Death Machine

Death Machine
Theatrical release poster
Directed byStephen Norrington
Written byStephen Norrington
Produced byDominic Anciano
Starring
CinematographyJohn de Borman
Edited byPaul Endacott
Music byCrispin Merrell
Production
company
Fugitive Features
Distributed byEntertainment Film Distributors
Release date
  • 4 February 1994 (1994-02-04) (United Kingdom)
Running time
120 minutes
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • Japan
Budget$3 million

Death Machine is a 1994 science fiction horror film written and directed by Stephen Norrington. It stars Brad Dourif, Ely Pouget, William Hootkins, John Sharian, and Richard Brake. Rachel Weisz, still early in her career at the time of the film's release, appears briefly in the role of a Junior Executive. The film was the directorial debut of Norrington, who had previously worked as a special effects artist on films such as Lifeforce, Aliens, Hardware, The Witches, and Split Second. However, Norrington infamously expressed dissatisfaction with the original cut, and the film has undergone numerous re-edits since.

The film garnered controversy for both its excessive violence and Dourif's character. These factors resulted in the film being banned in several countries, including Sri Lanka, Iran, China, Malaysia, Iraq, and Australia. Despite the controversy, the film received mixed reviews. Many critics praised the special effects, but criticised the acting and plot.