It’s no wonder we are seeing an abundance of movies about the dangers of machinery crossing the boundary between robot and human with the constant expansion of technology.
Alex Garland, writer and director of Ex Machina, is no stranger to the creation of sci-fi films. Although this movie is his debut as director, he has experience writing futuristic scripts through his work on 28 Days Later and Sunshine. His work on these movies prepared him well, Ex Machina is quite the masterpiece.
“Caleb,” played by Domhnall Gleeson, a talented programmer for a large Internet company, wins a lottery to spend a week at the CEO’s secluded resort. Upon arrival he meets the CEO “Nathan,” played by Oscar Isaac, and learns of his latest invention, the world’s first alternate intelligence, named “Ava,” portrayed by Alicia Vikander.
Nathan is confident in his creation, even referring to himself as “God,” He asks Caleb to perform the final test, the “Turrin Test,” to determine if the robot could truly pass as a human. Caleb is captivated by this beautiful creation. The movie follows his obsession with her.
The first thing I noticed about the movie was the mesmerizing quality. Throughout the movie there is a piano theme that keeps the tone calm and captivating.
It seems as if everyone is speaking in a low voice most of the time. Vikander’s voice is especially calm sounding with a seductive quality and a slight whisper.
These elements combine to keep the viewer hypnotized in a way. This is a welcomed contrast to the intense plot that has the viewer constantly questioning who to trust and what is real. Isaac and Gleeson are fantastic, and I look forward to seeing them both in the new film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Vikander, although somewhat unknown, steals the show with her perfect balance between robot and human.
I definitely recommend this movie. It is fascinating and a great reminder of the possible negative effects of the growing technological industry.
Leave a Reply