ROBOCOP (R 18+) Presented in Glorious 35mm

RoboCop at Revival House Perth

Paul Verhoeven's 1987 masterpiece is the rarest thing in action cinema—a satirical comic book movie that's ultraviolent, wickedly funny, and genuinely moving all at once. What looks like a B-movie about a robot cop is actually a scathing critique of corporate America, media manipulation, and what makes us human.

In a dystopian near-future Detroit, decent cop Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) is brutally murdered by a gang of criminals and resurrected by the corrupt Omni Consumer Products corporation as RoboCop—a cyborg law enforcement unit with his memories erased. As Murphy's humanity fights to resurface through his programming, he must navigate corporate corruption, violent crime lords, and the question of whether he's still a man or just a product.

Verhoeven directs with gleeful nihilism, crafting visceral action sequences that push the boundaries of what an R-rating could contain (the film was submitted to the MPAA eleven times). But between the exploding bodies and toxic waste melts are brilliant satirical commercials, news broadcasts, and corporate doublespeak that feel more prescient with each passing year. Rob Bottin's RoboCop suit remains iconic—practical effects that make the character feel tangible and tragic.

The supporting cast is perfectly pitched—Kurtwood Smith's sadistic villain Clarence Boddicker, Miguel Ferrer's slimy corporate climber, and Nancy Allen as Murphy's partner who recognizes the man inside the machine. Basil Poledouris' thunderous score adds operatic weight to what could've been pulp.

This is smart, savage filmmaking disguised as exploitation—Verhoeven at his provocative best.

Present in authentic 35mm film for the true cinematic experience!

When: Thursday, November 27th at 7:45 PM
Where: Revival House Perth
Rating: R18+ - High impact violence and disturbing content

Verhoeven's satirical masterpiece—part human, part machine, all brilliant.