Parts: The Clonus Horror

Parts: The Clonus Horror, directed by Robert S. Fiveson and released in 1979, introduces viewers to a unique meld of suspense, thrills, and hair-raising depiction of futuristic dystopia. The film’s star-studded ensemble includes movie stars Peter Graves, Rick DiAngelo, and Eugene Robert Glazer, whose incredible performances suck viewers into the world sprung from the movie's intricate plot of science-gone-awry.

The narrative pivots around a near-future, wherein America continues to enjoy a superior global position and its affluent elite rituals and privileges. This status quo has a disturbing secret behind it, a setup far from the eyes of the public. A controversial and questionable experiment of cloning finds its epicentre here, in a territory named 'Clonus’. Here, human clones raised in isolation are kept oblivious of the outside world, tricked into believing their sole purpose is to journey to a paradisiacal place named 'America’. The enigmatic plot unfolds in Clonus, an eerie, fenced-off area that camouflages as a health retreat but hides an ethically complex research centre nurturing clones.

Peter Graves stars as Jeff Knight, a brave and high-flying journalist willing to dig out the horrifying truth behind Clonus. His path crosses Clonus' threshold when his brother, Richard (played by Dick Sargent), a former presidential adviser, rebuffs his conscience and spills out what he knows. Graves' character is compelling and layered, offering a brilliant portrayal of moral integrity and obsession with truth.

Dick Sargent’s brother, Richard Knight, is portrayed by Rick DiAngelo. Richard possesses a vague understanding of the ominous operations in Clonus, and the revelation fills him with a choking guilt, thrusting him into action. DiAngelo's intriguing character development and genuine portrayal captivate viewers, adding another layer of depth to the dystopian narrative.

Eugene Robert Glazer, renowned for his uncanny ability to portray complex characters, looms as Professor Jameson. He is the scientists' ringmaster orchestrating the entire Clonus project, a man trapped between scientific invention and human compassion. His performance forms one of the movie's pivotal fulcrums, embodying the chilling reality behind the scientific ambitions so well that it sends shivers down the spine.

Parts: The Clonus Horror is not just a sci-fi thriller that grapples with the idea of cloning. It sheds a morally profound layer onto this scientific marvel, making viewers question where we draw the lines in the pursuit of science. The film’s narrative is also significant as it stirs up compelling discussions around the concept of free will, individual identity, exploitation, and the meaning of humanity. Breathing life into this narrative through dynamic cinematography, haunting imagery, and respectful attention to detail, the film does an excellent job of communicating these complex themes.

The compelling plot is enhanced by the artful management of suspense and eerie cinematic elements. From the mysteriously cordoned off Clonus area to the captivating characters’ roles in this individual-identity battleground, the film is a roller-coaster ride of emotions and intrigue. Its uneasy tension culminates in enrapturing turns and twists, holding the audience captive to its incredible tale of human cloning.

A special mention must be made about the film's atmospheric and unsettling music played by Hod David Schudson. This feature heightens the shivers and contributes impressively to the overall effect of the film. Indeed, the ominous, futuristic nature of the film is beautifully underlined by Schudson's score.

With great performances, gripping storytelling, and a deeply unsettling ambiance, Parts: The Clonus Horror is a haunting commentary on the ethical boundaries of human scientific endeavor. Undoubtedly, this 1979 gem is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and horror, offering more than just scares but a cerebral study of a possible future reality. It's a chilling adventure into the darker side of scientific advancement and the unsettling implications that cloning may hold for human identity and freedom.