Fifteen years after their vibrant collaborations on War of the Worlds and The Naked Jungle, director Byron Haskin and producer George Pal teamed up again for The Power. Unfortunately, this film is often seen as a letdown. Based loosely on a sci-fi novel by Frank M. Robinson, it mixes intriguing ideas with some truly dull scenes.
Key Points
The film stars George Hamilton, who often comes off as too polished and unconvincing for the lead role. The supporting cast, which includes talented actors like Suzanne Pleshette and Richard Carlson, is also wasted in this production. The story has potential. It revolves around a scientific institute infiltrated by a powerful psychic who aims to eliminate his rivals in a quest for dominance.
However, the film lacks coherence. The ending raises more questions than it answers, and not in a thought-provoking way. The original story elements seem mishandled, making it easy to guess who the true super-psychic is. Characters frequently fail to notice they are being watched, which undermines the tension.
One of the film’s biggest flaws is its attempt to mimic the style of Alfred Hitchcock. Instead of creating suspense, it delivers awkward scenes, like a party filled with poor imitation hippie-rock music, trying too hard to seem trendy.
Haskin tries to build suspense with some ordinary action sequences. Hamilton survives several assassination attempts in ridiculous ways, such as on a runaway carousel or while stranded on a missile range. These moments feel far-fetched, especially when the stock footage of jets appears to have less firepower than a few hand grenades.
The film suffers from sloppy production and low-quality effects. Cardboard sets and cheap visual tricks make it hard to take the story seriously. Comparing this film to the earlier works of Pal and Haskin highlights a decline in Hollywood craftsmanship over the years. The industry seemed unsure of its audience and lacked the passion that once fueled great films.
Interestingly, later films like The Fury (1978) and Scanners (1981) borrowed elements from The Power and managed to be much more entertaining. While The Power has just enough intrigue to keep viewers watching until the end, it ultimately falls short of its potential.
The Storyline and Characters
The Power centers on a scientific institute where a powerful psychic, played by Michael Rennie, infiltrates the organization. His goal is to eliminate anyone who stands in his way. The film’s premise is captivating, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
George Hamilton’s character is meant to be the hero, but he often feels more like a bystander. The film fails to develop his character or the others in a meaningful way. As a result, viewers struggle to connect with their motivations and actions.
Themes of Power and Control
At its core, The Power explores themes of control and ambition. The psychic’s quest for dominance raises questions about the nature of power. Is it worth pursuing at any cost? The film hints at these ideas but never fully explores them, leaving viewers wanting more depth.
The characters’ interactions also reflect the struggle for power. The psychic’s manipulation of those around him creates tension, but the film doesn’t delve into the psychological aspects of these relationships. This lack of depth weakens the overall impact of the story.
Cinematic Style and Influence
Byron Haskin’s direction in The Power lacks the flair of his earlier works. The film’s visual style feels outdated, with cheap effects and uninspired cinematography. This decline in quality is disappointing, especially when compared to the creativity of Haskin and Pal’s previous collaborations.
Despite its shortcomings, The Power did influence later films in the genre. Elements of its story and themes can be seen in more successful sci-fi movies that followed. However, it’s clear that The Power did not live up to its potential.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
In conclusion, The Power is a film that ultimately disappoints. While it has an interesting premise and a talented cast, poor execution and lackluster production values hold it back. The film raises intriguing questions about power and control but fails to provide satisfying answers.
While it may be worth watching for fans of the genre, The Power does not stand out as a classic. Instead, it serves as a reminder of how much Hollywood filmmaking has evolved. The film’s legacy is overshadowed by the more successful works that followed, leaving it as a missed opportunity in the sci-fi genre.
