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Conventional new horror film is no `scream'

The new science fiction picture "Screamers" is a dismal, sloppy effort that might, however, appeal to fans of the genre. Sci-fi has been bankrupt creatively of late in the movies and "Screamers" is but one more indication of this malaise.

The film establishes a convoluted, intra-galactic system of power relations that is set in the year 2078. Colonel Joseph Hendricksson (Peter Weller) is head of the Alliance forces on one sector of the planet Sirius 6B. The Alliance has been formed to oppose the New Economic Bloc (N.E.B.), a ruthless cartel that has exploited the resources of planets throughout the galaxy.

After being double-crossed by his own superiors, Hendricksson decides to single-handedly bring to an end the futile war that has persisted for years. So, he ventures out into the apocalyptic wasteland (filmed in Quebec), dominated by nuclear winter, high levels of radiation and autonomous mobile swords, or "Screamers."

These Screamers (their name derives from the paralyzing, high-pitched squeal they emit when they attack) are little computerized killing machines that were originally crafted by the Alliance in their struggle against the N.E.B. But now the Screamers have begun to reproduce on their own and they are achieving more and more sophisticated forms (including a waifish little boy). No one understands the Screamers and no one can stop them.

Weller gives a fine performance as the weary, embittered Hendricksson. Though much of his dialogue is laughable and the role is not very well-written, Weller's personality allows him to transcend the limitations of the role. His is the only compelling character and, in the end, the only one that doesn't turn out to be a Screamer.

The film's principal shortcomings can be traced to director Christian Duguay. His handling of narrative is so murky that even though he attaches a spoken preface at the beginning, the first quarter of the film is needlessly confusing. And once Hendricksson sets out on his quest for peace and the Screamers assume center stage, the premise is of little import.

Duguay's camerawork is clunky and rather awkward at times. His approach to scenes is like Joe Camcorder trying to be Antonioni. And the pace is such that I was continually checking my watch to see how much longer I would have to endure this mess.

The source material for "Screamers" is the interesting work of the late science-fiction novelist Philip K. Dick, whose writings have served as the inspiration for films such as "Blade Runner" and "Total Recall." "Screamers" is based upon his 1952 short story "Second Variety." It deals with Dick's prominent theme of the blurring of the line between man and machine in postmodern society.

But screenwriters Dan O'Bannon ("Alien" and "Total Recall") and Miguel Tejada-Flores ("Revenge of the Nerds") reveal little knack for thematic exploration and instead have scripted a conventional schlock film, replete with gory killings and a curvy love interest (Jennifer Rubin).