As the consequences of the use of Artificial Intelligence are being mulled over, take some inspiration from these science-fiction masterpieces to broaden the horizon of your understanding.
For long Artificial Intelligence (AI) has captured the imagination of filmmakers and their audience. While the use and limitations of AI are being heavily debated around the world, especially in Hollywood there have been many acclaimed filmmakers who have put out their takes on the subject that not only mesmerized the audience but also made them take a long hard look at its consequences. Whether AI can take over humanity still is a debatable question here are five movies to deepen your understanding of the subject.
The Matrix
Are we living in the Matrix? While there are ample internet threads mulling over the question, the movie directed by the Wachowskis became the advent of fans questioning the true nature of reality. The franchise explores humans in a simulated existence, their quest for truth, and Neo’s battle for liberation while dealing with the themes of truth, reality, ethical dilemmas, and the potential consequences of using artificial intelligence. The movie featuring Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Laurance Fishburne provides a great starting point with its gripping plot and mind-bending visuals.
Where to watch: Max
Ex Machina
What if artificial intelligence becomes sentient? Can the creation be a step ahead of the creator? Alex Garland’s Ex Machina treads this fine line between the creator and the creation when it comes to AI. The movie follows Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) who wins a contest at work and gets the opportunity to work with the CEO of the company, Nathan (Oscar Issac) who has developed Ava (Alicia Vikander), a robot. As Caleb spends time with Ava, he realizes she’s more sentient than he’d thought. The movie explores the ethical implications and raises questions about consciousness and the extent of manipulation.
Where to watch: Max
AI Artificial Intelligence
Love in itself is a complicated emotion for humans to explore or experience, so, what happens when AI is capable of showing affection? Steven Spielberg took a shot at answering the question in his 2001 film AI Artificial Intelligence. The movie sees Haley Joel Osment as David, a childlike android programmed with the ability to love. The movie brilliantly explores the nature of love, themes of othering, and consciousness through the eyes of David, whose only desire is to be a “real boy.”
Where to watch: Paramount+
The Terminator
James Cameron’s The Terminator (1984) is a classic not only did it establish Arnold Schwarzenegger as a Hollywood action star and Cameron as a visionary director but under all the madcap action, it seamlessly elaborates on nightmarish themes of weaponizing AI. Schwarzenegger’s titular assassin returns from the future to kill a woman, whose unborn child will be the savior of humanity. In recent times when Camron was enquired about the use of AI, he told CTV News, “I warned you guys in 1984, and you didn’t listen.” Further sharing his concerns, the director said, “I think the weaponization of AI is the biggest danger. I think that we will get into the equivalent of a nuclear arms race with AI, and if we don’t build it, the other guys are for sure going to build it, and so then it’ll escalate.”
Where to watch: Max
Blade Runner 2049
Denis Villeneuve’s science-fiction masterpiece Blade Runner 2049, a sequel to iconic 1982 film continues to explore the blurry line between humans and AI. Ryan Gosling’s Officer K uncovers a mystery that could plunge humanity into chaos and leads him back to where it all started, Officer Rick Deckard played by Harrison Ford. With a dystopian backdrop and a thrilling plot, the movie delves deeper into the questions of morality, identity, and what it really means to be human.
Where to watch: Max
