Looker

Digital doubles destroy democracy

Episode 174 of the Movie Oubliette podcast, hosted by Conrad Chambers and Daniel Goh, titled "Looker" was published on May 19, 2025 and runs 75 minutes.

May 19, 2025 ·75m · Movie Oubliette

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Summary

In Looker, Michael Crichton warned us of a future in which computer-generated thirst-traps manipulate unwitting consumers through the media, all at the behest of powerful tech moguls. In 1981, this all seemed a bit ridiculous – especially as performed by a stodgy Albert Finney chasing around with an Atari lightgun trying to rescue Playboy models. Not surprisingly, it only hacked $3.3 million out of the box office against an estimated $12 million budget. But it is a cruelly rejected gem that was way ahead of its time? Find out!Support us on Patreon to nominate films for us to cover, access exclusive bonus content, and vote on the final verdict!Rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice, and tell a friend about us.Follow us on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Bluesky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description

In Looker, Michael Crichton warned us of a future in which computer-generated thirst-traps manipulate unwitting consumers through the media, all at the behest of powerful tech moguls. In 1981, this all seemed a bit ridiculous – especially as performed by a stodgy Albert Finney chasing around with an Atari lightgun trying to rescue Playboy models. Not surprisingly, it only hacked $3.3 million out of the box office against an estimated $12 million budget. But it is a cruelly rejected gem that was way ahead of its time? Find out!

Support us on Patreon to nominate films for us to cover, access exclusive bonus content, and vote on the final verdict!

Rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice, and tell a friend about us.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.