The Lawnmower Man (1992)

The Lawnmower Man Poster

A simple man is turned into a genius through the application of computer science.

Intro
"The Lawnmower Man" is a 1992 sci-fi movie directed by Brett Leonard, inspired by a short story of the very same name by Stephen King. The film, which includes components of scary and drama, stars Jeff Fahey as Jobe Smith, the lawnmower man, and Pierce Brosnan as Dr. Lawrence Angelo, a researcher working on experiments to improve human intelligence.

Summaries
Dr. Angelo is dealing with a task targeted at increasing intellectual abilities through virtual reality and drugs. His research study is initially concentrated on primates, however following a twosome incident, where his guinea pig evolves aggressively, he chooses to stop using primates. Trying to find a new subject, he relies on Jobe Smith, a male with developmental specials needs who mows lawns for a living.

Throughout the course of their experiments, Jobe's intellectual development proves to be incredibly quickly. His brainpowers increase significantly, and he acquires telepathic and telekinetic skills. Although Dr. Angelo is thrilled with their progress, he becomes worried at the corporation funding his research. Called "The Shop", they have actually a concealed, ominous military agenda, intending to produce a superhuman soldier.

Turning Point
Despite Dr. Angelo's cautions, Jobe's experiments continue under the influence of the Shop, leading him to develop god-like capabilities. He displays a heightened sense of megalomania, wherein he views himself as a cyber-deity of the digital world. Jobe begins exacting vengeance on those who mistreated him before his improvement, creating chaos and bringing death.

Climax
In the climax, Jobe seeks to change the world into a pure digital landscape, eradicating humankind to rule undisputed. He prepares to upload himself into the international computer network, taking control of all systems. Understanding the horrors of his development, Dr. Angelo challenges Jobe in a virtual reality face-off and manages to set off a virtual bomb prior to Jobe finishes the upload.

Conclusion
"The Lawnmower Man" ends as a cautionary tale about the misuse of innovation. In spite of Dr. Angelo terminating Jobe's upload, the latter partially succeeds and sends a phone call to every phone on the planet (obviously, his presence in the network). The movie leaves audiences with the cooling awareness that the hazard is not completely removed, marking an open end.

Critical Analysis
Though the movie bears little resemblance to Stephen King's original story, it leverages the popular early 90s themes of virtual reality and intelligence adjustment. While the visual results were considered state-of-the-art at the time, they have aged substantially. The film received blended evaluations, with some critics finding the plot too easy and the scary elements inadequate. Nevertheless, its expedition into the potential hazards of technology and the scope of human intelligence was viewed as engaging and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, "The Lawnmower Man" provides the message that uncontrolled technological developments and unethical scientific experiments can cause devastating outcomes. This interesting story, combined with impressive performances from Brosnan and Fahey, make the film a distinct blend of sci-fi, scary, and psychological drama.

Top Cast

  • Jeff Fahey (small)
    Jeff Fahey
    Jobe Smith
  • Pierce Brosnan (small)
    Pierce Brosnan
    Dr. Lawrence Angelo
  • Jenny Wright (small)
    Jenny Wright
    Marnie Burke
  • Mark Bringelson (small)
    Mark Bringelson
    Sebastian Timms
  • Geoffrey Lewis (small)
    Geoffrey Lewis
    Terry McKeen
  • Jeremy Slate (small)
    Jeremy Slate
    Father Francis McKeen
  • Dean Norris (small)
    Dean Norris
    The Director
  • Colleen Coffey (small)
    Colleen Coffey
    Caroline Angelo
  • Troy Evans (small)
    Troy Evans
    Lieutenant Goodwin
  • Austin O'Brien (small)
    Austin O'Brien
    Peter Parkette
  • John Laughlin (small)
    John Laughlin
    Jake Simpson