Hardware Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy gives his girlfriend a robot head for Christmas, and she regrets everything when it turns out to be a murderous Roomba from hell.

🍿 Hardware: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Post-Apocalyptic World

In a bleak, post-apocalyptic future ravaged by nuclear war, Earth is a radioactive wasteland. The sea has dried up, leaving behind a vast desert. Humanity struggles to survive in overcrowded mega-cities, facing ecological collapse and government control.

The Discovery of M.A.R.K. 13

Nomad, a zone tripper (scavenger), discovers robotic remains in the desert. He sells them to Moses “Mo” Baxter, a returning space marine, who intends to gift them to his girlfriend, Jill, an artist who creates sculptures from scrap metal. Unbeknownst to them, the robotic remains are from a M.A.R.K. 13, a defunct military cyborg.

Reactivation and Rampage

Jill incorporates the robotic head into her artwork. The M.A.R.K. 13 unexpectedly reactivates, possessing the ability to self-repair and rebuild. It begins to assemble itself using parts from Jill’s sculptures and household items, becoming a deadly killing machine.

Trapped and Targeted

As M.A.R.K. 13 rebuilds, Alvy, a junkyard dealer, recognizes the robotic head and informs Mo of its dangerous origins. Jill finds herself trapped in her electronically fortified apartment, stalked by the relentless cyborg. A voyeuristic neighbor adds another layer of threat.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Moses Baxter (Dylan McDermott): A space marine who unknowingly brings a deadly cyborg head into his girlfriend’s life.
• Jill (Stacey Travis): An artist who must fight for her survival when a robotic head she uses in her sculpture reanimates.
• Shades (John Lynch): Moses’s drug-using friend, who provides some assistance in the fight against the cyborg.
• MARK 13 (N/A): A military cyborg prototype that rebuilds itself and goes on a violent killing spree.
• Nomad (Carl McCoy): A desert scavenger who discovers the robotic head and sets the events of the movie in motion.
• Angry Bob (Iggy Pop): A radio DJ whose broadcasts provide commentary and atmosphere to the film’s dystopian setting.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Angry Bob: “There is no good news. There is happy, clappy news, but there is no good news.” – Spoken by the radio DJ, setting the tone for the movie’s bleak outlook on the future.
• Lincoln Wineberg Jr.: “Popcorn… I love popcorn.” – Said by the perverted neighbor, highlighting his disturbing and predatory nature.
• Shades: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold.” – Shades speaks this quote highlighting the chaos of a post-apocalyptic earth where humanity is falling apart.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,728,953
• Worldwide Gross: $5,728,953

💥 Hardware Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched Hardware late at night. The dark, grimy world it created really stuck with me. The way the robot rebuilt itself using household junk was creepy and inventive. The tension of Jill being trapped in her apartment was awesome. Even though it’s a bit rough, it’s a sci-fi flick with a ton of atmosphere and creativity. The music set a dark and gritty mood. It’s a memorable film, even if it’s not perfect.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic science fiction.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate low-budget, visually stylish films.”
  • “Those interested in movies with strong female leads.”
  • “Fans of industrial and electronic music soundtracks.”
  • “Viewers interested in cult films.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore.”
  • “Disturbing imagery.”
  • “Nudity and sexual content.”
  • “Strong language.”
  • “Voyeurism.”

Professional Reviews

• Sci-Fi Gazette: “Hardware delivers a gritty, claustrophobic vision of a post-apocalyptic future. While the plot borrows heavily from other sci-fi classics, the film’s stylish visuals and relentless pacing make for a thrilling, if somewhat derivative, ride. McDermott and Travis shine as the leads.
• Indie Film Quarterly: “Richard Stanley’s debut is a visual feast of dystopian dread. Though hampered by a low budget and a derivative plot, Hardware’s striking imagery and industrial soundtrack create an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. The film is uneven and rough around the edges, but full of potential.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the gritty, post-apocalyptic atmosphere and the claustrophobic tension.: Most viewers appreciate the film’s stylish visuals, industrial soundtrack, and practical effects, even if they acknowledge the derivative plot.

Overall Consensus: Hardware is a visually striking but flawed sci-fi thriller with a cult following, appreciated for its gritty atmosphere and practical effects but criticized for its derivative plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Richard Stanley, the director, had previously worked on music videos for the goth rock band Fields of the Nephilim. Carl McCoy, the band’s lead singer, plays the nomad in the film, essentially reprising his Nephilim character.”
• “The film’s visual style and atmosphere draw heavily from cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic aesthetics, with a distinct emphasis on harsh lighting and gritty environments to reflect the bleak future depicted.”
• “Richard Stanley faced legal issues after the release of ‘Hardware’ due to similarities with a 2000 AD comic strip called ‘Shok!’, which led to an acknowledgement of the source material being added to later releases.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hardware?

As of today, October 26, 2023, ‘Hardware’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred digital retailer for pricing and availability. Physical copies on Blu-ray or DVD can also be found through online retailers like Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hardware, you might like these similar films:

• The Terminator (1984): A relentless killer robot hunting down a human target, creating intense suspense and action.
• Blade Runner (1982): Explores similar cyberpunk themes with a dystopian future setting and questions about humanity and technology.
• Death Machine (1994): Features a crazed cyborg that goes on a violent killing spree.
• A Boy and His Dog (1975): Presents a similarly bleak and violent post-apocalyptic world.

🛒 Hardware Related Products

• Hardware (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: A limited edition Blu-ray with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and collectible art cards.
• Hardware: The Official Movie Novelization (Digital Edition): Experience the story of Hardware in a brand-new way with this exclusive digital novelization, featuring extended scenes and character insights.
• Hardware Movie Poster (Limited Edition Print): A high-quality, limited edition print of the iconic Hardware movie poster, perfect for displaying your love for this cult classic.
• Hardware Mark 13 T-Shirt: Show off your love for Hardware with this officially licensed t-shirt featuring the menacing Mark 13 robot.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hardware features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Order of Death” – performed by Public Image Ltd.
• “Stabat Mater” – performed by various

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

HARDWARE (1990) Richard Stanley – Best Horror Movie You Never Saw

Ever heard of ‘Hardware’? Probably not, right? This video breaks down why this low-budget sci-fi horror is a must-see for genre fans. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your watchlist!

Hardware – Rebirth

Remember that awesome scene where the robot starts piecing itself back together? This clip shows off the special effects and proves just how creepy the MARK 13 really is. It’s so cool to see, you have to take a look!

✨ Rate