The Andromeda Strain

Name: The Andromeda Strain
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Released: March 12, 1971
Duration: 131 min
Rating: 60
Cast: Arthur Hill, James Olson

1971

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Mixed or average reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews

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The Andromeda Strain

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: March 12, 1971 | G

Starring: Arthur Hill, James Olson

Summary: A group of scientists investigate a deadly new alien virus before it can spread.

Director: Robert Wise

Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Thriller

Rating: G

Runtime: 131 min

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Critic Reviews

Empire Ian Nathan

Wise (and Crichton) concoct the most absorbing, riveting take on science fiction tempered with science fact. Read full review

David Fear

Robert Wise's adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel about a deadly space pathogen trades in the genre's cosmic pulp and head-trippiness for a procedural-like seriousness. Germaphobes, proceed with extreme caution. Read full review

Roger Ebert

The Andromeda Strain is a splendid entertainment that will get you worried about whether they'll be able to contain that strange blob of alien green crystal. Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

The Andromeda Strain is a high-budget science-fact melodrama, marked by superb production, an excellent score, and intriguing story premise and an exciting conclusion. But Nelson Gidding's adaptation of the Michael Crichton novel is too literal and talky.

Pauline Kael

Robert Wise, who made this expensive version of the Michael Crichton novel, having chosen a fanatically realistic documentary style, has failed to solve the dramatic problems in the original story. The suspense is strong, but not pleasurable.

TV Guide Magazine

An intriguing, suspenseful story is somewhat hampered by a dull cast. Read full review

Roger Greenspun

Despite all the drama of the situation (United States threatened with biological destruction from outer space, etc.) nothing very exciting goes on in The Andromeda Strain. Since nobody greatly feels or acts, we are left with the drama of people tensely sitting around in chairs, twisting dials and watching TV monitors. From time to time, somebody gets up and paces the room. Read full review

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User Reviews

Kai82

Oct 4, 2020

Probably the most scientific accurate representation of dealing with a deadly biological or viral threat of unknown origin in movie history. This is however a mixed bag as it is interesting for some people like me who work in a laboratory or others who have a scientific background but willProbably the most scientific accurate representation of dealing with a deadly biological or viral threat of unknown origin in movie history. This is however a mixed bag as it is interesting for some people like me who work in a laboratory or others who have a scientific background but will be exceptional boring for a lot of people. After a satellite crashes near a small town in the USA all residents die except of a baby and an old man. The dispatched military unit who should recover the satellite or better said the debris also dies shortly after their arrival. With this a deadly virus, infection or unknown threat possible of alien origin is assumed and the scientist take over to research the menace to find a cure. It is based on the book of the same name by Michael Crichton who is forever remembered for Jurassic Park but has also written a lot of other successful books. It is some of the closets book adaptations that exists. They change not much with exception of the ending. It is a no nonsense and non-romanticized approach to the topic. It focused on the story and scientific accuracy. There will be no action scenes or romantic subplots. This is however the make or break point. They show a max security laboratory and even getting inn takes a lot of (screen) time as all precautions have to be followed. Even a single mistake can cost lives and an outbreak can doom humanity. They even explain that they could not use sugar in the canteen because it is a possible nutrient. Like I said this scientific approach is a mixed bag or mixed blessing. I find it very interesting but see that it will be a waste of time for others. However the story has it merits as the menace is complex and the story has good twists. The characters are interesting because of their believable conflicts and characteristics. They improved the story a lot. Also the conclusion is pretty good and an approach many other movies would abandon. Overall this is a movie unlike anything else. The unique approach is however divisive and definitely not with mainstream appeal. Watch for yourself but be warned. Bonus: If you like more of a Hollywood like approach I would recommend the movie “Outbreak” instead.… Expand

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KenR

May 16, 2021

The Andromeda Strain – Covid From Space in the 70s

Science fiction probably has never been more realistically realized on screen - before or since ‘Andromeda’. Direction as professional as the amazing Robert Wise has transformed many and varied styles of movies into cinematic greats, thisThe Andromeda Strain – Covid From Space in the 70s

Science fiction probably has never been more realistically realized on screen - before or since ‘Andromeda’. Direction as professional as the amazing Robert Wise has transformed many and varied styles of movies into cinematic greats, this is another. Nelson Gidding (Odds Against Tomorrow) adapts Michael Crichton’s book to perfection, while award-nominated Richard Kline’s vibrant cinematography gets knitted together perfectly, by Gilmore and Holmes editing. Not to forget Gil Melle’s exciting electronic score. Here is a 70’s Si-Fi film that shows us the ultimate importance --of honesty and respect-- that’s vitally essential to help keep our modern world functioning when threatened by the possibility of a deadly pandemic. No one nation can afford not to work unselfishly with all those that co-habit our fragile earth. That’s a strong & timely message from a 50 yr old Sci-Fi story. Great performances by a non-glamorous, handpicked cast of professional performers - ensures an edge of the seat journey to those who enjoy intelligent, near-documentary style movie making. If you’re only looking for action, don’t look here. No foolish monsters, no egotistical glamorous stars to foul up the seriousness of superior storytelling. Even though some of the technology has been superseded; it’s even more enjoyable the second time around, and the Universal DVD remastered edition, looks and sounds terrific.… Expand

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HotelCentral

Apr 30, 2019

It comes down to this: The folks in the film create all their own problems and the biggest problem of all kind of solves itself. We used to call it "deus ex machina" back when people used Latin to show off their learning, and the film uses a lot of hocus-pocus to distract you from it. ButIt comes down to this: The folks in the film create all their own problems and the biggest problem of all kind of solves itself. We used to call it "deus ex machina" back when people used Latin to show off their learning, and the film uses a lot of hocus-pocus to distract you from it. But this is still a fairly entertaining ride unless you require lots of chattering machine-guns and roaring fiery explosions in your entertainment. The acting is solid and the dialog sounds credible enough, though fussy PhD's in science may disagree.

The technology is a little dated, but my nostalgic memories from the first time I saw the film more than made up for that.… Expand

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