I'm noticing a trend in the movies I watch lately. From watching 2001: A Space Odyssey in class to Her and even the upcoming Lucy, a focus is being placed on the evolution of man. Whether it be the result of alien interference, artificial intelligence, or super serums, we obsess over progress and how we can gain a stronger connection to the rest of the world. In this time of discovery, it makes sense for a movie like Transcendence to come out. It explores the battle between man and machine asking who reigns superior: creator or creation? And is there even a middle ground? All these questions are answered (somewhat).
Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is an artificial intelligence researcher, whom, after developing terminal cancer, undergoes a dangerous procedure in which his consciousness is copied via electric brain signals into a rudimentary AI, merging the two sentient beings together, essentially saving Will's mind. The procedure is a total success and with this new power, Will, along with his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) must learn how to survive and grow, influencing the world in the process.
This movie is the directorial debut of Wally Pfister, known as a cinematographer for Christopher Nolan's biggest films, including the Dark Knight trilogy, Memento, and Inception. And boy, does it show. This movie is gorgeous. From the bright colors to imaginative effects and striking use shadows, the film is a visual delight. The camera moves exceptionally smooth: as soon as the movie uses shaky cam, the contrast is startling. As someone annoyed to death with the shaky cam trend, I'm glad to see it going away.
I mention Christopher Nolan not only to give a frame of reference, but because I see his watermarks over the film. Pfister attempts to copy Nolan's non-linear style, but the end result seems choppy, breaking up expected continuities with pieces of filler. Any chance we get to see Johnny Depp look sad is great, I guess? The dialogue feels very "Nolan-ized" as well. Supporting characters stop being characters halfway through the movie, instead spewing exposition and thematic speeches. In something like The Dark Knight, the performances and dialogue strengthen the weight of the action. Here, it drags the movie out into melodrama.
And melodrama is my biggest fault with the movie. It takes itself so seriously while interjecting silly imagery I'd expect in a young adult novel. Transcendence introduces an antagonist group called the RIFT, who oppose the expansion of artificial intelligence. From the platinum blonde manic leader Bree (Kate Mara) to their cult-like philosophies and terrorist actions, they are obvious bad guys: rooted in their ways, unable to listen to reason, and I'm bored. For issues as complex as human evolution, one would think the movie would shape its characters in more reality, but in a film where the army uses antique cannons against Johnny Depp's Skynet, I guess I can't be too upset.
I'm not upset at all, actually. In a way, I feel endearment towards Transcendence, kind of like reading a short story written by a kid. You know it has severe faults and a juvenile understanding of storytelling, but you can't help but appreciate the effort. The cast does ok, Johnny Depp does his best Keanu Reeves impersonation, and Morgan Freeman wins my heart like usual. (I find him to be the movie's representation of the audience, with a look that simply says "what the..?" Left me in stitches.) It looks great, it's stylish, but ultimately ends up in Nolan-lite territory. I'd say wait for a DVD release and in the meantime, pop in Inception again. Thank you all for reading yet again, I'm the Man Without A Plan, signing off.
Transcendence trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QheoYw1BKJ4
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