character of Ben Jhabituya, Crosby’s Indian friend and colleague, enthusiastically played by white American actor Fisher Stevens. He took that role, intended as comic relief, quite seriously and actually went to India to prepare. The result, helped by a lot of makeup, is quite impressive and Stevens in India was actually mistaken for Bollywood star Jaaved Jafferi. Today, however, many would see this role as an example of cultural appropriation and unacceptable racial stereotypes. Many years later, Badham admitted that such film couldn’t be made today and also expressed displeasure with the ultimate quality of his work. Audience in mid 1980s, however, was less demanding and success of Short Circuit led to predictably forgettable sequel Short Circuit 2. Today’s audience, despite some obvious flaws, would probably appreciate this film as an example of technically superb piece of Hollywood entertainment.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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