Excellent SciFi Thriller adapted from Harlan Ellison Novel!

Rating: Null/10 (13 April 1999)

SIDENOTE: I am constantly amazed by how many IMDB reviewers don't know the origin of the films they review and consequentially misinterpret the meanings and miss the inspirations. See my review of "Dark City" for another example of IMDB reviewers missing the boat.
Cube is indie sci-fi psychological thriller based on the Hugo award winning, 1967, Harlan Ellison story, "I Have No Mouth, And I Must scream." This book has been translated into 16 languages and has also been adapted into a graphic novel, "Harlan Ellison's Dream Corridor" and a computer video game. (Before I get a thousand emails disagreeing with me; you might actually spend a moment with one of these three sources.)
Clearly some changes have been made from the book which ultimately serve to better adapt it to film. For one, the novel is much more perverse than this movie which in itself has some amazingly graphic moments. The mood of both is the same with the book being darker and more nihilistic. (I know that's hard to believe) Additionally the books antagonist, the computer A.M., has been replaced with this unthinking, corporate, 'Cube.'
The book like the film, places an unlikely group of people into this impossible situation and allows group dynamics and human behavior to take over. While A.M. actively sought to torture these humans we are lead to believe that the Cube was created by 'a failed human society' and that its killing of humans is more an act of committee rather than one of malice. In the book A.M. sought to keep these trapped humans alive even to the point of resurrecting them from suicide. The book focuses more on the interpersonal relationships as death would have been salvation to these poor souls. This change in direction for the film is key in that it allows for the generation of suspense (and thus excitement) through fear of death.
Overall the simplification of the novel and the scenery are necessary, both for budget and time constraints. The excellent use of colored cube rooms undoubtedly affects our minds as much as the unwilling participants. The designs and traps seemingly inspired by Clive Barker bring a terrific sense of dread with wonderfully understated special effects. Some of the dialogue and characters are a bit over-acted but overall this is a terrific film. I am glad someone finally made this into a film and they did what they needed to in order to make it thrilling and thought provoking.
I have not yet heard any directors commentary on this film but I imagine, like Dark City, the directors will deny any inspiration. This is likely a result of our lawsuit happy society rather than lack of character but I only wish they could credit the inspiration that made it happen or at the very least ask permission.
Regardless it's a great film that I highly recommend - See it NOW!