Author name: M Pax

Saturn 3 (1980), directed by Stanley Donen and starring Kirk Douglas, Farrah Fawcett, and Harvey Keitel, is a science fiction film set on a remote space station on Saturn’s third moon. The plot centers around two scientists, Adam (Douglas) and Alex (Fawcett), whose tranquil existence is disrupted by the arrival of Captain Benson (Keitel) and his menacing robot, Hector.

Saturn’s third moon is Tethys, but I’m not sure if that is the moon the title refers to. The space scenes didn’t give any strong evidence as to which moon the story was set on. The space science used was pretty poor, and it wasn’t clear what Kirk and Farrah were doing in the space labratory. It was mentioned they were growing food for Earth and they were falling behind on production, so Captain Benson arrives with Hector to help.

Umm… if this mission is so important, why were there only two people growing the food? There are lifeless planets and moons closer to Earth. Why not grow food on one of those? And, the space habitat was huge for just two people.

The movie attempts to blend elements of suspense, romance, and sci-fi but ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and compelling story. Like Keitel kills someone at the very beginning of the movie. Why? What for? The killing had nothing to do with the rest of the plot.

Near the beginning, a bunch of folks seemed to walk onto a stage to load up the shuttle going down to Saturn 3. To me, it looked like they were going to dance. Husband was alarmed, but they didn’t dance. So, I was disappointed. I would bump this review up a rating if they had danced.

One of the film’s more notable aspects is its visual design. The space station’s set and the special effects, though dated by today’s standards, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the science fiction aesthetics of the late ’70s and early ’80s. The design of the robot Hector, in particular, is both intriguing and unsettling, contributing to the film’s atmosphere of unease.

However, Saturn 3 struggles with pacing issues and a plot that feels underdeveloped. The narrative lacks the depth and complexity seen in other sci-fi classics of the era, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The romantic subplot between Adam and Alex feels clichéd, and the film’s attempts at exploring deeper themes of isolation, humanity, and technological advancement are overshadowed by its more superficial elements.

They run through the tunnels of their habitat. A lot. Run. Run. Run. The robot does some amusing things, but we always guessed the surprises ahead of time. The acting is good, but could not save the thin story. And, it has a typical sci-fi indie film lame ending. There was some gratuitous nudity, and the robot was kind of cool.

I give this a 2.5 beer rating. Saturn 3 is a so-so sci-fi film that offers some interesting visual elements and moments of tension but ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression. While it may appeal to fans of vintage science fiction and those interested in the era’s cinematic style, it doesn’t quite measure up to its contemporaries in the genre.

Have you scene this one? Here’s the trailer: