Clonus

Robert Fiveson

Mondo Macabro

R1 DVD

Clonus is a fascinating investigation of Cloning and its ramifications within a culture which is dominated by a rich and powerful medical/political conglomerate. Peter Graves (Mission Impossible) is running for president. He operates a complex known as Clonus. Not only does it make clones but it stores them so their parts can be retrieved to keep the rich and powerful alive. In turn, the rich and powerful are controlled with the promise of an extended lifetime courtesy of regular replacement organs. To keep the clones subservient some are given lobotomies, others are “mentally” limited via chemical means during the cloning process. What happens however if one starts to ask questions ?

This is a very intelligent and thought provoking Sci Fi film. There are also some really expressive metaphors. For example, the Clones are conditioned to believe that America is a land of “milk and honey” and when it is time to “freeze dry” them for storage they are given a party to farewell them on their journey to America. The whole metaphor of America the land of success used to control the clones (read masses) is insightful.

The premise that Americans have not realized that their government is in cahoots with certain multinational conglomerates to clone important citizens and create a society that is easily controlled may have seemed far fetched in the past, but these days it has a resonance which gives the film a rather ominous mood.

There is a lot of intelligent dialogue in this film, a challenging plot and very high caliber acting. The film itself is a little dated but not enough to take away from the experience. As per normal Mondo Macabro has excelled in the production and extras department, the film has been nicely restored with a very good quality picture and clear mono sound. Bonus features include an audio commentary, an interview with the director, plus an original theatrical trailer.